Any body of water is a complex ecosystem governed by natural laws. Therefore, before embarking on a business of fish farming in artificial ponds, it's important to understand the processes occurring within the pond. Most fish farm owners are passionate about fishing. For them, owning their own pond isn't just a way to supplement their income, but a cherished dream. Indeed, the first requirement for starting such a venture is passion and a strong desire. After all, it's not the most profitable or quickly profitable type of business.
Fish farming in artificial reservoirs as a business: step-by-step instructions
You need to start with the pond itself. If you've chosen an existing body of water, you need to analyze the water, study the ecosystem, and find out what kind of fish it contains. All natural or previously created water bodies belong, in the first case, to the state (federal or municipal property).
It may be a private pond, owned by the owner, or leased. In the case of a state-owned facility, approval must be obtained, permits must be obtained from the Federal Agency for Water Resources, and then the local municipal authorities must be contacted. Permits are issued for 49 years, in the form of a lease for that period.
The best option for starting a fish farming business is your own pond. You can purchase land or use your own plot. The government is eager to sell or even donate undeveloped land. When you build your own pond and stock it with fish, you create the desired environment yourself. This reduces the risk factor. The pond you create should blend naturally and adapt to the natural ecosystem.
What locations are chosen for a pond, the first stage
Choosing the right location is part of the successful implementation of a business plan.
To do this, choose:
- natural relief areas with existing lowlands: gullies, ravines;
- the area where groundwater is close, it will fill the pond with water;
- various types of dams, branches of rivers that can be blocked by a dam;
- places where springs and water sources flow.
When using natural relief lowlands, it is enough to widen or deepen the area and create an insulating layer on the bottom to prevent water from escaping.
Where groundwater is close, it is enough to dig a pit; water from the ground will fill it.
The dams must be blocked by a dam to ensure water retention.
Places with underground springs and streams are considered the best option. They are dammed. These springs provide a constant supply of fresh water, which is then renewed.
Pit, bottom, banks
Before you begin building your pond, you need to decide what kind of fish you plan to breed.
Carp and trout are considered the most popular among breeders. The optimal size for carp is 30 to 50 square meters and a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters. The shallow depth is explained by the fact that the optimal temperature for carp, when they grow and develop well, ranges from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. This temperature is reached when the sun warms the tank at precisely this depth.
For trout and sturgeon farming, reservoirs with underground springs that provide a constant supply of cool, clean water are best. These species prefer cool, oxygen-rich water. A comfortable temperature range of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius is recommended. The reservoir depth should be between 2.5 and 3 meters.
Strengthening the bottom and banks
To prevent water from receding and the banks from collapsing, they need to be reinforced. There are several ways to do this.
Film
After the pit is dug, usually using small excavators, the soil is compacted. A special liner is then welded together and laid along the bottom, securing it to the shoreline. This method is suitable if the pond is artificially filled with water or during rains or spring floods. A drainage mechanism is necessary for periodic cleaning, renewal, and fish catching. The edges of the liner are secured to the shore. For this purpose, special grooves are dug into which the edges are placed and then covered with soil. The top is weighed down with natural wood and stones. I plant coastal plants.
Clay
It's a good insulator, but not in flowing waters, where clay can gradually erode. After the pit is dug, the soil is compacted, geotextile is laid as a base, and the bottom is lined with clay. The edges of the geotextile are secured to the shoreline, just like the liner.
Concreting the bottom
This is a reliable, but labor-intensive and rather expensive method. A special technology is used for concreting reservoirs.
Sand, geotextile
This method is suitable for sturgeon and trout farming, as it ensures good water filtration. After digging a pit and compacting the soil, add a layer of sand. Then, lay geotextile on the bottom, securing the edges to the shoreline. Add another layer of sand on top. A small amount of clay can be added to the initial layer of sand.
It is desirable that all artificial water bodies be equipped with a water drainage system.
Methods of fish farming in ponds
Numerous videos have been made about fish farming in artificial reservoirs as a business. Watching them, you'll see that there are different farming methods. They fall into two categories: intensive and extensive. The latter involves introducing fry and gradually growing them in natural conditions. The primary focus for profit in this case is paid fishing. Larger reservoirs are suitable for this purpose.
Intensive method
A more professional approach, the basis of income comes from commercial fish. This involves actively feeding the fish to promote growth. This method is further subdivided into different farming methods.
Namely:
This technology, considered traditional, involves a system of ponds for fish of different ages, with the fish being transferred as they grow and mature. A fry pond is used for raising fry. Nursery ponds are for growing fish. Growing ponds are used for intensive feeding of fish destined for sale. Wintering ponds are used for the winter. The fish are reared in spawning ponds. This process is only possible if there is water circulation, and the pond is artificially enriched with oxygen. Measures are taken to prevent algal blooms (liming). This method is quite labor-intensive, and natural losses occur when fish are transferred from one pond to another.
A simpler method involves raising the fry in one pond for several years, feeding them, then catching and selling them.
The technology using pools and cages is considered optimal and highly profitable. This is an industrial aquafarm, requiring specialized equipment not only for cleaning and oxygenation but also for heating. This method can be used to raise various species, for example, carp in the warmer months, and sturgeon and trout in the winter.
Each method requires its own set of equipment. The basic equipment includes oxygen supply systems to prevent fish suffocation and feeders. For larger volumes, special pumps are used to ensure water circulation.
Business profitability
To explore fish farming in artificial ponds as a business and determine whether it's profitable, several factors need to be considered. The pond size, the farming method, and the species of fish being farmed are all important.
An important factor is additional income:
- Sale and breeding of fertilized eggs and fry. It's important to note that trout do not reproduce naturally in ponds. The eggs are fertilized with male milt and kept in special breeding facilities.
- Parallel breeding of crayfish. They also act as cleaners, finishing off any remaining food.
- Providing conditions for paid fishing.
- Further processing, canning, and smoking are also available. Dried fish is in demand in our country.
The payback period depends on the investment, volume, and technology used. On average, it takes at least one growing cycle, which takes between two and four years. Profitability is also a controversial issue. If additional income is included, it can reach 30%. Income from direct sales hovers around 15%.
Fish farming in artificial ponds as a business, and reviews of it vary. Some note that it's quite difficult and time-consuming. Meanwhile, those for whom it's not just a business but also a favorite hobby are thrilled. This is especially true when everything is going well and the business generates a steady income. You just have to strive to become a professional and approach the business with enthusiasm.
https://youtu.be/WAoQAMf5f7E
Fish farming in artificial reservoirs as a business