Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture (2+1)

Unit 3 - Methods of coastal aquaculture and mariculture

3.1.4. Water Supply Systems

• Proper water management in one of the most important factors that governs the success of aquaculture operations. Not only water supply, but also drainage system should be designed and constructed properly to get good production.
• The quantity of water required for ponds will depend on the soil and climatic conditions. The quantity of water will also depend on the type of technology to be used and species being cultured. Intensive farming requires more water than extensive farming per unit area.
• The water supply and drainage systems have to be designed properly to convey the required quantity of water. Different designs have been adopted, based on different criteria and requirements.
• It is essential to have separate supply and drainage canals as well as separate inlets and outlets for operational safety and efficiency. Inlets and outlets should be located on opposite sides. Outlets should also facilitate harvesting of the produce.
• A coastal shrimp/fish farm generally has main and subsidiary canals for water supply and drainage.
• There are many types of water control structures. The inlets may be anything from a simple pipe to concrete sluice gates. A turn down pipe or a sluice gate is used for outlets. Sluice gates have slots for fixing screens or barrier planks.
• Water can be supplied either by tidal energy or by pumps depending on the design of the farms. Drainage is by gravity; therefore ponds must be designed accordingly.
• You will learn more about it in you course on 'Fish Farm Engineering.

Click here for animation -



WATER INTAKE FOR A COASTAL POND (NOTE THE SLUICE GATE AND SUPPLY CANAL)


WATER SUPPLY CANAL


SLUICE GATE


WATER SUPPLY THROUGH PUMP



WATER INLET PIPE