ZERO MANAGEMENT POND IN AQUACULTURE

ZERO MANAGEMENT POND 

Aquaculture contributes 47 % of the global fish production as per the statistics released by FAO in 2018. However, further increase in the production highly depends on the intensification of culture system which results in the increased operational cost and reduced input use efficiency. Zero management ponds based on biofloc technology’ are considered as one of the effective culture systems to tackle this issue.

It is a component of a sustainable aquaculture system, were biofloc present in the pond involves in the conversion of uneaten feed and fecal material into resources. Thus it improves the pond water quality and fish health, further it reduces the management measures required for the regular culture aquaculture activity.

Pre-stocking operation:

The operation of biofloc based zero management system starts with sun drying of pond bottom, construction of steps, Installation of feeding boats, Bird netting and crab fencing, Pond lining and water culture. After that fishes were stocked in the pond. 

Biofloc development

After stocking the fish, the carbon source were added regularly which results in microbial growth.  Clear water turned into brown colour indicates the formation of biofloc. Biofloc is an aggregate of living microbial community and non-living component in the pond.

Zero management

The major waste generated in the pond is uneaten feed and fecal material of fish. Biofloc uses this for their growth and converts into biomass. Nitrifying bacteria present in the biofloc converts the highly toxic Ammonia into Nitrate in the water. This not only reduces the management actions required to run the fish farm but also increases the production.

The advantages of zero management pond include:

• Effective conversion of waste into biomass
• Improved input use efficiency – low  carbon footprint
• Improved profit
• Bio-secure culture system – resistance to diseases
• Year-round closed culture system

References:

http://www.fao.org/state-of-fisheries-aquaculture/en/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0044848612002852

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=biofloc&newwindow=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjjxpaE8bHcAhUHPI8KHbOqDS0Q_AUICigB&biw=1242&bih=602#imgrc=cdxTmRaVkGiluM: 


NOTE
This content was prepared as a part of the ongoing Training programme practicals by, 

KANTHARAJAN G & JASPREET SINGH
SCIENTIST (On Probation),
ICAR-NAARM,
HYDERABAD.