Most do not think of raising fish when they think of farming. However, there is a need for fish farms. Farm-raised fish are preferred over many wild-caught fish because the fish are healthier. The fish on a farm receive regular monitoring and feeding. They are much more likely to be free of disease than fish in rivers and oceans.

Some fish farms are fish hatcheries where one raises and sells baby fish. Other fish farms raise fish for catching and eating. Some raise fish for the entertainment and visual pleasure of watching. Consider the following when examining the fish basics:

1. People raise and sell both fresh water fish and saltwater fish for their meat.

2. Some raise and sell colorful tropical fish for aquariums.

3. People sell baby fish to stock ponds.

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Raise fish for the meat they produce

People eat several different varieties of fish. While some people catch these fish in the wild, most come from a fish farm. Farmers raise freshwater fish and saltwater fish. Catfish, Talbot, and salmon are among the varieties they sell to fish markets and stores. These fish farmers typically raise the fish to a particular size and then sell them to fish processing plants or fresh fish markets. Eating farm-raised fish has gained popularity because the fish are safer to eat and often cheaper.

I recommend: Learn more about fish farming from Virginia Tech. Time offers an article that discusses the dangers of beginning a fish farm.

Begin a fish hatchery

Fish sold from a fish hatchery are not large enough to eat. People buy these fish by the hundreds and use them to stock ponds. Some fish go to private ponds built by avid fishermen. In other cases, local or state park officials buy these baby fish from a fresh fish hatchery to begin raising fish for park visitors. If you're considering a hatchery, some fish farms sell larger fish for meat and also have a fish hatchery department on the side.

I recommend: Look more into fish hatcheries at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serivce. Learn about fish hatcheries in Michigan.

Consider selling fish for entertainment purposes

Some fish are very bright and colorful, and many find it relaxing to sit and watch them swim. Fish sold for this purpose are usually smaller and raised in containers. For this type of fish farming you will need aquariums and small garden ponds. Unless you sell fish wholesale for resale at places such as pet stores, most purchase these fish in smaller quantities. These fish include tropical fish such as guppies and betas. People also sell novelty garden pond fish such as fantail goldfish and Koi. Koi are very valuable, and you can get a good return for your investment.

I recommend: Learn details of setting up tropical fish farms from the Aquaculture Network Information Center. Gain information about raising Koi fish from Bretts Fish Farm.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Different types of fish require different equipment and care. Closely examine all of the maintenance and supplies needed for each type of fish before making your decision about which type of farm to begin.

Fish producers in today's market must run fish farms without antibiotics or chemicals, all while increasing total production. For the traditional fish producer, that means significant procedural changes to ensure stock that remains healthy and parasite-free. It may mean finding a new feed source, or even a new fish stock supplier. If you're just starting out, it means partnering with suppliers and equipment manufacturers who understand the industry's growing demand for healthier consumer-bound fish and environmentally friendly fish farming practices.

Whether you're looking into fish farming for the first time, or you've already begun production and are looking to improve farming practices and stock health, remember the following pointers:

1. Partner with a fish hatchery to eliminate the work-intensive and ultra-scientific first stage of fish farming.

2. Work closely with a veterinarian who has experience with tropical fish farms if you're raising ornamental fish.

3. Research the latest green methods of raising freshwater fish or saltwater fish for increased school health and productivity.

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Buy fish farm equipment, and consult design experts to streamline production

Purchase fish farm supplies to suit your farm's existing design, or consult design specialists to increase efficiency and environmentally conscious practices. Aquaculture design consultants can help you redesign your farm and can even build it for you. If you're into DIY, though, there are plenty of companies that will supply you with the plans and tools to implement changes yourself.

I recommend: Contact Ecoplan consultants for help implementing an aquaponics plant crop program at your fish farm. Buy or build your own biofilter with the help of experts at Global Aquatics. Or, use aquaculture plantings to filter your ponds naturally with products from Western Outdoor Aquatics.

Find a fish hatchery to stock game fishing ponds and fish farms

Most fish hatcheries will ship anywhere in the continental United States and will inspect and treat the fry being shipped to ensure health and viability.

I recommend: Contact Lochow Ranch to stock your farm pond or fish farm with bass, trout, sunfish, catfish and forage fish in a variety of sizes. Or, hire the ranch for stocking consulting or fingerling transportation services. Use the Dunn's Fish Farm pond size calculator to determine your pond's ideal stocking rates before you order.

Find a fish farm for sale in your area

Make a fresh start with fresh fish farming in a new location. Find an operational fish farm in your desired area with fishery experts on your real estate team.

I recommend: Contact Fisheries Technology Associates, Inc., to help you find or evaluate a fish farm for sale in your area. Search for nationwide listings in the classifieds section of Aquaculture Magazine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create a complete ecosystem for your tilapia fish farm using hydroponic herbs to supply oxygen, food and natural water purification. Sell your herb crops to local restaurants for some extra income.

Tropical fish farms and freshwater fish farms represent an important part of this country's commerce, considering society’s love of fish meat, their necessity to stock ponds and lakes and the enjoyment that comes from creating attractive fish aquariums. Whether a person wants to purchase a fish farm or they want to create and open their own fish farm, it is important for them to have a solid foundation when it comes to fish education and training.

To properly run fish hatcheries, whether the individual wants to raise saltwater fish or take part in fresh fish farming, there is a necessary degree of knowledge. It is important for these businesspeople to:

1. Learn of the appropriate college degree to assist in opening fish hatcheries and fish farming.

2. Know how to select the heartiest, most economical fish to raise in a fish hatchery in a particular climate or region. For example, it's more difficult to raise tropical fish in a temperate region and it is important to be educated about these types of fish farming concerns.

3. Have additional and supplemental knowledge with respect to topics and experiences related to fish farms.

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Investigate college or technical school degrees that can help with the establishment of fish farming

There are some college courses that can offer individuals the knowledge base for properly establishing fish farms. Some of the most popular courses and degrees include aquaculture, biology and agriculture.

I recommend: Universities.com offers information on earning an Associates Degree in Aquaculture, as well as a list of links to institutions which offer this type of degree. Hocking College offers a specific program for individuals who want to be fish farmers. For those wishing to have an education that crosses international boundaries, Sparsholt in England offers an educational program for sport fisheries and aquaculture.

Choose the best fish to raise in particular regions, as well as according to individual skill level

It is important to be educated on what types of fish farms are available to entrepreneurs and businesspersons. For example, there are saltwater fish farms as well as fresh fish hatchery options.

I recommend: Virginia Tech offers information in brochure form on their website for deciding between freshwater fish and their farming options. The University of Florida offers information on options for saltwater fish farming and making a social and economical transition from freshwater fish farming, which is very popular, to saltwater.

Supplement knowledge on fish farms with business experience and knowledge

Fish farming is a very specialized business. As a result, it is essential for individuals to understand how to accomplish successful fish farming from a business perspective as well as a biological and aquaculture perspective.

I recommend: Envirovaluation.org suggests specific costs to consider such as feeding, operational and capital costs and trends in the industry, while SoyAqya.com discusses how to handle and what to expect in the management and the latest technologies involved in pond fish farming.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that you'll need a variety of fish farm equipment and fish farm supplies to start or manage a freshwater fish farm pr tropical fish farm. If startup capital is a concern, remember to take into consideration the amount and price of specific equipment necessary for each type of fish farm. For example, tropical fish need a specific water temperature and level of salinity. Freshwater fish often enjoy a greater range of temperature possibilities, so fish farmers of freshwater fish may not need to invest in as much aquarium salt or water heaters.

Fish can be raised in many different ways. Fish farms and hatcheries raise fish on a large scale to either sell or release. Newer technologies raise fish in cages in their natural environment. Hobbyists care for fish in large or small tanks or in outdoor ponds.

If fish are kept in enclosed spaces or tanks, they need special equipment to maintain the water and keep them healthy. Breeders need biofilters, aerators and other supplies to add oxygen to the water, clean out wastes, maintain the temperature and replicate the fishes' natural environment.

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Aquaponics

With the emphasis on organic foods, aquaponics is growing in popularity. Aquaponics combines hydroponics (growing vegetables without soil) and aquaculture. When fish are raised with the vegetables, their waste naturally fertilizes the plants. At the same time, the fish benefit because the plants filter the water.

I recommend: Nelson and Pade discuss the advantages of aquaponics.

Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT)

In Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT), a submerged mooring grid holds cages in place underwater. The fish stay in their natural environment, but are confined by the cages. A variety of cages are used to accommodate different types of fish.

I recommend: The Atlantic Marine Aquaculture Center explains Ocean Cage Aquaculture Technology (OCAT) and shows pictures of some of the different cages.

Fish hatcheries

Fish hatcheries breed and raise fish in an enclosed area. When the fish are grown, the hatcheries may sell the fish either for tanks or for food. Other times, they are used to stock lakes or streams in the wild.

I recommend: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides highlights of some of the hatcheries throughout the United States. Links at the bottom of the page also showcase other hatcheries.

Biofilters

Biofilters convert ammonia to nitrate in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The ammonia comes from the fishes' gills and from organic matter that is decomposing. It needs to be removed from the water to keep the fish healthy.

I recommend: L.S. Enterprises answers several questions about biofilters.

Aeration and aerators

Fish that live in the wild draw their oxygen from the large lake or stream surface, but fish that are kept in tanks or enclosed spaces cannot get enough oxygen. They depend on aeration. Aerators pump oxygen into the water to keep the fish alive.

I recommend: For information on aeration and aerators, see forum.aqua-fish.net.

Soybean meal

Because it is renewable and easy for fish to digest, the U.S. Soybean Export Council recommends using soybean meal to feed fish. One of soy's major advantages is that it grows quickly and is readily available in many countries around the world.

I recommend: The U.S. Soybean Export Council lists the benefits of soybean.