The environment around the fish hatchery plays a large role in its success or failure. This is especially true for open water farms built in ocean bays or in large lakes, but it’s also a major factor for inland farms. Hatcheries constructed without consideration of orientation are much less likely to succeed. It is important to think about placement to reduce wind effects, take advantage of microclimates for warmth and to protect the farm from pollution. Scout out any proposed locations, for a new fish hatchery, with these environmental factors in mind first.
Inland vs Open Water Farms
Open water farms solve the problem of digging ponds or finding a water source, but they’re much harder to control and often make particularly poor hatcheries. These farms are often supplied by inland hatcheries, since the more controlled environment is better for providing healthy fingerlings and fry. The nets and enclosures of open water farms are subject to the water quality and volume changes of the entire area, while inland farms are easily supplemented or adjusted. Even placing a hatchery close to a large body of water affects its operation and total costs, usually in a positive way. Make sure that any open water sources that supply the facility are protected from pollution or future development that could alter quality in coming years.
Opportunities for Environmental Damage
While most fish hatcheries are intended to help support the environment, by reducing pressure on wild populations or even outright restoring them, they can still inadvertently damage the environment. The main risk comes from the accidental or purposeful release of excessively, nutrient rich, wastewater from the fishponds or tanks. This most commonly occurs when a pond leaks or floods, or during routine sludge removal if care isn’t taken. Using flexible liners in all ponds, ditches, trenches, and other hatchery structures is the best way to protect the environment. Sludge and high nutrient wastes will stay right where you put them until they can be reused as fertilizer elsewhere.
Wind and Sun Exposure
The placement, and layout of the entire facility, can make a difference in whether the fish grow rapidly or slowly; especially if you’re raising a warm water species. Wind blowing over the surface of ponds speeds up evaporation and cools the water. This increases your costs for keeping ideal water levels and reduces temperatures which slows fish growth. Direct sun exposure can help, but you should also be mindful of orientation so that ponds and tanks don’t overheat at the height of summer. In cooler climates, its often best to install shade cloth structures to maximize warmth from the sun.
Pollution
Water pollution is one of the biggest threats to open water fish hatcheries, since it can occur at any time. However, inland farms are also at risk since it’s common for surface water to flow into outdoor ponds. Runoff that enters the system can carry along pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that ruin the water quality and directly harm the fish. Design the facility to prevent runoff, and even minimize rainwater exposure, if that’s a concern for acidifying the water. Air pollution is a minor concern for fish hatcheries, but it can still have an effect on the most sensitive fry and eggs.
Utility Access
Some fish production farms may be able to run with little to no electricity, but fish hatcheries are high demand facilities. They’ll need a lot of electricity and most likely also need backup fuel sources like natural gas or even diesel in case of a power loss. For hatching, the water needs aeration, circulation, and heating to very precise parameters. Make sure strong utility connections are available on site to ensure most of your budget isn’t used up on a power supply. It’s fairly unfeasible to run hatcheries completely on solar or hydro power, but these methods can be used to reduce costs as long as other sources are still available as a backup.
Fish hatcheries, designed with the environment in mind, will always perform better than those that are struggling against the surrounding conditions. Everything from insulation to the roofing color selection can change the performance of the entire hatchery. No matter what final design you settle on, make sure to choose reliable liners from BTL Liners to complete the project.
