Principle of Aquaculture (1+1)

3.1.5.1. Cage culture

Cage culture is rearing of fish from juvenile stage to commercial size in a volume of water enclosed on all sides including bottom, while permitting the free circulation of water. Cage culture is readily adapted to water areas which cannot be drained. Fish culture in cage is an innovative concept to exploit the potential of lakes, reservoirs and riverine pools. Cage culture of fish and other aquatic organisms is popular in many countries. Japan, South Korea, China, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, Norway, USA are some of the countries where cage culture is well developed. In principle, almost every cultivable species of fish can be cultured in cages, such as carps, tilapia, trout, catfishes, etc. depending on socioeconomic, ecological and technical suitability.

Advantages of Cage Culture

• Use existing waterbodies
• Technical simplicity with which farms can be established or expanded
• Lower capital cost compared with land-based farms
• Easier stock management and monitoring compared with pond culture

Disadvantages of Cage Culture

• Stock is vulnerable to external water quality problems eg. Algal blooms, low oxygen
• Stock is more vulnerable to fish eating predators such as water rats and birds
• Growth rates are significantly influenced by ambient water temperatures