Dedicated To The Tribal Aquaculture Program
 |
September 1993 - Volume 5 |
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/mtanhome.html
| Administrative
Coordinator:
Frank G. Stone
(715-682-6185) Ext.12 |
Edited By: Elizabeth W. Greiff
(715-349-2195) |
Topics Of Interest:
- Great Lakes Spotted Muskie Production - 1990
- Aquaculture Publications
- Use and Application of Salt in Aquaculture
- Financial Sources For Funding Aquaculture Programs
- Hatchery Tips
- Product Manufacturers
Great Lakes Spotted Muskie Production - 1990
By: Randy R. Larson, Wild Rose Hatchery, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
This is the second year spotted muskies were hatched and reared at the Wild Rose Hatchery. On 18 May, 1990, 30,000 spotted muskie eggs were received from the State of Michigan. They were put into a McDonald hatching jar with a 60 degree F water temperature and a flow between 1 and 2 gpm. Starting 23 May the eggs were treated with formalin (1667 ppm, 15 min flow through) for three consecutive days, the "bad" eggs were removed by siphon and the remaining eyed-eggs were measured and the number estimated at 14,660 (49% eye-up rate). The eggs started hatching on 27 May (252 degree days), and the water temperature was gradually increased to 70 F until all fry were out of the hatching jar (486 degree days).
On 3 June (8 days old) fry began feeding on Bio-Kyowa B-400 and by 6 June (11 days) most of the fry were readily feeding on the B-400 dispensed by an automatic feeder. To reduce cannibalism and stress, the muskie fry were hand sorted several times and by 19 June they had been divided into five circular 30-gallon tanks where the larger fry were being fed C-700. The smallest fry were not accepting the dry feed and exhibiting a high amount of mortality (80-100 per day). These fry (about 2,500) were stocked in an outlying hatchery pond which was drained in the fall and none survived.
At the end of June, the remaining muskies were transferred to three, 300 gallon tanks with a water flow of 10 gpm and 70o F water temperature. On 3 July (38 days) the muskies in each tank averaged 1.8, 1.9 and 2.0 inches in length. By July 10 (45 days), the muskies had been sorted into seven, 300 gallon tanks and hand counted at 2,527 total. At this time most were feeding on Bio-Kyowa C-1700 with the larger fish on C-2700. Weekly measurements were taken and on 21 July (56 days) we began feeding small golden shiners (6,000/lb) on a daily basis in addition to Bio-Kyowa to prepare the muskies for pond rearing.
There is a good correlation (r2 = 0.89) between fish density and growth (percent increase in length). Better growth (79-85% increases in length) occurred at lower tank densities of 4.5 to 7.6 fish/ft3 and slower growth (46-64% increases in length) at higher densities of 13.6 to 16.8 fish/ft3. The tanks with better growth started with smaller fish (1.8 inches compared to 2.6).
Throughout the tank rearing period, certain chemical treatments were necessary due to fungus and bacteria gill disease problems. The treatments included Copper Sulfate and salt dips (10-60 seconds), Chloramine T (one hour flow through, 3.5 grams/gpm), Diquat (1 hour bath, 13 ppm), and salt blocks during periods of stress (sorting, measuring, cleaning).
Two 0.33-acre ponds (# 8 and 9) were used for the pond rearing period. Incoming water (50-52 F) was kept at low flow in order to maintain pond temperatures between 65 and 70 F. Aeration systems were used to maintain adequate dissolved oxygen levels. Pond 8 was stocked with 100 pounds of adult fathead minnows on 21 June and Pond 9 with 700,000 sucker fry on 19 June. Old trout feed, alfalfa meal and yeast was added periodically as a food source for minnows and as fertilizer to encourage plankton growth for the newly hatching minnows and sucker fry.
On 2 August (68 days) Pond 8 was stocked with 1,499 (4.1 inch) and Pond 9 with 719 (3.2 inch) muskie fingerlings. All remaining golden shiners were stocked in the ponds at this time. During the rearing period temperatures ranged from 64-70 F, dissolved oxygen from 4.0-11.5 ppm and Ph levels from 7.5-9.0. Using small fyke nets, the ponds were periodically checked for minnow abundance and size, and muskie fingerling growth.
Stocking
On 16 October (143 days old), 1,983 large fingerling spotted muskies were stocked.
Conversion Rates and Feed Costs
Conversion rate and rate of return (survival) were calculated for both ponds. Total pounds of feed included all BioKyowa, sucker fry, golden shiner and fathead minnows used in the tank and pond rearing periods. The 1990 conversion rate (3.88) and rate of return (89.4%) was similar to 1989, however the 1990 fingerlings were larger, averaging 5 fish per pound compared to 8.5 in 1989. The muskies were reared about one month longer in 1990.
An estimated cost per spotted muskie produced was calculated based upon the money spent for Bio-Kyowa, minnows, and LP gas (to heat water). The cost does not include electricity, vehicle use, and personnel. A total of 1,983, 10-11 inch fingerlings were produced for $4,433.65 or a cost of $2.24 per muskie.
The major difference between 1990 and 1989 was that in 1990 all muskies were reared entirely on Bio-Kyowa dry feed from the fry stage to 3.0-3.5 inch fingerlings. This accounted for only 1.8% of the total feed and 7.8% of the rearing cost. In addition, the use of dry feed did not require vehicle and personnel costs to gather plankton and minnow fry. Thus, efficiency was greatly improved with the use of Bio-Kyowa in 1990. The pond rearing techniques (from small to large fingerling stage) were similar both years and proved to be very successful (1989- 93.2% survival, 1990- 89.4% survival).
Aquaculture Publications
By: MTAN
The research staff at the MTAN was again burning the midnight oil. We found several research publications we felt will be of interest to our readers. The articles selected cover a broad section of the aquaculture industry. If you are interested in obtaining one or more of these publications, please write to the appropriate address:
Pond Culture of Walleye Fingerlings. 1992. Free. NCRC1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. (Address below)
Culturing Fathead Minnows (Pinephales promelas) for Bait in Ohio Farm Ponds. 1984 62 pp. $7. OHSU-TB-023. Ohio Sea Grant College Program. (Address below)
Culture of Fingerling Walleye in Earthen Ponds. 1989. Fact Sheet. Free. New York Sea Grant. (Address below)
Walleye Culture in Minnesota. 1992. Free. LCMR1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.
Design and Construction of Diversion Ponds for Aquaculture. 1990. $5. A1790. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.
Information About the Diagnosis of Fish Diseases in the Upper Midwest. 1987. Free. SAN23. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.
The Use and Application of Salt in Aquaculture. 1991. Free. Fact Sheet AS-458. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program. (Address below)
Intensive Aquaculture: The Proceedings of the Regional Work Shop on Commercial Fish Culture Using Water Reuse Systems. 1990. $5. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program.
Culture of NonSalmonid Fresh Water Fishes: Yellow Perch. R.C. Heldinger and T.B. Kayes. From Culture of Non Salmonid Fresh Water Fishes, chapter 7. Free. WIA-SG-86-795. Sea Grant Institute-Wisconsin. (Address below)
Genetic Guidelines for Fisheries Management. 1987. A.R. Kapuscinski and L.D. Jacobsen. $5. RR17. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.
Limits to Growth of Young-of-the-Year Walleye. An Individual-Based Model Perspective. 1992. Charles P. Madenjian. Free. WIS-SG-92-936. Sea Grant Institute-Wisconsin.
A Computer Program for Analyzing the Growth of Fish. 1988. S. Weisberg. $25. COMP1. Minnesota Sea Grant College Program.
Addresses for Listed Publications
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, University of Illinois, 65 Mumford Hall, 1301 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801-3068, (217)333-9448, checks payable to: University of Illinois
Minnesota Sea Grant College Program, University of Minnesota, 1518 Cleveland Avenue N Rm 302, St. Paul, MN 55108-6001, (612)625-9288, checks payable to: University of Minnesota
New York Sea Grant, 117 Nassau Hall, SUNY at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5001, (516)632-9124, checks payable to: New York Sea Grant Institute
Ohio Sea Grant College Program, The Ohio State University, 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, OH 43212-1194, (614)292-8949, checks payable to: The Ohio State University
Sea Grant Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1800 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705-4094, (608)263-5371, checks payable to: UW Sea Grant Institute
Sea Grant mails a quarterly list of free publications. For more information write to: Sea Grant Abstracts, P.O. Box 84, Woods Hole, MA 02543. Sea Grant also issues free quarterly newsletters by state. In Michigan the newsletter is called Upwellings, in Minnesota it its called the Seiche, and Wisconsin's newsletter is Littoral Drift.
Use and Application of Salt in Aquaculture
By: L. Swann, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program, Purdue University, and S. Fitzgerald, D.V.M., Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, West Laffayette, IN
Background
Salt is one of the most commonly used drugs in aquaculture. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the aspirin of aquaculture. Salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl) in its chemical form, is a drug of low regulatory priority for the United States Food & Drug Administration and requires no withdrawal time before marketing. Many forms of salt are used, including table, meat-curing, pickling, and rock salt. Of these, the most commonly used and least expensive form is the meat-curing variety. When used properly, salt can treat many external parasites including Costia, Epistylis, Trichodina, Chilodonella, and the flukes Dactylogyrus and Gyrodactylus. Salt can also be used to relieve stress during handling and transport.
A few general guidelines are suggested before any salt treatment is attempted:
A. Use sensitive and accurate scales to calculate doses for
treatment of small volumes of water contained in hauling or holding tanks. "Guesstimating" may only end in disaster.
B. Know the volume of your ponds, raceways and tanks beforehand. It is advisable to have those values in a convenient location for immediate use.
C. Perform a test treatment on a few fish before attempting a large scale treatment. Salt, like other chemicals, reacts differently among different species and water qualities.
D. Prepare to remove fish or flush out salt baths with fresh water when fish show initial signs of stress.
Treatment procedures involve calculating the volume of water to be treated, calculating salt dosage, and choosing the treatment method. In the case of a specific disease, the corresponding rate of salt for applications needs to be calculated.
Treatment Methods The method of salt application depends on the disease organism, fish species, weight, and type of aquaculture unit. Treatment methods include short-term dips, prolonged baths, and indefinite treatments:
Calculation of Volumes Calculating tank and pond volume is an important step to effective salt application in aquaculture. Measurements used to determine volume are usually in feet and/or inches. The most common shapes of culture tanks, ponds, or raceways are square, rectangular, or round. Square or rectangular pond and tank volumes are calculated similarly except that an average depth is used for ponds. The method used to calculate volume of each is given below. Volume of a square or rectangular raceway, tank, or pond. Volume (Vol.) = Length x width x depth. Example 1: A rectangular tank is 12 feet (ft.) long, 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. What is its volume?
Volume of a round tank
Example 2: A round tank is 12 ft. in diameter and 4.5 ft. deep. What is its volume? (Radius = 0.5 x diameter.)
Calculation of Dosages Once the volume is calculated in cubic feet, the gallons are determined using these conversions: 1 cubic ft. = 7.48 gallons (gal.) 1 acre-ft (1 surface acre x 1 ft. deep) = 325,850 gal.
One of the most commonly used units of measure in aquaculture is the part per million, commonly referred to as ppm. In percentage calculations, 1% equals 10,000 ppm. The amount of salt added to various volumes that results in 1 ppm concentration is listed below.
Example 3: How much salt is needed to make a 2% solution using a prolonged treatment for Dactylogyrus in the round tank used in Example 2?
Tank volume = 508.7 cubic ft. x 7.48 gal./cubic ft.
Example 4: How much salt is needed to make a 0.5% solution using an indefinite treatment in a 100 gal. transport tank?
Specific Treatment Rates
Table 1. Specific treatment rates and methods of using salt for treating various diseases or as a remedial treatment of stress.
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Financial Sources for Funding Aquaculture Programs
By: MTAN
Most Tribal fish hatcheries have three primary means for funding their rearing programs; Congressional appropriations, Bureau of Indian Affairs - hatchery rehabilitation projects, and in-house Tribal appropriations. What is not as well known are the other types of federal and state "Grant and Loan" programs which are also available. The Marketing Division of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) invites proposals to fund demonstration projects, feasibility studies or applied research directed toward new or alternative agricultural products, technologies or practices designed to stimulate development and diversification of economic activity within agriculture. Individuals, groups of individuals, businesses and organizations are eligible to submit proposals. Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organizations. The program is administered by the Agricultural Development & Diversification (ADD) Program within the WDATCP Marketing Division. The objective of the AAD grant program is to encourage the development of new or alternative agricultural technologies, products, marketing techniques or production and processing methods in order to stimulate agricultural development and diversification. Proposals and anticipated project results must demonstrate the potential for direct commercial application. The purpose of the program is not to provide funds for business start-up, business expansion, or to pay off existing debt. It is rather intended to develop and prove commercial viability so that loan funds, if necessary, can be obtained from other sources for full implementation or application in the future. Submitted proposals must be received in the Department's Madison office or postmarked by March 15, 1994. Questions related to your proposals should be directed to: Mr. Erwin A. Sholts, Director - ADD, WDATCP - Marketing Division, 801 West Badger Road, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, Wl 53708-8911, 608-267-9644/Theresa, Fax: 608-266-1300 Applicant Eligibility
Proposals will be accepted from individuals, groups of individuals, businesses and organizations related to agriculture. Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organization, involving agricultural development, research and/or marketing to enhance Wisconsin's agricultural industries. If two or more individuals or organizations propose to conduct a project jointly, they may submit one application as co-applicants. Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to carry out all elements of the proposed project. Applicants choosing to work or consult another individual or organization on the project must define their responsibilities and provide evidence of their willingness and ability to perform.
Project Eligibility
Projects which involve new or alternative agricultural production, processing distribution and marketing technologies, market research and development and value added product development will be considered. Projects must demonstrate a broad potential for further development of the State's agricultural industry. The potential for near-term commercial application or widespread use of project results is a major consideration in proposal evaluation. General research studies or analyses which do not have a clear potential for direct implementation or wider adoption should not be submitted. Proposed projects should have a completion time frame of no more than three years. Funds may be used for expansion of existing activities if qualified on the basis of program criteria. Proposals designed to substitute for existing efforts may not be funded.
Available Funds
A total of at least $200,000 is available for ADD grants in 1994. Grant requests up to $50,000 per project may be funded. All proposals received by the deadline will be considered. The ADD grant program would like to fund as many projects per year as possible. A preference will be given to grant applications that include matching fund contributions. Matching funds may be in the form of land, labor, equipment or any of the other eligible categories.
Additional Sources for Funding Aquaculture Programs
There are direct and indirect financial assistance programs at the Federal and State levels for aquaculturists. All of these programs encourage technological progress and participation of minority and disadvantaged firms, but some agencies focus on Federal or State research and development needs while other programs focus on private sector commercialization over broader areas. These programs are limited in funding and availability.
A. FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS
Farmers Home Administration
The Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides loans to aquaculture operators as well as farmers, ranchers, rural residents, and communities. Some loans are for individuals and their families. Other loans are made to partnerships, cooperatives, corporations, or public bodies. Loans may be used for husbandry of aquatic organisms including feeding, tending, harvesting, and any other necessary activities to promote and establish an aquaculture business. Aquaculturists are encouraged to make use of commercial sources of credit when able to do so. FmHA will then consider supplementing those financial resources with loans.
Farmers Home Administration loans are of two types. Guaranteed Loans are made and serviced by a private lender with FmHA guaranteeing to limit any loss to a specified percentage. Interest rates are determined by the borrower and lender unless established by law. Insured Loans are sold to investors through the Federal Financing Bank and are insured by the Federal Government with interest rates usually determined by current cost of Federal borrowing.
Eligibility
Individuals, corporations, cooperatives, and partnerships that will conduct family size farming or ranching operations may apply. Several loan programs are available through the FmHA, the one most applicable to aquaculture is the Resource Conservation and Development Loan (RC&D) program.
To be eligible, an individual must generally: 1) be a citizen of the United States; 2) be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms; 3) have the ability to repay the loan; 4) possess the legal capacity to incur the obligations of the loan; 5) be an owner or tenant operating a family farm after the loan has closed; 6) need to rely on farm income and any other income to provide a level of living comparable to that considered reasonably adequate for the area; and 7) have a satisfactory history of meeting credit obligations, have farm experience or training, and possess the managerial ability to carry out the operation.
Cooperative State Research Service
The Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works with the State Agricultural Experiment Stations, the forestry schools, the 1890 land-grant colleges, Tuskegee Institute, and colleges of veterinary medicine. CSRS allocates formula funds to States for maintaining high quality research programs in aquaculture. CSRS awards grants in aquaculture on a competitive basis through the Aquaculture Special Grant Program and the National Research Initiative (NRI). CSRS also administers Special Grants in aquaculture on research problems that Congress believes are important to the Nation. In cooperation with Extension Service, CSRS provides funding for research and extension activities that are administered through the five USDA Regional Aquaculture Centers.Eligibility
For information on eligibility for the Aquaculture Special Grants Program and the NRI, request the solicitation announcements for these programs from: Proposal Services Branch, Awards Management Division, CSRS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rm. 303, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20250-2200. For information on the Regional Aquaculture Center programs, researchers should contact the specific Regional Aquaculture Center for their current list of research priorities and operational guidelines.
Economic Development Administration
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the Department of Commerce provides grants and loans to alleviate conditions of substantial and persistent unemployment and underemployment in economically distressed areas and regions of the Nation. EDA is particularly interested in projects located in federally authorized and designated enterprise zones.
To establish merits of project proposals, interested parties should first contact the economic development representative for the area (See Directory of Government Sources).
EDA also administers a program of Guaranteed Loans. Authority is available to guarantee up to 80 percent of the principal and interest made by eligible commercial lending institutions to private borrowers for the purchase of fixed assets and/or for working capital purposes for projects located in areas eligible for EDA assistance. Applicants should contact either the Austin or Philadelphia Regional Office Business Loans Division to discuss their proposals. Applications will be accepted only from private lending institutions.
National Sea Grant program
The National Sea Grant College Program under the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides grant funding through a core of 29 Sea Grant colleges and institutions which in turn network with over 200 participating universities and research institutes. Approximately 10% of Sea Grant funding has been allocated to aquaculture projects in the past. Funding is most often dispersed to the research branch of the institution, but a private aquaculturist may submit a proposal requesting funds to research a specific problem through a local Sea Grant college or university. These grants are awarded based on competitive proposals subject to vigorous review. The proposal must follow very specific guidelines. Grants are not provided for start up enterprises or expansion of ongoing aquaculture business.
Eligibility
Universities, colleges, technical schools, institutes, laboratories, public or private corporations, partnerships, individuals, and State or political subdivisions are eligible to apply. Grant money cannot be used for purchase of facilities. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $150,000 with the average grant size at $31,000 or $57,000 with matching funds. One-third of the funds must be matched. Aquaculturists with a research project should contact their local Sea Grant college or university.
B. STATE FUNDING PROGRAMS
In addition to the above Federal programs that are usually administered at the State level, States may have their own local development programs with tax incentives for aquaculture investment. State economic development programs vary in their structure and responsibility. State staff may have expertise in areas of financing, advertising, tax applications, business management, and exporting. While some States are now including an emphasis on aquaculture in their economic development program, the industry is still not well known in other States.
Financial incentives at the State level may include direct loans, loan guarantees, development bonds, grants, and State supported venture capital programs. Maximum loan amounts at the State level are generally less than $1 million. Grants are very rare and usually require ability to provide supplemental financial support. The research should have an emphasis on technology transfer applications and defined benefit to the community. State programs using lottery funds, environmental issues, and minority support programs may all have an application for aquaculture.
Aquaculturists should contact their State office for information on the programs available to them through their State. The name of the contacting office varies by State but may be listed as: State Economic Development Office, State Department of Commerce, Bureau of Business Assistance, or Office of Urban Programs. Contact your State Department of Agriculture or State Department of Natural Resources for the appropriate office in your area. County-level economic development programs may also be available.
C. DIRECTORY OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES
Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 3518, South Building, Washington, DC 20250
Cooperative State Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Aerospace Building, Suite 330, Washington, DC 20250-2200
Competitive Grants Program, c/o Proposal Services Branch, Cooperative State Research Service, Room 303, Aerospace Center, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2200
Directory of Business Development Publications, P.O. Box 15434, Fort Worth, TX 76119
Farmers Home Administration Information Office, U. S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250
National Sea Grant College Program, U. S. Department of Commerce, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR), Small Business Administration, 1441 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20416
D. MINNESOTA STATE PROGRAMS
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking industry applicable research and demonstration proposals for the Minnesota Aquaculture Development Program (MADP). A research grant program, the MADP is designed to support evaluation and development of environmentally and economically sound aquaculture systems for Minnesota. The MADP is not a loan program, nor is it a source for business start-up capital. MADP funds are not meant to be used for capital improvements or acquisition of expensive durable equipment where reasonable lease arrangements can be made for the term of a project. Preference will be given to applications which involve producer and research institution cooperation and those which request less that $30,000 of MADP funds. Requests in excess of $50,000 will most likely not be considered.
Eligibility Requirements
Generally, proposals must meet all of the requirements listed below to be considered for MADP funding.
A. Proposals must contribute to the MADP goal of developing or evaluating environmentally and economically sound aquaculture production systems in Minnesota.
B. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one match in project funding. Matching funds may include in-kind services and equipment, but may not include other state funds.
C. Proposals must benefit, or at least have a strong potential to benefit, Minnesota's aquaculture industry beyond the immediate clientele of the project's activities. All projects must facilitate demonstration of processes and results to present and potential Minnesota aquatic farmers.
D. Proposals must involve a private producer.
Target Areas
The following are target project areas. Broad industry applicability is a desired outcome of all funded projects. Adherence to a target area does not guarantee funding. Conversely, there may be projects funded which do not fall under any of the following categories (not in prioritized order).
A. Develop and demonstrate waste management, treatment, or utilization technology for pond, raceway or other aquaculture application.
Desired outcomes: Encourage waste collection and treatment resulting in less nutrient discharge from farm sites and additional farm income or low disposal cost.
B. Develop and demonstrate practical technology to raise fish in indoor, water re-use systems in Minnesota.
Desired outcomes: Water conservation, waste concentration for convenient treatment, and new economically sound production technology for industry.
C. Develop and demonstrate economical waste heat utilization technology for use in an aquaculture production system.
Desired Outcomes: Reduction of thermal pollution from industrial facilities, utilization of an untapped resource to economically warm fish culture rearing waters.
D. Develop and demonstrate intensive baitfish or sportfish fingerling production system technology.
Desired Outcomes: Decreased reliance on natural pond/lake extensive systems resulting in better quality products, more reliable production, and less competition for natural ponds.
E. Develop and demonstrate economical and efficient feed formulations or feeding strategies for Minnesota cultured fish.
Desired Outcomes: Economical fish production through better feed conversion and improved effluent water quality through higher digestibility of feed ingredients.
Application Procedures
You are encouraged to work with department staff at an early stage in project development to ensure that your proposal meets all MADP requirements. Please contact either Ying Ji at (612) 296-5081 or Brian Erickson at (612) 296-4939 with questions or comments.
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts and the Minnesota Aquaculture Commission (MAC). Factors upon which proposals will be judged include, but are not limited to: 1) expressed understanding of project objectives, 2) project workplan, 3) project cost, and 4) qualifications of both organization and personnel.
Following review, recommendations will be made by the MAC and peer reviewers which will contribute to a final department funding decision. Following funding approval, applicants must enter into a formal agreement with the state. Grantees must also submit quarterly progress reports which document work progress and expenditures as outlined in the workplan, and a final report.
Water Alarm System
Ask yourself the following two questions: 1) If a power outage was to occur, how would I know if the back up generator properly came on line to continue the flow of water to the fish/eggs? 2) If the water flow was interrupted, would the hatchery program suffer? With the high cost of rearing fish and the labor involved, many fish hatchery managers have discovered that to properly address these questions and to ensure the safety of their fish, that a water alarm system is a necessary component to the hatchery facility.
If your fish hatchery receives its water supply from gravity flow or a pumping system, you may find that a water alarm system will alert you to any unexpected water level changes. Depending on your specific program, this alarm can be as simple as the one shown, or something much more complex.
Thanks to the technological advances made in this area, an alarm message can be sent to your home or office telephone line. Like any investment, you must decide if the gain is worth the cost. If your facility is located in an area that experiences frequent power outages and water flow changes, then you may want to consider a water alarm system. If you have already installed a water alarm, this may be a good time to consider if the system should be updated to take full advantage of the newer safeguards now available.
Water Discharge Pipe Stand:
How often have you had to hold onto a water discharge pipe in order to release fish? Fish hatchery workers use a variety of ways to transfer fish from hatchery troughs to ponds or from pond to pond. For those of use with weak backs (but strong minds), an adjustable pipe stand is often useful to support a heavy discharge pipe.
Many hatchery workers have found that 4 inch aluminum irrigation pipes (when properly joined and supported) work well to channel both fish and water to the desired location. To ensure that gravity will deliver the fish safely, you will need to determine the best operating height of each pipe stand. MTAN would also suggest that if you will be using the piping system for an extended period of time, or if the pipe stands need to be over 24 inches high, that you support the base of each stand with a heavy sand bag or cement block.
Funnel Trap:
During the final drawdown of a earthen pond, fish are exposed to a great deal of stress as they enter the kettle area. The three stressor's which are the most harmful during this period are: decreased oxygen, increased turbidity and higher water temperatures. Any one of these can result in increased mortality rates during the harvesting process. If two or more factors join together, then a substantial increase in fish mortality will often result. To ensure that you will have not only more fish to release but also stronger fish, you will need to continually evaluate your harvesting procedures to eliminate any weak links in the program.
One possible solution to limit the extent of this problem is to use a screened funnel trap to pre-collect fish as they migrate into the catch basin. This technique has been found to reduce the harvesting mortality rate because you can gradually crop off the fish as they move into the trap.
The technique is very simple. As the pond nears the half way point in its drawdown, the funnel trap is positioned in front of the kettle screen. As fish begin to move away from the shallow areas of the pond they inturn move into the deeper kettle area and eventually find themselves caught in the funnel trap. As the pond continues to drain (often taking several hours) you can position yourself in the kettle and begin to collect those fish captured inside the trap (the trap is open at the top to allow easy netting of the fish).
Depending on the number of fish to be removed, you may want to make 2 trips to the kettle during the drawdown process. Once the water level has reached the bottom third of the trap you may want to remove the device and begin to harvest the remainder of the fish in the normal manner. Often this technique will result in the pre-collection of 50-75% of your fish.
By pre-collecting your fish in this manner, you will not only have more fish to release, but also fish which are stronger and better able to survive the introduction into their new home.
Automatic Fish Crowder for Raceways:
Dale Bast (Iron River NFH) submitted this idea for a automatic crowding device for cement style raceways. When crowding fish down a raceway, often increased fish mortality results from the crowder pushing against the pond walls. This automatic crowder is designed to allow some fish to escape past the sides of the pond as the crowder is slowly pushed downward by the incoming water. Once the device has reached the bottom area of the raceway, another (more secure fitting) crowder is wedged behind the fish and then the automatic crowder is removed. Once the fish from the first crowding are removed, the raceway is again re-crowded by hand. But this time far less fish are exposed to the mechanical stress of the manual style of fish crowding. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Bast at 715-372-8510.
The function and dimensions of the automatic fish crowder are as follows: Section A. This is the bottom of the crowder. One inch less than minimum raceway width. Section B. The height of the crowder should be above the water line, but less then the total depth of the raceway wall. Section C. This is the portion which rests on top of the water line and in front of the crowder as it is pushed downward. The support rail keeps the crowder upright (between the pond walls) plus acts as a brace once the device reaches the bottom end of the raceway. In this way the fish will not be "over crowded". The length of the support pipe should be equal to the water depth of the raceway, plus 6 inches. Section D. The fibercloth (PVC plastic or window screen) should be cut to allow 3" of extra material on each side. This will allow for a good water seal on each side of the crowder.
Materials Needed:
36 feet of 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC pipe.
6 - 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC elbows.
2 - 1 and 1/2" schedule 40 PVC tees.
PVC primer and glue plus fibercloth (30"x102")
Sheet metal screws to attach cloth to crowder frame.
Low Oxygen:
Just because you measure little or no oxygen in your un-drainable ponds prior to ice-out and see fish corpses after ice-out, doesn't necessarily mean your pond experienced a complete winter kill of last year's unharvested fingerlings. St. Croix Tribal biologist has reported the loss of all the 1993 hatch to 1992's left-overs.
Rotenone:
Aurum Aquaculture Ltd., Rt. 1, Box 1-H, Leland, MS 38756. The phone is 800-817-5808. Ask for Betty Mitchell.
Pipe Hangers:
Do you have a problem with steel bolts and structural supports corroding? If so, then a company called "Steelfree" may have the solution. The company manufactures high-strength fiberglass materials that can't rust or conduct electricity, because they contain no metal. According to the information provided to MTAN, the products are engineered to perform and install similarly to traditional steel supports and fasteners. Such a product should be ideal in corrosive environments like high humidity fish rearing areas. To be included on a product mailing list, call 1-800-869-9649.
If you are interested in purchasing aquaculture related supplies you may wish to add Aurum Aquaculture Ltd (AAL) to your mailing list. The company offers such things as chemicals, specialty feeds, aquaculture related equipment and books. For a product listing manual write to AAL, Rt.1 H, Leland, MS 38756, or call 800-817-5808.
Jason Mills Inc. (JMI) has been manufacturing mesh and net fabrics for 16 years. They have recently become more active in aquaculture applications. They now have the ability to supply fabrics using nylon, polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene meshes. They also have a cut and sew department which allows they to construct specialty types of mesh and net items. For more information write to JMI at 220 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ 07675-3601, or call 201-358-6500.
Product and company names mentioned in this publication are for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement by the MTAN or the U.S. Government. |
