Aquaculture Business Guidelines for Development Decisions

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Aquaculture Site Selection

The suitability of the site is important and determines if there is potential to construct and operate a viable aquaculture operation. The proposed location and available resources are the factors that  determine the size and design of the farm that can be developed.

• Is the proposed site in a region zoned as suitable for aquaculture/ agriculture? Can it be rezoned?

• Is the site well drained, above flood-prone areas? Or will it need extensive work to protect it?

• Does the site have site topography suitable for construction of buildings, access roads etc.?

• Does the site have soil suitable for pond construction (if ponds are planned)?

• Does the site have sufficient and acceptable water supply?

• Does the site have acceptable potential for effluent disposal?

• Does the site have a climate suitable for the intended species? For outside operations the species should be natural or able to survive in the area climate and water conditions.

• Does the site have good all-weather access to ensure efficient delivery of supplies and ability to serve markets as required?

• Are utility services such as electricity and phone etc. available or obtainable cost effectively?

• Does the geographical location have easy access to services and technical assistance?

• Is there adequate room for the initial farm plus future expansion?

• The site should not occupy a natural water course.

• The site should not be in a pollution prone area.

• The site should not be too remote.

Serious consideration should also be given to having on farm accommodations, to help ensure security and rapid response to critical situations. Owners or key staff can live at the farm full time or in shift changes. Depending on the scale commercial aqua farming requires a 365 day work year by one or more employees.

Socio-legal considerations in Aqua Farming

To develop a successful business you need to also consider day to day operation and the potential effects (both positive and negative) that your operation may have upon the local community. You will also need to identify the regulatory/permitting requirements that govern your business.

• Is the development of an aquaculture facility at your site acceptable to neighbors and others who may use the region?

• Have you discussed your plans with appropriate state or provincial agencies and extension officers?

• Have you identified the permits required for the construction and operation of the facility?

• Can the required permits be obtained without excessive investment of time, money and effort?

• Can you obtain permits for an extended period of time, or do they have to be renewed frequently?

Fish Species Selection

Species selection needs to be a well thought-out decision. There has to be a market for the fish, don't pick a fish solely on your opinion. The fish species should be suited to the local climate extremes and/or should be native to the area. It is essential that established and reliable rearing techniques are known and readily accessible for the intended species or can be obtained by professional consulting and advice. The natural life cycle of the intended fish should be considered so that its basic biological needs can be met e.g. some species can tolerate varying degrees of salinity; some tolerate crowding; some wean onto artificial diets more easily than others do. Disregarding these requirements could introduce intolerable levels of stress, leading to reduced growth and possible disease outbreaks.

• Have you been in touch with an industry representative about information exchange or detailed consulting services?

• Have you chosen a species for culture and are you familiar with its biology?

• Have you explored the various production strategies available and identified the one that satisfies your interests and resources?

• If you do not have the necessary technical experience, are you prepared to employ someone who does? or obtain training?

• Are you intending to manage breeding stock and spawn offspring?

• If you don't plan for broodstock, are dependable sources of juveniles available locally?