Aquaculture Engineering (2+1)

Classification of ponds - Tide fed farms

Unit 8 - Brackish and marine water fish farms

Brackish water fish farms

Classification of ponds
Tide fed farms
Tide fed aquafarms are best suited for traditional extensive system. Tide fed farms are suitable at the places where mean spring tide range is in between 1.3 to 2 m with maximum and minimum spring tide ranges around 1-2.5 m respectively; provided the ground levels are around the mean sea level. Invariably tide fed aqua farms require only one water channel which is generally called as “Feeder cum drainage channel”. These farms require a main sluice gate which controls the flow of water into the feeder channel as well as all the ponds. The main sluice gate which controls the flow of water into the feeder channel as well as to all the ponds. The main sluice gate also prevents the farm from flooding during heavy floods.

Tide fed farms are not suitable for semi-intensive and intensive culture system as it is very difficult to maintain the quality of water due to inadequate water exchange sudden de-watering of the pond is not possible as there is no separate drainage system.

Following are the some of the major disadvantages of the tide fed aqua farms.

• Water quality management poses a problem since entire water intake process is mainly based on tidal influence. It may also be difficult to maintain the designated water level in the ponds.
• Cost of construction of dykes, ponds and channels etc. will be higher as design of these elements mainly depends upon the tidal levels.
• Since individual pond dewatering is very difficult, efficient harvesting is not possible in tide–fed farms.
• Control of predators in tide fed farm is difficult.
• Pond preparation is difficult as tidal water seeps through the dykes and sluices due to tidal thrust.