Aquaculture Pond Site Selection Guide: Key Factors

Aquaculture is a thriving industry that has the potential to provide a sustainable source of food for the growing population. To maximize the potential of aquaculture, it is important to select the right site for the pond. Choosing the right site is crucial for the success of the aquaculture project and can determine the quantity and quality of the produce.

In this blog, we will explore the essential factors to consider when selecting a site for an aquaculture pond. From water quality to accessibility, we will guide you through the process of finding the perfect location for your aquaculture business. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets of selecting a site for an aquaculture pond.

Essential Components and Preparations

After the villages and pond installation sites have been chosen, the next step is to set up the ponds. Fish production requires earth ponds. Construction of the ponds and associated structures requires specific preparations and tasks, which are essential for success.

A fishpond is a shallow water body used for the controlled farming of fish. It is adapted to be easily and completely drained. It includes:

1. A plate that forms the bottom of the pond.
2. Dikes surround the pond and form walls that contain the water.  These walls must be solid to resist water pressure and impermeable.
3. The emissary is a river or canal that allows for drainage.
4. Canals that bring or evacuate pond water: These canals are: a). The supply canal or water inlet brings corrected water to the pond. b). The drainage channel or evacuation channel allows drainage towards the emissary.
5.  Regulation devices control the water's level, flow, or both. These devices include: a). The water inlet device regulates water flowing toward the pond and stops water from flooding. b). The water outlet, preferably a monk, controls the water level and evacuation of the pond.
6. The outfall or overflow allows evacuation of excess water, ensuring safety.
7. Filters, if necessary, prevent animals and particles from entering or exiting the pond
8. A fence surrounds the pond and keeps undesirable visitors out.
9. Other structures to protect fish-eating birds, if necessary.
10. Accessways and roads surround the pond and allow people to reach it.

Criteria that can be used for the site selection of a pond for aquaculture;

a) Pre-requisites for site selection of a fish farm:

Various types of ponds are necessary for rearing different stages of fish.

For constructing different kinds of ponds, it is essential to have good-quality water, a soil base that retains water, and a reliable source of water supply throughout the year.

The topography should be such that the ponds are capable of self-draining.

b)  Topography:

The topography of a watershed affects the layout of its land and surface features. It determines the type of farm that can be established in the area. For example, valleys are characterized by a basin surrounded by highlands on three sides and a narrow outlet on the fourth.

In these areas, self-drainable ponds can be constructed on higher elevations with gently sloping lands. On the other hand, swampy and marshy areas require the construction of bunds to cordon off the required size of ponds. To create these bunds, the earth is deposited to create a barrier.

The barrage types are constructed by building a series of dams along a narrow stream.

c) Soil type:

The soil should be free from both vertical and lateral seepage. Soils that are impervious store water for extended periods and primarily lose water through evaporation. Such soil types include heavy clay, clay loam, and silty clay, among others.

To treat the bottoms of porous soil, bentonite, clay, or other sealants can be used; even cow dung can act as a sealant. The level of porosity determines the required level of the soil.

Sites with rocky outcrops, shale, ledges, sand spread on asphalt liners, and plastic film liners can also be used and covered with a layer of soil in permeable soils. The sealing material should be spread in three layers, each layer spreading in a different direction with uniform coverage. Afterward, it should be disked into the soil and compacted using a roller.

The embankment base should be well-prepared to allow for fills, which will help the embankment knit into the ground. A simple way to test the water retention of soil at the field level is by squeezing a chunk of soil into a tight ball. If it does not crumble after handling or squeezing, it can be considered satisfactory.

d) Water supply:

Fish are completely reliant on water for their survival. A sufficient amount of clean water must be available consistently throughout the year. It is essential to have a reliable source of water close to the location where the fish will be kept.

Common sources of water include reservoirs, streams, channels, surface runoff, artisan wells, and tube wells. As long as the water is free from pollutants, it can be used for fish culture regardless of the source.

 i. Streams and channels

Streams and channels are satisfactory sources of water for ponds if the following requirements are met;

1.   The flow is enough to fill the tanks.
2.  It maintains a constant water level.
3.  The stream is not subjected to exclusive flooding.
4.  The watershed is well-vegetated
5.  Small streams that are subjected to floods during heavy rains should be avoided as they usually carry a considerable amount of silt, reducing the fertility of the ponds.

ii. Spring

1.  Spring water is obtained from underground.
2.   It is a very good source of water for ponds.
3.   It is usually uncontaminated and does not contain undesirable fish and pathogens.
4.  If the water from a spring has traveled very far, it may need to be filtered before it is used for a fish pond.

iii. Rainfall

1.  Sky ponds rely only on rainfall to fulfill their need for water.
2. For stock ponds, rainwater run-off from land is one of the chief sources of water.
3.  The size of the watershed determines the availability of water throughout the year.

iv. Wells

1.   The best source of water for a fish pond is well water.
2.  A continuous water supply can be obtained from wells.
3.  Well, spring waters are often low in oxygen content, and fish need more oxygen in the water.
4.  The oxygen can be added to the water by agitating the water in the pond, stirring the water in the pond, beating the water with bamboo sticks, and running small motors in the pond by using sprinklers.
5. Artesian wells are used for water supply in areas where they conform to certain geographical contours.
6. Underground seepage is often used as the water supply for ponds formed in abandoned mining pools, rock quarries, and burrow pits. Among others.

Other factors to be considered for site selection are;

a) Economic factors:

1. Proximity to all-weather road connections.
2. Availability of construction materials.
3. Availability of electricity, telephone, or radio connections.
4. Location of markets for the produce and determination of the demand.
5. Availability of supplementary feeds.
6. Availability of suitable transport facilities.
7. Availability of ice for marketing.
8. Availability of organic and artificial fertilizers, drugs, and chemical materials

b) Social factors:

1. Ownership, availability of land and land values, land regulations, and rights.
2. Availability of local staff with adequate experience in pond management.
3. Availability of skilled and semi-skilled laborers/manpower.
4. Availability of equipment, services, and supplies needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right site for an aquaculture pond is a crucial step in ensuring the success and sustainability of your aquaculture business. It involves considering various factors such as water quality, topography, soil type, and water supply. By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can create an environment that promotes optimal fish growth and productivity.

Additionally, economic and social factors should also be taken into account to ensure the viability and profitability of your aquaculture venture. With thorough site selection and proper preparations, you can set the foundation for a thriving aquaculture operation that contributes to a sustainable source of food for the growing population. So, dive in and make informed decisions to maximize the potential of aquaculture in meeting our future food needs.