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Cage Aquaculture
Boby Ignatius
Principal Scientist, MBTD, CMFRI 31
Email: bobycmfri@gmailcom
Today cage culture is receiving more attention by both researchers and commercial
producers. Factors such as increasing consumption of fish, some declining wild fish
stocks, and a poor farm economy have produced a strong interest in fish production
in cages. Many small or limited resource farmers are looking for alternatives to
traditional agricultural crops. Aquaculture appears to be a rapidly expanding
industry and one that may offer opportunities even on a small scale. Cage culture
also offers the farmer a chance to utilize existing water resources which in most cases
have only limited use for other purposes.
Key concepts
Right choice of site contributes significantly in the success of cage farm. Site
selection is vitally important since it can greatly influence economic viability by
determining capital outlay, by affecting running costs, rates of productions and
mortality factors.
Site selection is a key factor in any aquaculture operation, affecting both
success and sustainability.
Circular cages of different diameter ranging from 2 m to 15 m, designed for
the culture of fishes such as mullet, cobia, pompano, sea bass, pearl spot, and
crustacean like lobsters were experimented and demonstrated successfully in
India by CMFRI.
Stocking of right sized fish juveniles in adequate stocking density another
factor determines the success of farming. The stocking density and size of
stocked fishes varies with different species.
Proper feeding the quality feeds, periodic monitoring and cleaning of cages
contributes immensely to the success of cage farming.
With proper management of cage erected at an ideal location can yield a
production of 20-40kg/m3 with various species of fishes.
Cage aquaculture involves growing fishes in existing water resources while being
enclosed in a net cage which allows free flow of water. It is an aquaculture production
system made of a floating frame, net materials and mooring system (with rope, buoy,
anchor etc.)with a round or square shape floating net to hold and culture large
number of fishes and can be installed in reservoir, river, lake or sea. Economically
speaking, cage culture is a low impact farming practice with high returns and least
carbon emission activity. Farming fish in an existing water body removes one of the
biggest constraints of fish farming on land- the need for a constant flow of clean,
oxygenated water. Cage farms are positioned to utilize natural currents, which
provide the fish with oxygen and other appropriate natural conditions while also
removing waste.
In view of the high production attainable in cage culture system, it can play a
significant role in increasing the overall fish production in India. Suitable locations in
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Boby Ignatius
Indian’s long coastline, vast brackish water areas available in coastal states and other
underutilized water bodies can be better utilized by adopting cage culture. Since the
investment is low and requires very little/no land area, this farming method is ideal
for small scale fisher folks as an alternative income source. This can take up as an
household/women activity since labour involved is minimal and can be managed by
a small family. The design of the cage and its accessories can be tailor-made in
accordance to the individual farmer’s requirements.
As with any production scheme cage culture of fish has advantages and
disadvantages that should be considered carefully before cage production becomes
the chosen method.
A potential fish farmer can produce fish in an existing pond without destroying its
sport fishing; does not have to invest large amounts of capital for construction or
equipment; and can, therefore, try fish culture without unreasonable risks.
Advantages Cage culture does have some distinct advantages which include:
Many types of water resources can be used, including lakes, reservoirs, ponds,
strip pits, streams and rivers which could otherwise not be harvested. (Specific
state laws may restrict the use of “public waters” for fish production; check
with your state fish and wildlife agency.)
A relatively low initial investment is all that 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 the culture of other species.
Cage culture also has some distinct disadvantages.
These include:
Feed must be nutritionally complete and kept fresh.
Low Dissolved Oxygen Syndrome (LODOS) is an ever present problem and
may require mechanical aeration.
Fouling of net cage
The incidence of disease can be high and diseases may spread rapidly.
Vandalism or poaching is a potential problem.
Farming of fishes in cages
Site Selection
Different criteria must be addressed before site selection for cage culture The first is
primarily concerned with the physicochemical conditions like temperature, salinity,
oxygen, currents, pollution, algal blooms, water exchange etc. that determine
whether a species can thrive in an environment. Other criteria that must be
considered for site selection are weather conditions, shelter, depth, substrate etc.
Finally legal aspects, access, proximity to hatcheries or fishing harbor, security,
economic, social and market considerations etc. are to be taken care.
Cage Size
It is a fact that costs per unit volume decrease with increasing cage size, within the
limits of the materials and construction methods used. CMFRI has developed open
sea cages of 6 m dia and 15 m dia for grow out fish culture and 2 m dia HDPE cages
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Cage Aquaculture
for seed rearing. Ideal size for grow out cage is 6 m due to its easy maneuvering and
reduced labour. For fingerling 2 m cages can be used.
Cage frames and nets
Different cage materials can be used for cage farmes. Materials commonly used are
High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE), Galvanised iron (GI) pipes, PVC pipes etc.
HDPE frames are expensive, but long lasting. Cost effective epoxy coated Galvanized
Iron (GI) frames are recommended for Small groups and fishermen. GI frames have
less life span compared to HDPE frames.
Nets of varying dimensions and materials were tested for cage culture in India.
CMFRI has used braided and twisted HDPE nets for grow out purpose. It can last for
two or more seasons. Nylon net can be used economically, but since it is light weight,
to hold the shape intact more weight has to be loaded in the ballast pipe. Cost factor
has to be taken care while using new netting materials like sapphire or dyneema
materials for net cage. The depth of net ranging from 2 to 5 m is ideal. For open sea
cage culture, predator net to prevent attack by predatory organisms is essential.
Potential species and criteria for selection of species for cage culture
The selection of species for cage culture should be based on a number of biological
criteria like omnivore or carnivore, hardiness, fast growing, efficient food conversion
ability, availability of eggs and juveniles, and disease resistance. Economic market
ability and demand are also taken into consideration.
Stocking
Although stocking densities should be determined by species requirements and
operational considerations, the influence of stocking densities on growth and
production has been determined empirically. The stocking density depends also on
the carrying capacity of the cages and the feeding habits of the cultured species.
Optimal stocking density varies with species and size of fish.
Feeds and feed management
Fresh or frozen trash fish, moist pellet (MP) and floating dry pellets are the common
feed for growing fish in cages. Feeding in cages is quite easy compared to that in
ponds. The ration can be divided into equal portions and supplied at regular
intervals. Feeding can be done either by broadcasting or using feeding trays. Feeds
must be complete and provide all the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, fats,
vitamins and minerals needed for growth and health. Feeds cannot be allowed to
deteriorate during storage.
Harvest
Harvest of fish in cages is less labour intensive compared to that in ponds. Cages can
be towed to a convenient place and harvest can be carried out. Also based on
demand, partial or full harvest can be done. Marketing of fishes in live conditions as
a value addition can also be done.
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Cage management
Cage culture management must result in optimizing production at minimum cost.
The management should be so efficient that the cultured fish should grow at the
expected rate with respect to feeding rate and stocking density, minimize losses due
to disease and predators, monitor environmental parameters and maintain efficiency
of the technical facilities. Physical maintenance of cage structures is also of vital
importance. The raft and net-cages must be routinely inspected. Necessary repairs
and adjustments to anchor ropes and net-cages should be carried out without any
delay. Monthly exchange of net should also be considered, as this ensures a good
water exchange in the net, thereby washing away feces, uneaten food and to a certain
extent reduce the impact of fouling.
Fouling of cage net
Fouling of cage nets and other structures has been observed at many instances of
cage farming. Nets get covered with biofoulers. Fouling by molluscs, especially edible
oyster sand barnacles have to be checked before its growth advancement. Algal mats
and other periphytons can be removed by introduction of omnivorous grazers in
cages. A fouled net will be heavier, thereby increasing drag, and this result in loss of
nets and fish.
To avoid/ reduce fouling, net should be changed as and when required, which may
vary from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the intensity of fouling. During oyster fouling,
net exchange has to be done immediately after the seasonal spat fall. Herbivorous
fish such as rabbit fish (Siganusspp.), pearl spots (Etroplusspp.) and scat
(Scatophagussp.) can be used to control biofoulers, but their application on a large
scale needs to be assessed.
Disease monitoring
Monitoring of fish stock health is essential and early indications can often be
observed from changes in behavior, especially during feeding.
Summary
Cage culture is the most efficient way of raising fish
Cage can erected in various suitable water bodies in various sizes and shapes
Stocking density of fishes in cage depends on the species cultured and growth
rate of fishes
A production of 20-40kg/m3 can achieved in normal conditions from cages
Identification of ideal site for vital for cage farming
Proper feeding with quality feeds in of paramount importance for a successful
cage farming
Regular monitoring of net cages and fishes ensures a good harvest from cages.
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