Organization of fish production

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95. Organization of fish production

The mass production of advanced carp fry and fingerlings in earthen ponds is the second step in the general scheme of food fish production. Its success depends to a large extent on efficient organization.

96. As shown in Part 1, (1) good broodstock management prepares selected carp breeders for their successful artificial propagation and the mass production of early fry (2) in the hatchery.

In this Part 2, the use of earthen ponds for the subsequent mass production of (3) advanced fry and (4) fingerlings has been illustrated.

In temperate climates, these four production phases take place during the first growing season. (5) They are followed during the next two years by the production of fish for the table in fattening ponds (5).

In warmer climates, the complete production cycle can be shortened by at least one year if carp growth progresses throughout most of the year.

97. The carp fingerlings which are not further grown by the producer can be sold to others to be used in various ways.

They may be stocked in natural waters such as lakes and rivers, either to improve the natural stocks or to support sport fishing.

They may also be stocked in ponds at other fish farms, either for extensive or semi-extensive production of table fish.

In temperate climates this will usually require two more growing seasons at the end of which the carp weigh from I to 2 kg.

98. A production manager (1) supervises the staff necessary for the proper planning and execution of the production programme in a large-scale hatchery.

In Hungary, three main production sections exist: for the production of (A) eggs and early fry, (B) advanced fry, and (C) fingerlings respectively.

Each of these sections is managed by an experienced technician such as (2) an Agricultural Engineer. Under his leadership, (4) skilled workers are supervised by (3) a Fishery Master with a lot of local experience.

99. Support services are very important. They may include: (1) administration, (2) fish health, (3) transport, (4) maintenance, (5) security and (6) stores.

TABLE 1. SELECTED DATA ON THE PRODUCTION OF ADVANCED FRY AND FINGERLINGS OF COMMON CARP

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