Business Management

With an increasing demand for farm-raised production of aquatic organisms – including fish and water plants – the aquaculture industry is on the rise. Developing and maintaining an aquaculture business, however, takes careful planning. In this section, discover more about aquaculture and find advice on managing aquatic plants and algae.

Best Practices for Aquatic Plant Management

Good management is a key aspect of keeping pond ecosystems healthy and balanced. One of the most important parts of the complex pond environment is water quality. It is highly influenced by land use and other activities near or in the pond and can have a direct impact on aquatic species.

To maintain good levels of water quality, focus on early detection of problems through testing parameters such as pH, iron, phosphorus, and blue-green algae. To determine which parameters to concentrate on, consider the primary use of the pond.

Aquatic plants are another integral element of the pond. It is critical, however, to pay close attention to excessive plant growth as this can reduce water oxygen. Some principles to employ when managing aquatic plant growth include excluding nutrients, limiting fertilization, and maintaining ecological balance.

Discover valuable plant identification and control practices with Penn State Extension’s water plant management publication. In addition, learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) with the water gardening and AIS webinar.

Pond and Aquaculture Business Management

In the United States, annual aquaculture sales exceed $1.4 billion, with Pennsylvania enterprises generating approximately $8.8 million. In general, operations rely on three main production systems – pond culture, recirculating, and flow-through. Pond culture is the most popular form of aquaculture in the US.

Whether producing ornamental water plants or raising trout, the first step to a successful aquaculture enterprise is creating a solid business and management plan. Begin by researching possible markets and necessary permits, as well as estimating the production costs and the value of sales.

Pond management principles to keep in mind include developing clear objectives, as well as considering land use, soil texture, and water supply. Some of the most suitable pond water sources are springs, small streams, and seeps.

Another factor to consider when operating an aquaculture business is calculating the surface area and the water volume in the pond. Accurate pond measurements are critical for the proper and safe use of management activities such as liming, using aeration devices, and applying aquatic herbicides.

Educational Resources for Aquaculture Operations

For successful aquaculture operation, access Penn State Extension resources on pond maintenance and management. Advice is available on various topics such as identifying and controlling birds at PA facilities, as well as fixing leaking ponds and using live staking for stream restoration.

Additionally, you can find workshops and online courses on managing pond issues such as algae growth and nuisance wildlife, using aquatic herbicides, and obtaining pestiide applicator recertification credits.