CAGE CULTURE

Integrated aquaculture is considered the sequential link between two farm activities that at least have one aquaculture. One of the main objectives is to increase the productivity of water, land, and associated resources while contributing to the increased fish food production. Cage aquaculture includes the growing of fish in existing water resources while being enclosed in a net cage that allows the free flow of water. It is an aquaculture production system made of a floating frame, net materials, and a mooring system with a round or square shape floating net to hold and culture a large number of fish and can be installed in a reservoir, river, lake, or sea.

Advantages and disadvantages of Cage Culture:

Cage culture has certain advantages and disadvantages that are as follows:

The advantages of cage culture includes:

• Many types of water resources including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers which could otherwise not be harvested • Relatively low initial investment is required in an existing body of water. • Harvesting is simplified • Observation and sampling of fish is simplified • Allows the use of the pond for sport fishing or culture of other species • Less manpower requirement • Generation of job opportunities for unemployed youth and women • Additional income to fishers during closed seasons.

Disadvantages:

• Feed must be nutrionally complete and kept fresh. • Low dissolved oxygen syndrome is ever present problem and may require mechanical aeration. • Fouling of net cage • Incidence of disease can be high and diseases may spread rapidly. • Vandalism or poaching is a potential problem. • Navigation issues. • Change in water quality parameters • Conflicts within the local community • Predation by aquatic mammals and birds • Escapement • Overcrowding of aquatic organisms in cages.