FAO Training Series "Simple methods for aquaculture"

The FAO Training Series "Simple methods for aquaculture" include the following manuals:

No. 4. Water for freshwater fish culture

This is the first book in the series and deals with freshwater supplies used for pond fish culture, explaining possible sources and variations. Selected methods are given, first to calculate the water requirements for pond culture in a particular site and then to estimate the amount of water naturally available. To supplement the natural supply, water might have to be stored in a reservoir. Simple methods are provided to calculate the amount of water to be stored and the characteristics of the required reservoir.

No. 6. Soil and freshwater fish culture

A good understanding of soil and its characteristics is one of the most important of the many factors that must be considered for successful freshwater fish culture. The purpose of this manual is to provide the basic knowledge of the soil that is needed for the construction of ponds, water supply channels, canals, reservoirs, barrages, small dams, and for the efficient management of fishponds.

Th manual includes:

  • How to investigate your soil by conducting simple tests;
  • Why some tests require skills and equipment too specialized for you, and should thus be performed by a soil laboratory;
  • How to understand the technical language of soil scientists and civil engineers so that you can make use of soil analyses and soil laboratories.

No. 16/1. Topography for freshwater fish culture: topographical tools

No. 16/2. Topography for freshwater fish culture: topographical surveys

These two manuals cover methods to make simple surveying and measuring equipment and how to survey land and lay out for both earthwork and building construction.

No. 20/1. Pond construction for freshwater fish culture: building earthen ponds

No. 20/2. Pond construction for freshwater fish culture: pond-farm structures and layouts

A large part of the world's fish culture production relies on the use of freshwater ponds which hold and exchange water, receive fertilizer or feed, and allow for holding, rearing and harvesting of fish. The proper preparation and construction of such ponds and their associated structures are essential for successful fish farming. Good ponds should be inexpensive to construct, easy to maintain and efficient in allowing good water and fish management.

The purpose of this manual is to provide the basic knowledge needed to build good, efficient and reliable pond systems.

No. 21/1Management for freshwater fish culture: ponds and water practices

In its simplest form, management means planning and carrying out a daily routine. This daily routine is shaped by weekly, monthly and seasonal patterns as well as by climate, work requirements and crop cycles. For the fish farmer, management involves, choosing and stocking small fish; ensuring good water conditions; providing the fish with adequate food; and, harvesting and marketing the fish produced.

The manual covers:

  • what you need to know about the management of fish ponds, fish stocks and fish farms in general.
  • how to improve and maintain water quality in your ponds;
  • how to protect your ponds from various dangers;
  • how to improve your ponds through liming and fertilization
  • how to fertilize your ponds by producing various kinds of animals next to them
  • how to produce and use broodstock; how to produce fry and fingerlings;
  • how to feed your fish properly;
  • how to keep your fish in good health;
  • how to harvest, store and transport your fish;
  • how to market your fish;
  • regular monitoring of your ponds and their fish stocks;
  • good record keeping;
  • checking results to enable you to improve the farm's performance.

No. 24. Handbook on Small-Scale Freshwater Fish Farming

The handbook on small-scale freshwater fish farming provides a wealth of simply presented and illustrated information on freshwater fish farming in ponds, pens and cages, compiled from five booklets published on the subject in FAO's Better Farming Series between 1979 and 1990. Here in an improved format, particulars of pond, pen and cage location, construction and management are covered in outlines that can be modified to suit local conditions. The handbook is primarily intended to help workers, technicians and teachers present their knowledge of freshwater fish farming to small-scale farmers. For example, it can be used as a trainers' aid in conjunction with the five original booklets, which can be distributed among trainees. The handbook ends with a set of questions that could be used to test the trainees' comprehension.

Related Resources