Trout can be grown for food in ponds, cages, or tanks using extensive or intensive aquaculture methods. Extensive farming relies on natural food sources, while intensive farming introduces external food sources and oxygenation devices. Trout can also be farmed in conjunction with other species in natural or artificial ponds. Intensive farming can be done in greenhouses or other structures and may have concerns about pollution.
Trout aquaculture is the process of growing trout, usually as a food item. This can be accomplished by raising fish in one of many environments, which can vary depending on the particular operation. Trout can be raised in artificial or natural ponds, cages built into ponds, or tanks located inside greenhouses or other structures. Other forms of aquaculture may also utilize cages located in marine environments, although trout is a freshwater fish. In cases where trout aquaculture is used to stock rivers or lakes for sport fishing purposes, the operation is generally referred to as a hatchery rather than a farm.
Trout aquaculture can use one of two different farming methods. The method known as extensive aquaculture relies on natural food sources, while intensive aquaculture introduces external food sources. The amount of trout grown in a given area using the extensive method is limited by the amount of food available in the natural environment, whereas intensive farming is strictly limited by the amount of oxygen present in the water. Extensive aquafarming can be supplemented by the addition of fertilizers or other additives designed to increase the amount of food available in the natural environment, while various oxygenation devices can be used to increase the amount of oxygen present in intensive farming operations.
Extensive aquaculture usually takes place in natural or artificial ponds, with food sources present in the natural environment that support the fish. Because this type of farming relies on natural sources, many extensive operations are not limited to trout or any other species of fish. A pond environment tends to include several different food sources, so it is common to grow multiple species with different feeding methods in the same pond system. While there are limitations on the potential biomass of fish farmed in these types of systems, many commercial operations around the world continue to utilize them. For example, there are a particularly large number of extensive trout aquaculture operations in the Czech Republic.
Intensive aquaculture is more likely to take place in ponds, where it is easier to control the environment. These can be located in greenhouses or other structures, and this can allow them to be used in many different climates. By feeding the fish an external food source and artificially increasing the oxygen level in the tanks, it is possible to greatly increase the amount of fish biomass harvested in this form of trout aquaculture. Some concerns associated with this method may include runoff and pollution; however, when used in conjunction with farming operations, fish waste can potentially be recycled as a source of fertilizer.
Asset Smart.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
