What is the article about?

Pond fish farming as a business is not the easiest thing to do, but it has a good profitability.

• Fish farming methods
• What is the best fish to grow?
• Fish distribution channels
• Influence of seasonality on payback and financial results

Russia is a country rich in natural resources. It ranks second after Brazil in terms of water reserves. A large number of reservoirs with fresh water allows for fish farming. This type of agriculture is currently underdeveloped among modern entrepreneurs, largely due to serious competition with foreign fish suppliers.

From the point of view of profitability, fish farming in a pond allows you to get about 20% of the net profit. This business can be done both in the southern and northern regions of the country. More preferable is the Krasnodar Territory zone.

In this article, we will consider the features of fish farming in a pond, find out why this particular breeding format is the most preferable, calculate the profitability, study cultivation technologies, information on feeding.

Fish farming methods

There are 2 directions of fish farming - in artificial and natural reservoirs. The latter option is rather difficult to implement due to serious administrative barriers. Renting a pond is not easy. It will take time to collect papers, carry out approvals. And you can get the right to rent a specific reservoir only after winning a competitive bidding.

If an entrepreneur does not want to engage in all this paperwork, then he can independently create an artificial reservoir for keeping fish. Today it is grown in one of the following ways:

• in ponds (allows you to grow a large number of fish, including different types, is distinguished by a high level of profit and lower cash costs);
• in swimming pools;
• cage breeding (usually this method is used for breeding large individuals);
• breeding in barrels and tubs (almost always does not imply the possibility of making a large profit).

Businessmen who have decided to seriously engage in fish farming stop at raising fish in a pond. This is the most promising and profitable method.

What is the best fish to grow?

Before choosing a place to breed fish, you need to decide what kind of fish to breed. The most demanded in the sales market today are:

• trout;
• carp.

The ideal option is to grow fish of these two varieties at once. But it is only available if you have a fairly substantial initial capital. If this is not possible, then the following features should be taken into account:

As you can see, both breeding formats have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the breeder must make the final decision on his own, assessing the level of his knowledge, start-up capital and responsibility.

Choosing a place for fish farming

Surely even novice fish breeders know that the rate of increase in the number and mass of individuals, as well as their health, depends on the level of water temperature and its acidity. It is rather difficult to assess these factors on your own, so it is better to use the services of a specialist who can give a fish-biological justification at the end of his work.

The choice of location directly depends on the type of fish. For example, trout feels best at temperatures from 16 0 C to 19 0 C. It is better to keep it in a reservoir with a depth of at least 15 meters.

But carp is more thermophilic. It must be kept at a temperature of 24 0 C - 25 0 C. They do not require great depth. One and a half meters will be enough.

It is better to breed any fish in a drainage pond, so it will be much easier to collect individuals for further sale.

Features of fish farming in a pond

If the entrepreneur has already decided that he will breed fish in the pond, then he has a few more unresolved questions. He must:

• choose a growing method;
• properly equip the reservoir;
• purchase the necessary inventory;
• develop a food system in accordance with the recommendations of more experienced businessmen in this field.

The growth rate and further productivity of adults will depend on the amount of food, the correctly selected climatic zone and the quality of water.

Fish farming method

The growth rate of fish depends on the conditions and place of residence. If it is contained in a pond, then it takes about 1.5-2 years to grow. This is how long it takes a fish to reach a significant mass. To breed individuals in a pond, you can use one of the following methods:

1. extensive (fish eats food from a reservoir, no additional additives are used) - almost does not require current investments from a businessman;
2. intensive (reclamation of the reservoir is carried out to enrich the feed, additionally purchased feed is used) - requires more investments than in the first method, but allows you to increase the growth rate.

In addition to methods, there are also several technologies for growing fish: traditional and continuous.

The traditional format consists of a 2 to 3 year growing cycle. This technology is used for breeding exclusively herbivorous fish. This technique is not so common today, as it takes a long time. It consists of several stages, ending with the release of water from the pond. In this case, it is necessary to use several types of ponds - wintering, feeding, fry. During the transfer of fish, their high mortality is observed.

Increasingly, fish breeders today are using continuous technology as it is much easier to apply. According to this method, young animals are raised separately, and then planted in a feeding pond for their further growth and reproduction.

Features of the selection of a site for creating a pond

Fish farming is possible not only outside the city, but also within it, provided that you have your own large plot. The presence of plants in the pond is a must. In no case should there be peat and silt at the bottom. It is important to make sure in advance that the reservoir is suitable specifically for growing and incubation, and not just keeping individuals.

The decorative elements of the pond can be chosen at your discretion, but during the construction, you should take into account the following tips from more experienced entrepreneurs engaged in fish farming:

• the most suitable pond volume is from 30 to 50 m 2, a smaller pond will need to be carefully monitored, and a larger pond will result in serious costs;
• you need to place a pond in a low-lying area;
• there must be a shade so that the fish can take refuge in it during the hot season;
• it is better not to make a flat bottom, but to make areas with thresholds, ledges;
• each type of fish requires the creation of a reservoir with different types of soil.

What equipment is required?

When breeding fish in an artificial pond, it will not do without special equipment. An entrepreneur will need:

• gravity filter (will filter water, easy and convenient to use);
• compressor (will saturate the water with oxygen);
• ultraviolet sterilizer (will not allow the reservoir to bloom).

In addition, other devices may be needed, here everything will already depend on the type of fish being grown.

Diet

One of the most important factors in fast growth is proper feeding of the fish. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on the species grown, because each variety has its own food preferences, it grows to a certain size. Of course, much depends on the conditions of detention. If a businessman wants to accelerate the growth of individuals, then it is worth adding protein-rich feed to the food.

Fish do not require a lot of food. So, to increase the mass by 1 kilogram, the diet must have a value of at least 4,500 kcal.

It is important to monitor the amount of amino acids in food, as it is they that induce appetite and directly affect the rate of mass gain. It also prevents many diseases in fish, especially fry.

A healthy diet must also include:

• vegetable and animal fats;
• fiber (the amount of its consumption depends on the type of farmed fish, the minimum amount is 20%, for some species this value may be higher);
• biologically active substances (these can be enzymes or premixes);
• cereals (for example, you can add bran to the feed, they will be an excellent source of carbohydrates);
• vitamin B;
• meat products (special flour, low-fat dairy products).

Such a balanced diet will allow the fish to grow quickly and maintain their health and reproduction.

Disease as a cause of high fish mortality

Sometimes entrepreneurs underestimate the impact of disease on reproduction rates and mortality rates. But when breeding fish in a pond, the risk of disease is very high. That is why it is necessary to check the condition of individuals at least once every 10 days. Freshwater fish most often suffer from the following diseases:

Name of the disease	Symptoms of the disease
Rubella	Bulging of the eyes, the skin is inflamed, dropsy begins, minor hemorrhages appear.
Gill rot	Dying off of the edges of the gill tissue, pallor of the gills. Large individuals refuse to eat, become inactive.
Discocotiliasis	The gill tissue is injured. The disease is especially dangerous for young animals.
Ichthyophthyroidism	White bumps appear on the body.
Dactylogyrosis	Decreased level of activity, exhaustion, anemia of the gills, drooping eyes. Usually manifests itself during the hot season. Young individuals are most susceptible to this disease.

Fish distribution channels

Farmed fish are fairly easy to sell. Most often, entrepreneurs use the following sales channels:

• fish shops and kiosks;
• supermarkets and small shops;
• restaurants;
• sale to local residents;
• Internet trade.

To be eligible to sell fish, you must register officially. It is better to choose the unified agricultural tax as a form of tax.

Influence of the seasonality of a business on its payback and financial results

Pond fish farming is a seasonal business. The peak of growth activity occurs in the spring and summer. But even in winter, individuals need to be looked after: feed them, make holes on the ice. Fish are usually sold in the autumn.

The cost per kilogram of fish will depend on the season of sale. The lowest prices will be in September, October and November. But in the remaining months, the cost will be slightly higher, which will allow you to get a higher profit for the sale of the same amount of fish.

It is the seasonality in this area of ​​entrepreneurship that is its main drawback, which negatively affects the development of individual farms. Real income is possible for only 3-4 months. All other periods of time will need to be invested.

So that the enterprise does not turn out to be unprofitable, it is necessary to think over all the nuances in advance, draw up a detailed business plan with accurate calculations. We must not forget that the level of competition in this area is very high, so working in the fishing industry is worth those who are confident in their abilities and are ready to work for the result.

Due to the presence of seasonality, it will not be possible to return your investments quickly. The payback period can reach 6-12 months. And without special knowledge in the fishing industry, you can even go to the minus.

The main cost items will be:

• purchase of fry;
• purchase of feed and all kinds of additives to them;
• purchase of special equipment;
• costs for the arrangement of the pond and its maintenance.

It is possible to hope for high incomes only in the case of proper maintenance and care of fish, a constant increase in their number. This format of entrepreneurship requires special attention from a businessman or hired staff.

By organizing fish farming in a pond, pool or cage method, the owner can sell an environmentally friendly product to the market at a high cost, and the suitable climate of our country and the growing demand for carp and trout make this business profitable and very profitable in all regions.

The products of the world's oceans have been competing with livestock products for many millennia. Many treatises have been written about the benefits of these products. The World Health Organization recommends eating fish at least 2 times a day. The content of specific fatty acids (Omega-3) in it has a positive effect on the functioning of the brain and heart. Vitamin D is essential for proper bone growth. The consumption of salmon, trout and mackerel is very important for the normal development of the fetus and is recommended for pregnant women and children. Fish farming in Russia is a fairly relevant line of business and is constantly evolving.

Fish farming methods in artificial conditions

Business should be fun. Fish farming is best associated with relaxation and can bring a lot of pleasant emotions. Moreover, it is quite a lucrative and uncomplicated process. The arrangement of your farm does not require large investments, and the economic effect is quite tangible, and with proper housekeeping, you can get regular profits and an environmentally friendly product to your table. The demand for typical river inhabitants, be it sturgeon or trout, is constantly growing in Russia. A huge number of ponds, lakes and reservoirs, as well as the climate in our country make it possible to successfully engage in this type of activity in almost all regions. Artificial fish farming was practiced in ancient times. Currently, this method has reached high development and provides for implementation in the following conditions:

1. In the pool.
2. In the pond.
3. Cage method.

The guarantee of success in this case will be the preparation of a detailed business plan, taking into account many risk factors.

Features of breeding in artificial pools

The advantageous quality of fish reproduction in artificial pools is that it can be positioned absolutely anywhere. This can be a garden or another part of the infield. Another positive point is the ability to choose the volume, material and shape of the tank. Such tanks are very durable, as they are made of fiberglass, metal or reinforced concrete structures. They require minor maintenance work and do not need very frequent cleaning activities. If desired, you can order pools of any shape, which will allow you to install it based on the availability of free space. As a rule, the walls of the tank, made of various types of plastic, have a smooth surface, which prevents their significant contamination, reduces the cost of water treatment and the likelihood of a fish epidemic. The ability to artificially regulate the temperature and hydrochemical regimes makes it possible to use reservoirs of this type all year round.

The installation of a closed water exchange, as the most advanced method of growing in artificial conditions, allows you to achieve complete mechanization and automation of processes. For the reproduction of fry in this way, it is best to choose gourmet varieties (sturgeon or salmon), since the installation of expensive cleaning and water exchange equipment increases costs by about 1.5 times. The saturation of the planting in such an environment is calculated based on the rate of water purification and its circulation. The fish productivity rate is from 20 to 100 kg per 1 m3. The method is simple, but there are typical mistakes when starting it.

Common misconceptions of novice fish farmers

Features of breeding in a pond

This option is one of the least risky and is suitable for beginners. The minimum monetary threshold and the ability to use natural reservoirs without additional spending will allow you to get positive developments. On the territories of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, you can easily find a suitable pond or backwater. There is an option with using your own artificial pond, which will force you to make additional investments in earthworks and has a certain risk associated with a lack of groundwater and critical shallowing of the pond. Also, in order to get a good profitability, you need a pond with an area of ​​at least 1 hectare.

Cage method

Assumes a combined approach to reproduction. It has both positives. So are the negative qualities. Natural waters with certain instrumental support are used. To implement the method, you need to purchase or build your own floating cage and stock it with fry. Cage lines are installed in lakes, river backwaters or reservoirs. The latter method, provided that the environment is heated, makes it possible to obtain population growth all year round. The main advantages of a cage farm:

1. Small area. Allows for better protection of cages and simplifies fishing.
2. Possibility of implementation all year round. Most companies have a seasonal sales vector. This advantage will increase your profits.
3. You can use all types of pond, even for complex purposes.

What kind to grow?

Before starting a project, you should ask yourself what kind of fish you are ready to supply to store shelves. The main varieties for sale are carp and trout. Breeding, feeding and care methods are somewhat different. Carp is a very unpretentious variety that can be placed in many types of water and use less specialized feed. There is a lot of information about the features of technology on the Internet and specialized manuals. Growing trout fry is a somewhat more laborious process. You need to have basic experience in fish farming and special education. This variety is extremely picky about the place of keeping and conditions.

Carp breeding technology

This representative of the marine fauna occupies a leading position in this segment of the freshwater aquaculture market. For the growth of fry of this species, artificial reservoirs, ponds and the cage method can be used. The following breeds are grown:

1. Scaly.
2. Mirror.
3. Linear.
4. Naked.
5. Ukrainian frame.

It is possible to cultivate carp in monoculture with various other species, including carp breeds. There are three systems of reproduction:

1. Extensive.
2. Semi-intensive.
3. Intense.

The extensive environment involves feeding carp with natural derivatives of the bottom fauna and zooplankton. The method is distinguished by a small increase per unit area (from 200 to 650 kg). The advantage is low feed costs and costs.

The semi-intensive method consists in drawing up the diet in such a way that it contains more artificial feed, which is produced in significant quantities by the agro-industrial complex. The lack of calories in the diet is leveled with the help of carbohydrate-type food additives (various types of cereals). With the right selection of the ration, productivity reaches the level of 650 to 1400 kg per hectare. A clear advantage of this system is the ability to correct food energy deficiencies through supplementation.

The intensive system provides for the transfer of the entire generation to a complex feed that contains protein in high concentrations (up to 40%). The high value of nutrition leads to a large planting of the growth area, which requires additional aeration, if the norms are not observed, there is a risk of death of the offspring. The efficiency of this system makes it possible to receive from 5 to 20 tons per hectare of water area. A positive feature is the maximum utilization of water areas. However, there is also a significant risk of infection and epidemics.

Trout breeding technology

There are more than a dozen species of trout in the world's oceans. Two main ones are most suitable for industrial reproduction:

1. Brown trout.
2. Rainbow trout.

The first species grows in the waters of the Azov, Black, White and Caspian Seas. It has good taste and is one of the most valuable types of fish. It lives exclusively in cold conditions and requires a fairly high aeration. The rainbow trout grows in North America. It can live not only in cold streams, but also in warm rivers. Has excellent growth ability.

The cage method and the pond culture method are suitable for reproduction. However, trout does not breed in ponds and artificial insemination has to be used. You should adhere to the temperature regime from 4 to 18 ° C. It takes about 2 years to grow an adult ready for sale.

How much can you earn?

The expenditure and revenue side of the project will vary with the scale of production. The cost of carp fry varies from 60 to 120 rubles per kilogram. The minimum price of compound feed for him is 7-8 rubles. An adult is sold at 100-130 rubles per 1 kg. For example, you can take the average values ​​of the main points when growing carp. With the most conservative calculations with minimal volumes of the final product, the cost part looks like this:

1. Malek - 5200 rubles.
2. Personnel - 15150 rubles.
3. Food - 3350 rubles.
4. Other - 9350 rubles.

The regressive part of the accounting will be 30,050 rubles.

With a total profitability of 50,000 rubles, the net profit will be 19,950 rubles. A multiple increase in parameters will lead to lower costs and higher profits. The profitability with the correct organization of the process can reach 40%.

Examples of successful "fish" business

Large holdings with a wide network of export links are engaged in the successful cultivation of fish on an industrial scale in Russia. However, small and medium-sized fish farms, which are successfully increasing production in Russia (OOO Arskiy Rybkhoz, OOO Vyvenskoye, OOO Nazarovskoe rybnoe hozyajstvo), deserve great attention. Such companies are an excellent example of a verified technological and financial basis for fish farming.

By placing suitable fish species in an artificial reservoir, you will always have access to fish delicacies and meat. How to breed fish in a home pond correctly - read in this article.

When planning fish farming in a pond on a personal plot, you need to choose the right type of fish, focusing on financial capabilities, features of the reservoir and water characteristics. In addition, it is important to take into account the water temperature and climatic conditions of the region. Today we will give the characteristics of the most common types of fish and talk about the features of their cultivation.

What is the best fish to breed in a small pond

Choosing the type of fish, first of all, they are guided by the climatic zone in which the backyard is located. For example, species adapted for breeding in southern regions are not suitable for northern latitudes and vice versa. In addition, the quality of the water and the intensity of the water supply must be considered.

Below are the main characteristics of common breeding species. These tips will help you determine which fish is best to breed in your small home pond.

Fish breeds

When choosing which fish to breed in a pond, be sure to familiarize yourself with the most common breeds of aquatic pets, the peculiarities of their cultivation and the main characteristics.

To help you choose which breed is best to breed in a large and small pond, we provide detailed descriptions of the most popular breeds.

Possesses many useful economic qualities and is bred in many farms. This is one of the most unpretentious freshwater species: it easily tolerates changes in feed and chemical composition of water.

Carp are thermophilic, so the optimal temperature for growth and reproduction is in the range of 18-30 degrees. The period of onset of puberty also depends on the temperature regime. In temperate and cold climates, sexual maturity occurs at 4-5 years, and in southern latitudes - at the second or third. It is noteworthy that males mature earlier than females. However, if the carp is provided with a consistently high temperature, sexual maturity can occur at one year of age (Figure 1).

Note: Fecundity of females is very high, but it depends on the conditions of keeping. As a rule, spawning takes place near the coast, and the optimal water temperature is 17-20 degrees.

The larvae hatch and begin to actively feed within 3-6 days after spawning. To feed the larvae, you need to use small plankton (daphnia, rotifers, cyclops), and with age they gradually switch to bloodworms or mollusks, but willingly eat food of plant origin.

Carp grows quite quickly, and at the age of three years, its weight exceeds 1 kg, but in good conditions, carp can reach a weight of 2 kg.

Figure 1. Carp: adults and fry

There are several types of carp, which differ in the type of scales: scaly, mirrored scattered, mirrored linear and leathery (naked). The first two types are suitable for breeding in temperate climates, but regardless of the type, carp will grow well in a shallow warm reservoir with a weak current.

• Golden crucian carp

Small fish without antennae, with copper-red sides (Figure 2). It is best grown in stagnant bodies of water with a muddy bottom. Golden crucian carp is unpretentious to growing conditions, and normally tolerates increased acidity of water or a reduced oxygen content. Sexual maturity occurs at two to four years, and spawning occurs in several stages with an interval of two weeks.

Figure 2. Gold and goldfish

Golden crucian carp feeds on small plankton and aquatic vegetation, and the weight of an adult can reach 3 kg, but more often it is caught after reaching a weight of 0.5 kg. The value of the golden carp is also in the fact that it can be grown in any water body and crossed with other species (for example, with carp or goldfish). Hybrids have high vitality and undemanding nutritional and maintenance conditions.

• Goldfish

Unlike the golden crucian carp with a round body, this species has angular shapes, and the body is covered with large silvery scales (Figure 2). Like the species described above, the goldfish is undemanding to keeping conditions, and can eat both animal and plant foods, but it reaches the required weight much faster.

Note: The goldfish has an unusual biological feature. In cold and temperate climates, the number of males and females in spawning is approximately the same, and in other areas, only females are in the offspring, which reproduce by crossing with other species (carp, tench, goldfish).

Goldfish is excellent for growing in reservoirs with an unfavorable chemical composition of water.

• White amur

It is a large breed that grows rapidly. The motherland of grass carp is the rivers of the Far East and China, and in the European part of Russia it began to be grown only in the middle of the twentieth century.

The body of a white carp can reach 1 meter, covered with large scales. The weight is 40-50 kg. It feeds mainly on plant foods, giving preference to young plants, but adults can also eat hard reeds or cattails. In addition, they can feed on terrestrial vegetation that has fallen into the reservoir (clover, cereals, alfalfa).

The rate of growth and puberty depends on the temperature of the water. In southern areas with consistently high temperatures, grass carp grows year-round, but if the temperature drops below 10 degrees, the individual stops feeding and growing.

Note: The ability of grass carp to eat large amounts of plant food allows it to be used as a purifier for overgrown reservoirs.

Sexual maturity occurs at seven to eight years (in males) and at eight to nine (in females). The timing of its onset depends not only on temperature, but also on the food supply. Under natural conditions, spawning takes place in the beds of large rivers with a fast current, and under artificial growing conditions - directly into the water column. Hatching of larvae occurs in about a day, but in artificial reservoirs this process can be controlled by changing the temperature of the water.

• Black carp

In the region of distribution and body shape, black carp is similar to white, but its body is covered with large black scales. Under favorable growing conditions, the weight of an adult can reach 55 kg. Unlike grass carp, black carp feeds on mollusks, and larvae feed on zooplankton.

Figure 3. Types of grass carp: 1 - white, 2 - grass carp, 3 - black

• Silver carp

A characteristic feature is a large head with low-set eyes. Silver carps grow quickly, and the weight of an adult can reach 50 kg.

Figure 4. Silver carp: 1 - white, 2 - variegated, 3 - fry

The silver carp and the silver carp differ in some external features (Figure 4). The variegated has a larger head, and the scales are silvery, with brown spots on the sides. In silver carp, the scales are also silvery, but they do not have spots. In addition, they differ in the structure of the filtration apparatus: in the variegated gill rakers are long and frequent, while in the white they grow together, forming a network for filtering algae and small plankton. These differences can be determined only at the age of 3-5 years, when the individual reaches a sufficiently large size.

The silver carp feeds on various types of algae, but does not perceive artificial feed. The exception is the silver carp, which can also eat artificial feed.

Note: The silver carp also consumes animal plankton, so it should not be grown together with carp, so that there is no food competition in the reservoir.

Sexual maturity occurs earlier in the silver carp (at three to seven years), and the variegated one becomes mature at four to eight years (depending on the region of cultivation). Modern breeders have developed a hybrid of these two species, which is fast growing and can eat both plant and animal food.

• Buffalo

It is found naturally in America. It is a large breed that looks like a carp and grows quickly. There are several types of buffalo, which differ in size and weight of adults: largemouth (up to 45 kg), smallmouth (15-18 kg) and black (up to 7 kg). In addition, they differ in the structure of the filtration apparatus and the type of food, but mainly eat plankton, although compound feed can also be used for cultivation.

Figure 5. Appearance of the Buffalo breed

• Channel catfish

A large individual, the weight of which can reach 30 kg. Channel catfish were originally grown in the United States, but later they spread throughout the world. Catfish is thermophilic, and the optimal temperature for growth is 25-30 degrees, but channel catfish successfully endures winter even in reservoirs covered with a layer of ice. However, it is picky about the oxygen content in the water.

Channel catfish is omnivorous, can feed on plankton, small molluscs and small fish. Sexual maturity occurs at 5-8 years, and spawning occurs in summer, when the water temperature reaches 20-22 degrees, but for the larvae to bite, the temperature must be higher (up to 30 degrees).

In temperate climates, channel catfish are grown primarily in cages placed in temperature-controlled reservoirs. Catfish grows quickly, and its meat has a high gastronomic value, but for this it is necessary to feed it with high-quality protein and fortified feed (slaughterhouse waste or minced fish mixed with mixed feed).

• Trout

It is a carnivore that lives in the fresh waters of North America. The diet depends on the age of the individual. Fry feed on algae or zooplankton, while adults feed on shellfish, tadpoles, small fish and insects. With a lack of feed, cannibalism can begin, therefore, when growing a trout-fish, you need to make sure that the individuals have enough feed, and the fry must be separated from the adults. Figure 6 shows you what a trout snapper looks like.

Figure 6. Species for breeding in the pond: 1 - channel catfish, 2 and 3 - trout fish

Sexual maturity occurs in the first or third year of life (depending on the temperature regime). Spawning begins when the water temperature reaches 18 degrees. To lay eggs, the male digs a small nest in dense ground, and after the female has laid eggs, the male guards the nest for several weeks.

Trout snapper grows rapidly, and if it is intensively fed and kept in the right conditions, in the second year of life, the weight of an individual can reach two kilograms. Trout meat tastes like trout meat.

• Sturgeon

Breeding sturgeon is one of the most profitable in fish farming. The most common sturgeon species are considered (Figure 7):

1. Bester is a hybrid of beluga and sterlet. It adapts perfectly to various conditions of detention and can be bred in both fresh and salt water. In the bester, puberty begins early, and the individual quickly gains weight.
2. Lensa sturgeon outwardly resembles a sterlet, but it is much larger. It feeds on insects, molluscs and small fish. Sexual maturity occurs at 10-12 years old, and tolerates high water temperatures (more than 30 degrees), but the best temperature for breeding is considered to be in the range of 15-25 degrees.
3. Paddlefish began to be bred in the United States, but now it is common in Russia. It is the only insect that feeds on plant food and zooplankton. This is a large individual, which, subject to the correct growing conditions, can reach a weight of 80 kg and a length of 2 meters. When kept in reservoirs with a water temperature of 20-25 degrees, paddlefish grows rapidly, and already in the second year of life, the weight reaches 4 kg.

Figure 7. Sturgeon species: 1 - bester, 2 - Lena sturgeon, 3 - paddlefish

Paddlefish tolerates winter well and can stay under the ice for several months. Paddlefish meat resembles beluga meat, and caviar is similar to sturgeon caviar.

• Acne

There are 15 species of eel, but mostly European and Japanese eel are bred (Figure 8). The eel has a long body with short fins. The eel is an anadromous species and reproduces in the ocean. For example, the European eel goes for spawning to the Bermuda and Bahamas in the Atlantic Ocean, and the current carries the eggs to European rivers, where it develops in the future.

Figure 8. Types of eel: 1 - European, 2 - Japanese

Long and narrow containers are best for growing eels. Eels are predators, so small frogs, crustaceans, insects and fry are used to feed them.

• Tilapia

In the wild, it is found in Africa and the Middle East. Tilapia reproduces easily, grows quickly and is undemanding to feed. The meat has a high gastronomic value (Figure 9).

There are about 70 types of tilapia, but the most common is the genus Oreoochromis. The development of eggs occurs in the oral cavity of an adult, which has a positive effect on the replenishment of the population. Under favorable breeding conditions and keeping in warm water, tilapia spawns several times a year, but it does not differ in high fertility.

Figure 9. Adult tilapia and its fry

Tilapia is undemanding to keeping conditions: it can be bred in fresh and brackish water bodies, as well as in ponds and pools with a low oxygen content. However, for full growth, the water temperature should not be lower than 13 degrees. It feeds on plant food, but some varieties also eat plankton.

Belongs to the species that thrive in cool water. It is quite simple to breed it, and the meat is distinguished by its high taste. The color of the trout is silver with black dots, and a bright rainbow stripe runs along the side (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Adults and fry of rainbow trout

The optimum temperature for dilution is considered to be 16-18 degrees, but at the same time there should be enough oxygen in the water. If its content is 3 mg / l or less, the trout will die.

It feeds mainly on insects, tadpoles and crustaceans, but adults can also eat small fish. In case of artificial breeding, it is better to feed trout with protein compound feed.

Sexual maturity in rainbow trout occurs at two to three years, and fertility depends on the age and weight of the individual.

• Peled

It is found in rivers and lakes with cool water. Differs in fast growth, undemanding conditions of keeping and feeding.

Figure 11. Peled (adults and fry)

It can feed on aquatic plants, small plankton and insects. In comparison with trout, peled is less demanding on water quality and oxygen content.

• Peipsi whitefish

It is found in Lake Peipsi, but can also be grown in other artificially created lakes. The weight of an adult can exceed 3 kg. For the rapid growth of the Chud whitefish, it is necessary to provide it with clean water at a temperature of 15-20 degrees and high-quality animal feed (Figure 12).

In the wild, it occurs in the Arctic waters, where the summer is very short. It grows very quickly and reaches sexual maturity at three to four years. Spawning begins in November when the first ice begins to form (Figure 12).

Figure 12. Freshwater breeds: 1 - Chud whitefish, 2 - broad

Due to its rapid growth and simple maintenance, the boil can be bred in artificial reservoirs of the northern regions. Additionally, a hybrid was created - pelchir (based on peled and broadleum), which is less demanding on feed, has increased resistance to diseases and accelerated growth.

Can be bred in stagnant cool waters. The only breeding requirement is the provision of quality animal feed (insect larvae, frogs, tadpoles or fry).

Pike should be grown separately from other species, and since it grows fast enough, the reservoir for its maintenance should be large.

Figure 13. Adult pike and its fry

It got its name due to its biological feature: it changes color after being caught. After being pulled out of the water, it immediately becomes covered with black spots, which disappear and yellow skin is visible in their place. This is because the skin of the tench is covered with a thick layer of mucus that hardens in air (Figure 14).

Figure 14. Adult tench and its fry

For tench breeding, it is better to use calm waters with a weak current and a lot of vegetation. The tench feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, insect larvae and remnants of food that has settled on the bottom. Due to this, the tench is grown together with other species, mainly with carp. The only drawback of the tench is its slow growth.

It is found in fresh waters with warm water. Catfish are carnivorous, and feed on fry, frogs, crustaceans, and sometimes they can eat small waterfowl.

Catfish can be bred in small ponds, canals or just pits filled with water. In winter, the catfish hibernates and is highly resilient. An overview of popular types of fish intended for breeding in ponds in personal plots is given in the video.

How to breed fish in a home pond

If there is a free area on the site, it may well be used for arranging a pond and breeding aquatic pets. In addition, such a reservoir can have not only practical, but also decorative value: if you install a mini-waterfall or an alpine slide on it, such a pond will become a real decoration of the site.

But most often, home ponds are used precisely for breeding and further catching fish for consumption. It is important to properly organize the conditions for reproduction and growth of livestock, and to choose the right breeds that will easily take root in your reservoir.

You will learn more about breeding in the video.

What you need to know

To regularly get a rich catch, you need to know exactly how to breed fish in your home pond.

This process has some peculiarities. First of all, you need to correctly build an artificial reservoir, comfortable for fish not only in summer, but also in winter. The depth of the pond should be at least 120 cm, but if possible, it is advisable to make the reservoir deeper. This is necessary, since in severe frost the water will simply freeze and the individuals will die.

Note: In winter, ice holes are made in the ice so that the pets do not suffer from a lack of oxygen. If you are planning a large-scale breeding, it is better to install a water pump or air compressor right away.

The size of the pond directly depends on the number of livestock that will be in it. For example, for small breeds (up to 10 cm in length), a reservoir with a volume of water of 50 liters is needed, and if the fish grows larger, then a much larger pond is needed.

Other important breeding points include:

• Adjustment of the number of livestock is necessary, since when the pond is overpopulated, the individuals will begin to hurt or fight for food, which ultimately will lead to the death of some of the individuals. To prevent this, part of the livestock will have to be caught for sale or consumption.
• The correct selection of material for the walls and bottom of the reservoir also plays an important role, since it must be absolutely safe. For this purpose, it is better to choose high-quality film or special coatings for artificial reservoirs. The bottom must be covered with a layer of sand and gravel with underwater plants, which will not only create comfortable living conditions for the fish, but also provide it with additional food.
• Feeding should be moderate, and active complementary feeding is recommended only in summer or spring, when the underwater inhabitants are growing and developing. After feeding (after about 10 minutes), the remains of the food are caught from the surface of the water so that it does not deteriorate and cause water to rot. In autumn, feeding is stopped, since when the temperature drops below 10 degrees, the fish completely stop feeding.

It is important to properly relocate the purchased fish to the new reservoir. To do this, it is placed for some time on the surface of the water directly in the bag for transportation and only after that it is released directly into the water. This is necessary for the fish to adapt to the new temperature conditions and not experience shock. In no case should individuals caught in the river be released into the artificial pond. They can be infected with dangerous diseases and become a source of infection for other individuals. It is recommended to buy fish for home breeding only in specialized farms or pet stores. If you find a sick individual (lying on its side, swimming strangely, rubbing against objects, and a white bloom has appeared on its body), be sure to isolate it and take preventive measures with the rest of the individuals.

Peculiarities

It seems to many that it is difficult to breed fish in a pond on the site, but this task is quite simple and within the power of anyone who knows the basic features of growing.

Figure 15. Basic requirements for home ponds

It is best to populate the fish in an already existing, natural reservoir located on the site. If this is not the case, the pond is dug independently. The main feature that will help to equip an artificial reservoir in the country is the correct selection of the variety.

So, what kind of fish can be grown in a pond in the country? The best breed is considered to be carp, which feels good in small bodies of water and quickly gains weight, as it spends less energy looking for food.

Note: A small reservoir is also convenient for the owner, since it is much easier to care for such a reservoir.

For breeding carp or crucian carp, a pond with a size of 4 * 6 meters and a depth of up to one and a half meters will be enough. To determine the optimal number of individuals, you need to calculate the volume of the reservoir. Based on this indicator, no more than 20 individuals are populated per cube of pond water.

Another advantage of a small reservoir is the fact that the water heats up quickly in it, which has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of carp. The optimal temperature regime is considered to be in the range of 24-26 degrees. If this indicator is higher or lower, the basic life processes of pets will slow down, they will stop eating and growing.

rules

Breeding fish in a home pond is not a difficult task, but it still requires adherence to certain rules.

The main nuances that should be taken into account are as follows(Figure 15):

• The bottom and walls of the pit must be well leveled and tamped, and it is advisable to additionally cover the bottom with cement;
• The bottom of the reservoir can be covered with a film or old cameras from the wheels of trucks, and if you plan to grow not only fish, but also crayfish, you need to place old pots or pipes on the bottom in which crayfish will hide during molting;
• To fill the pond, you can use any water: well, spring or even tap water. But it is not recommended to populate the fish immediately, since the liquid should warm up well in the sun, slightly stagnate and populate with microorganisms.

To speed up the process of preparing water in a pond for settlement, you can pour several buckets of water into it from another artificial reservoir in which fish are bred or place a bunch of grass on the bottom.

What should be the conditions for fish in a pond

For normal life, fish need to create optimal conditions. First of all, this requirement applies to acidity: its indicator should not exceed 7-8 pH.

Note: If the acidity in the pond is too low, you can always increase it by adding a solution of soda or limestone.

The temperature regime also plays an important role. Before settling, it is necessary to equalize the temperature in the pond and in the containers in which the individuals were transported. This will help reduce the risk of developing temperature shock and prevent the death of young individuals on the first day after relocation.

Dry food is mixed with water to form a thick porridge, and compound feed can be replaced with cereals or legumes. They are steamed and given in a swollen form. It is advisable to feed the fish at the same time, and pour the food onto a specific area of ​​the pond. It is advisable to equip special pallet feeders for this purpose. They are easy to remove from the water for cleaning, and the use of such devices will help control the amount of uneaten food and prevent sour water.

How to breed fish in a pond: video

To more accurately determine how to prepare a reservoir for fish farming and what conditions must be provided for aquatic pets, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video. Its author will tell in detail useful tips and tricks for keeping and breeding fish in a pond in the country.

How to raise paddlefish in a pond

Paddlefish is an amazing creature, because this species can live in almost any climate, from subtropical to harsh continental.

Growing paddlefish is possible only in reservoirs with a good bottom and the ability to supply and pump out water (Figure 16). In fact, ponds in which carp were previously raised are suitable for this species, but it should be borne in mind that in order to get enough meat, paddlefish must be kept for several years.

For feeding, use natural feed of reservoirs (zooplankton and phytoplankton). In order for paddlefish to constantly have access to a natural food base, mineral fertilizers must be applied to the pond, often in fractional portions. It is important to thoroughly dissolve the fertilizer in water so that the paddlefish do not eat its particles and do not poison them. Superphosphate, lime, potassium permanganate or very high-quality rotted manure after a preliminary laboratory test for chemical composition are suitable for fertilizing a reservoir.

Peculiarities

There are some features that must be taken into account when growing paddlefish.

Firstly, fry and adult fish cannot be kept in the same reservoir. When the pond is overpopulated, the adults will begin to eat the young.

Figure 16. Breeding paddlefish in a home pond

Herbivorous fish are considered the best neighbors for paddlefish, with the exception of silver carp, which is very close to paddlefish in terms of the feed ration, therefore, mainly carps, grass carps and channel catfish are added to ponds.

The advantage of paddlefish breeding is also explained by the fact that this fish is very easy to catch using a seine or any other simple fishing device.

rules

In order for paddlefish breeding to be successful, it is necessary to provide the individuals with a good flow of oxygen, since paddlefish are more demanding on saturating the reservoir with air.

Note: The optimal level is considered to be 5 mg of oxygen per liter of water, but paddlefish will normally tolerate a slight decrease in this indicator (up to 2 mg / l) for a short time.

Larvae and fry are kept separately from adults, and from the age of one year old they are bred together with other fish (silver carp, white and black carp).

Grown up individuals, starting from the age of seven, are kept in separate reservoirs, and for the winter they are deposited in separate ponds. They must be deep enough, at least one and a half meters, so that the fish can move freely in the water column even after the surface of the reservoir freezes.

The larvae are fed with small aquatic insects and zooplankton, and it is desirable to feed it in suspension. Adults are necessarily weighed during the capture process and only the largest individuals are selected, and the rest are left to obtain eggs.

In their free time, many men like to go fishing. For many of them, business is a dream. Many men would like to have their own fish farm. Is it possible? The director of the fish processing plant, which is the largest in the Moscow region, Andrei Semenov, talks about the conditions of fish farming and all its secrets.

What is more profitable to breed trout or carp?

In order to start your own business, you need to understand what kind of fish is worth breeding. You will have to make a choice of what to breed - carp or trout. These two types of fish are in the greatest demand, and the very technology of the fish industry will depend on this.

If opportunities allow, then it is worth breeding both carp and trout. Our farm sells about 1000 tons of live fish, and 500-600 tons are grown in the Moscow region, and the rest is imported for sale and overexposure from other fish farms. In addition, we rent reservoirs in the southern regions and breed fish there, arrange paid fishing, and also process it (smoking and canning).

Carp is easier to grow, it is unpretentious, many reservoirs are suitable for it. To breed carp, it is enough to read a book, there are a sufficient number of them on the market. Trout breeding costs twice as much and is very moody. You cannot do without a specialist fish breeder, here you need education and experience.

Low fish prices have been formed this year. Trout has fallen in price from 175 to 140 rubles per 1 kg, and carp costs 50-63 rubles per 1 kg. However, the business remains profitable. The average farmer may have higher profits, they do not need to maintain a large staff. The profitability of our plant is 8-9%. This year, all fish farms have switched to a single agricultural tax. We pay the state 6% of income, reduced by expenses, exempt from VAT, unified social tax, income tax, property tax.

Where is the best fish farming business?

Water temperature and oxygen content determine the health and growth of fish. In addition, the condition of the reservoir and its acidity (pH) are important. These factors can be determined by a specialist. It is necessary to conduct a “fish-biological justification”. You can invite specialists from the Research Institute of Fish Farming from Dmitrov, Moscow Region.

Video on this topic:

The optimum water temperature for trout is 16-19 degrees Celsius. At water temperatures up to 24 degrees, fish can die. We keep trout at a depth of 15 meters. At this depth, the water temperature will not rise.

Breeding carp is easier. It is important that the pond is not clogged with dirty drains, decomposing organic matter and oil products. The optimum temperature of the pond is -24-25 degrees, the depth is up to 1.5-1.8 meters.

All fish farms in Russia are divided into zones. Moscow belongs to the first and second zones, and the southern regions, such as the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories - the fifth, sixth. It is more profitable to breed fish in them, so we began to rent ponds in the Rostov region.

In order to produce 10 tons of carp, a pond with an area of ​​5 hectares is needed. The larger the reservoir, the easier it is to breed fish in it. In a large reservoir, the temperature regime is more uniform.

It is desirable for the pond to be a drain, this facilitates the process of catching fish. It is possible to build a dam if the reservoir was formed by damming the river.

Enhanced nutrition

The main item of consumption is feed, they will account for 50 to 60% of all costs. From one hectare we get 22 quintals of carp using the high-intensity method (high stocking density plus Reflex feeders with a protein content in feed of at least 26-28%, fat -5-7%. The average price of carp feed is 7-8 rubles for 1 kg.

It is more difficult to feed the trout. For her, you need to buy German feed at 0, 7-1 euros per 1 kg. Sergiev Posad produces feed of this level. If you buy cheap feed, the trout meat will be white.

When feeding fish, it is important to know when to stop. Surplus can cause fish to stop growing. Every day, carp need food in the amount of 1.5-3% of the weight of the fish, depending on the temperature of the water.

Trout spends their whole life in cages measuring three by three meters from a nylon mesh, its depth is 5 meters. We make these simple constructions ourselves.

Fish diseases and their prevention

Fish disease and epidemic is the main risk in business. The health of the entire population must be constantly monitored every 10 days. It is necessary to check the condition of internal organs, gills, fish growth. Medicated feed should be added to the diet to increase immunity.

Size matters

Large fish are in great demand. The optimum weight of carp is 1.2-1.7 kg, trout is 0.8-1 kg. To reach this weight, carp grows for three years.

Trout is grown in 2.5 years. But it can be sold after 1.5 years and weighs 300 grams.

How much can you earn from this?

• Trout planting material costs 250-400 rubles per 1 kg. Loss should be covered by 10%. It is profitable to buy fertilized eggs in Adler, where 100 thousand eggs cost 20 thousand rubles.
• Planting material for carp costs 60-120 rubles per 1 kg, and the mass of fish is from 14 to 25-40 grams.
• In winter, it is profitable to grow trout at the state district power station. There is an optimal temperature regime.
• If you have trade connections, cage lines, fish trucks, you can buy fish for overexposure.
• The budget can be replenished by arranging paid fishing. It gives 5-6% of the turnover.

Sales problem

• The market will not eat a lot of fish.
• Very strong competition is a problem in the marketing of fish. In addition, the demand for fish has dropped somewhat. This product is not available to all buyers.
• Fish breeders have a difficult relationship with the trade. Everyone is asking for money to put goods on store shelves and not everyone wants to get involved with live fish. All the goods are transported by the fish farms themselves.
• Wholesalers do not deal with live fish, and stores do not want to take on this burden.
• Only 10% of stores have aquariums for fish in Moscow. In addition, all shops pay for the fish upon sale. Payments are received with a delay of 7 to 30 days.

We can conclude that it is risky to build a fish farming business if you count on a stable sale. It is better to start with the organization of paid fishing.

With this material, we continue the series of translated articles by Daniel Knowland (translations done by himself), Jamie Oliver's scientific adviser on nutrition. Another essay is devoted to the topic of fish and how it is grown and harvested in modern conditions, which fish is useful and which is harmful, and how to choose it correctly. The second part of the post - information on the same topic, in particular, about the situation in Russia, it is from other sources (list of references at the end of the post).

Artificial fish farming - all the pros and cons Today in the UK, a huge amount of fish and seafood is grown in artificial conditions. Here it is necessary to make a reservation that any livestock product, strictly speaking, is not completely natural, but humanity cannot do without breeding farm animals.
Modern society sets new standards for the consumption of products, and manufacturers have to reckon with them. In this regard, the need arose for artificial fish breeding. In this article, we will look at the positive and negative aspects of this activity. What is it for - to breed fish? On the globe, there are still such corners where wild plants and meat of wild animals and birds serve as the main source of food. However, in developed countries, this situation no longer occurs. Berries, mushrooms, hare or venison - these are, perhaps, all types of “not grown” products that can be found on the menu of a modern person. We are used to the fact that meat, poultry, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains are mainly produced by agricultural enterprises. With fish and seafood, the situation is somewhat different. Both commercial (caught in the natural environment) and artificially grown fish fall on our table. As the world's population grows, so does the demand for foods rich in protein and at the same time affordable. And the word "ocean" is increasingly associated with such concepts as "overfishing", "endangered fish species", "ecological safety". Indeed, as a result of many years of irresponsible attitude of the fishing industries in many countries to the environment, populations of some representatives of the marine fauna have significantly decreased, and today there is an active fight against overfishing. In addition, programs are underway to help buyers choose fish from sustainable sources. The most famous organization in this area is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). However, despite some progress made, human activities continue to cause significant damage to the ocean ecosystem. Populations of commercial fish continue to decline. This is especially true of such favorite species by buyers as cod, haddock and tuna. As an alternative to traditional fishing, artificial fish farming (its other name for this activity is “aquaculture”) has been actively developing over the past few decades. , the phenomenon is not new. But at present, there is a real boom in this area. And new techniques and technologies can significantly reduce the degree of negative impact on the environment when using this method. What types of fish and seafood are grown in marine farms? Salmon, rainbow trout, sea bass, bream, pangasius (often called bassa or river catfish), shrimp are the most common types of farmed fish and seafood. It is believed that in developed countries today, about half of all fish and seafood consumed is grown in fish farms. Supermarkets and restaurants in the UK are more likely to buy or offer farmed salmon. Commercial salmon is much less common on the market, and it will cost significantly more.

What is artificial fish farming? Typically, the artificial breeding process is as follows: 1. With the help of selection, a parent is selected that is most suitable for artificial breeding. The eggs of the fish are placed in small tanks. The grown fry are then transferred to larger tanks. There, the fry are fed, which are under constant supervision. 3. When the fry have reached a weight of about 150 grams, they are moved to large ponds or fenced-in areas in the sea (such as those shown in the picture above). 4. Then the fish receives concentrated feed until it gains the desired weight. Throughout the entire time, the condition of the fish is constantly monitored, often using underwater cameras. When the desired weight is reached, the fish are sent to processing factories for subsequent evisceration and packaging. Do all types of cultured fish have similar consumer properties? It is difficult to find two completely identical livestock farms. The same can be said for fish farms. Each manufacturer has its own standards to ensure favorable conditions for keeping fish. Each farm uses its own methods to reduce its harmful effects on the environment. However, the lack of uniform standards makes life difficult for customers. Environmentally friendly eggs, chicken and pork are no longer a rarity on store shelves. Products with the labels "Red Tractor", "RSPCA Approved", "free-range animal meat" and "organic products" are widely represented. We do not yet have such a choice for farmed fish and seafood. Nevertheless, despite the lack of clear guidelines when choosing fish (for example, salmon), there is still some help for the buyer. There are various programs and organizations that aim to reduce the negative impact of fish farms on the environment. Some of them are listed below:

• RSPCA Assured. Within the framework of this program, mainly checks of the conditions of keeping fish are carried out.
• Global G.A.P. Products bearing this label are tested for compliance with food safety and environmental standards. Also, the presence of the program certificate guarantees that the products are received from trusted manufacturers.

• Best Aquaculture Practices and Fish Farms Board of Trustees

• (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) are comprehensive programs. Their goal is to reduce the negative impact on the environment, ensure the environmentally sound and rational use of natural resources and improve food safety.

• Soil Association / Organic. This organization deals mainly with environmental impact and the use of only organic fertilizers in agriculture.

Many UK retail stores join one or more of the programs listed above. In this way, supermarkets demonstrate that they support sustainable food production. How safe is fish farming in terms of environmental impact? Salmon farming on a large scale has been started by fisheries not so long ago: over the past few decades. However, the development of the industry proceeded at a rapid pace. It took some time to fully understand the impact of such activities on the environment and human health. Over the years, fish farms have made many mistakes. And the mistakes they made did not reflect in the best way on their reputation. Cases of fish escape from cages are known. The result was the crossing of artificially bred and wild individuals. Other side effects include pollution of the sea and underwater currents, the use of environmentally unsafe fish food, drug overdose and the use of questionable chemicals. The industry is far from perfect. However, the mistakes of the past were not in vain, and fish farms are undergoing major changes. New technologies came to the rescue. Now it is possible to observe the behavior of fish and collect data on the state of the environment. Robotic systems monitor the optimal level of fish feeding and oxygen content in the water. Much remains to be done in order to minimize the damage that fish farms can do to the ecosystems of the surrounding areas. in reservoirs specially built on land) does not cause much damage to the environment. Therefore, the negative consequences of the activities of such fish farms often go unnoticed. The quality of the feed is of great importance for the environmentally friendly farming of fish. Large fish, such as salmon, naturally feed on smaller fish. Therefore, in fish farms, salmon are fed mainly with fish protein and fish oil. Such food is made from commercial fish. The quality of farmed salmon directly depends on how environmentally friendly the fish it feeds on is. The development of new technologies makes it possible to reduce the proportion of commercial fish in the feed. This makes it possible to use marine resources more efficiently.

What kind of fish should you buy? A variety of organic foods in the diet is the key to a conscious approach to nutrition. We always recommend that you include a wide variety of fish and seafood in your diet. Don't settle for just one type of fish; farmed fish and seafood such as salmon, haddock or shrimp are best purchased from a reputable supplier. It will not be superfluous to ask if there is a certificate for the product. Certain supermarkets require certification (such as RSPCA Approved) for salmon products. For Jamie Oliver's restaurants and shops, we always buy fish from personally verified suppliers. Or we choose products whose quality is confirmed by trustworthy certificates.
Completion of translation of D. Knowland's article. Now let's turn to the Russian market The situation on the Russian market has changed dramatically with the introduction of sanctions: before their introduction, 84% (!!!) of the red fish consumed was Norwegian salmon. Now the situation has changed: from abroad we are supplied with goods from Asia (mainly telapia and pangasius), the source of salmon is the Faroe Islands and Chile; pollock, cod, haddock, catfish, red salmon and a small proportion of salmon come from the Far East and the Barents Sea. Only our domestic fish is commercial, caught in the sea. The rest of the fish is the result of artificial breeding or a product of "aquaculture". Why is it only our fish that is commercial? The answer is very simple: it is just that in our country there was still no special equipment and technologies for fish farming. Now, with the introduction of sanctions, farms that breed salmon on an industrial scale (for example, the Murmansk Salmon brand of the Russian Sea company) are beginning to appear, which purchase full production cycles (equipment, feed, medicines) in Norway. The first harvest of 4 thousand tons of commercial salmon under the Murmansk Salmon brand in the Barents Sea began in June this year and will end in October. Next year the company plans to receive 10 thousand tons of fish. By 2018–2020, it plans to produce 25 thousand tons of salmon. We emphasize once again that all equipment for the full cycle of fish farming, including feed, is purchased from Norway.

So what's the problem with “aquaculture”? And everything would be fine, but too often recently voices have been heard that claim that artificial fish farming is carried out with huge violations.

In the same way that livestock was raised in Europe with high doses of antibiotics, fish is now being raised. Not only antibiotics are used, but also pesticides, which are designed to clean up excessively polluted water bodies (link to the French study film at the end of the post). Believe it or not - everyone's personal business. But nutritionists still urge to buy "wild" fish whenever possible, if there is no complete confidence in the supplier of aquaculture fish. It turns out that from the point of view of modern dietetics, our domestic commercial fish can still potentially bring more health benefits.

But, even "wild" fish can be harmful to health Recent studies show that even the meat of commercial fish is often contaminated with chemical toxic substances: industrial enterprises actively release mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxin and other pollutants into the environment, which enter the water and then along the food chain into fish. plichlorobiphenyls): belong to the group of persistent organic pollutants, the monitoring of which in air, water and soil is mandatory in developed industrial countries due to their high risk to the environment and public health.
PCBs were first produced in the United States by Monsanto in 1929. These are oily liquids that are not flammable and do not conduct electricity, but they conduct heat well. PCBs are resistant to acids and alkalis.

Due to these properties, they have found wide application as dielectrics in transformers and capacitors, as coolants in heat exchange systems, in hydraulic engineering, are part of plasticizers, paints, varnishes, lubricating oils, plastics, carbon paper, additives in household chemicals. The production of PCBs has almost completely ceased all over the world. In 2001, most European countries signed the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants for the earliest possible environmentally safe neutralization of these substances. The parties to this convention committed themselves to completely neutralizing PCBs available in their countries until 2028.

The best thing to do for your health is to introduce into your diet smaller fish instead of medium and large (old and large ones usually contain more harmful substances) and shellfish, which are less likely to contain harmful substances. In the United States, the US Department of Conservation and the Environmental Defense Fund regularly publish data on the content of harmful chemicals to human health in various types of popular seafood. There is no such monitoring in Russia. Below is a list of fish species in the waters of the oceans according to the degree of contamination with mercury and PCBs. It is recommended to completely avoid: - Striped wild perch - Pelamida (!!!) - American eel - King mackerel - Shark - Wild sturgeon (!!!) - Sword fish - Common tuna (!!!) once a month): - Summer and winter flounder - Yellow perch - Big-headed tuna - Eat moderately (at least 2 times a month): - Seabass (an aquaculture object, in Russia only such irina_co is on sale) - Blue crab - Grouper- Toothed rasp - King mackerel - Salmon (aquaculture product) - Sea spotted trout - Snapper Eat more often (but less than 3 times a month): - Red-tailed snapper - Atlantic sturgeon - Blackfin tuna - Longfin tuna, canned - Yellowfin tuna once a month): - Anchovies - Catfish - Bivalve molluscs - Cod (Atlantic) - Crabs - Langoustes - Haddock - Halibut - Herring - Lobsters - Atlantic mackerel - Dorada - Mussels - Oysters - Pollock - Sardines - Wild salmon - Crawfish - Scallops - Sole - Squid - Tilapia - Trout - Muksun and others Unfortunately, in Russia, similar lists of the degree of safety of different types of fish have not yet been created, so there is simply no place to find out about the level of content of this or that toxic substance in fish. Analyzes of the organization "Roskontrol" so far concern only the grade and volume of ice added to frozen products. Black Sea flounder Kalkan:

Fishing in the Barents Sea:

Sources: 1. On PCB contamination of fish: Bret Blumenthal. A year lived right. 52 steps to a healthy lifestyle. Moscow. 2016. p. 215.2. About fish imported into the territory of the Russian Federation, about domestic aquaculture: About farmer salmon: "Fish of mass destruction": a link to a film by French journalists Nicolas Daniel and Louis de Bayberac _____________________________________

"... NORWEGIAN SALMON IS THE MOST TOXIC FOOD IN THE WORLD ..."- quote from the movie

The film is long, as much as 50 minutes, but after watching it, you will learn about many more aspects of the use of artificial fish imported from Asia and Norway. Most likely, you will not regret these 50 minutes spent. We are planning to make a synopsis of this film in the near future due to the fact that the information covered in the film is very important, significant and little-known. We managed to find this video in the "wilds" of the Internet with great difficulty:

What fish are not farmed artificially?

Fish that is not grown artificially on farms and is not stuffed with antibiotics, growth stimulants, dyes, but is caught from natural water bodies, seas, oceans - this is pollock, catfish, flounder, perch, navaga, pink salmon, cod, sockeye salmon, saury, herring, chum ... The diet of fish grown artificially is poor, they do not have plankton and shrimp on the menu, which naturally affects the quality of the fish.

Cod is grown in large quantities in Norway!

There is a lot of cod in Russia from there, be careful

The well-known and beloved fish with such a cute name - HERRING is not grown artificially on farms.

At least, I have not found information anywhere that herring is grown artificially. It turns out that this particular fish is less dangerous for our body than salmon, salmon, carp, dorado, pangasius and telapia. And this is only a part of those fish that are grown artificially.

When choosing fish, nutritionists advise buying one that has not been grown in fisheries. Such fish include: cod, saury, herring, pollock, pink salmon.

Such fish are considered more useful, because, unlike their more fattened relatives, they were not fed with GMO feed and / or antibiotics.

By the way, as an alternative, many summer residents are engaged in fish farming in nearby water bodies. Crucian carp is especially suitable for such purposes, which can adapt and reproduce well in almost any water. They grow well in captivity with veal. It is better to buy fish grown on farms not often.

The site helps to select fish and seafood that are least contaminated with heavy metals. It is also intended for those who prefer to eat food that does not harm the environment, so some fish species for which there is no medical data are mentioned there simply because their breeding does not harm the environment. Be careful and look for information about the degree of infection!

Upd: For readers from Russia: this site contains not only American information, it mentions a lot of fish species that are caught in Russia. By default, the fish of the Russian catch is considered more contaminated, because Russia does not comply with international standards and does not allow inspectors, but in this case it is the breed that decides, so if the fish does not accumulate mercury, then it will not accumulate it in Russia either.

Translate the name of the breed: Russian-English-Hebrew.

Types of fish you can eat:

Anchovies, northern (Engraulis mordax), European (Engraulis encrasicolus) and Japanese (Engraulis japonicus).

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), except Indo-Pacific.
Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), grown in the USA.
Marsh crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), not made in China.
Rocky lobster (Panulirus interruptus), only from California or Baja, Mexico City.
American lobster (Homarus americanus)
Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).
Atlantic haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus).
Sardines (Sardinops sagax).
Pagra, she is sea bream, she is thai (Pagrus pagrus).
Salmon (Salmo salar), wild, from Alaska. Farmed salmon and wild salmon from Washington DC are contaminated with PCBs and are dangerous to eat more than once a month and less often just harmful.
Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus).
Tilapia (Tilapia).
Bivalve molluscs (Mya arenaria), grown in the USA.
Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), grown in the USA.
Oysters (Crassostrea virginica), grown in the United States on farms.
Sea scallops (Argopecten irradians).
Pink shrimp (Pandalus jordani).
Squid (Teuthida).

Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). The site advises to eat it, but in this case I cannot agree with the site - according to my information, not everything is so simple with a bang.

Dungeness crab (Cancer magister). Infected with PCBs.
Light tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). Infection with mercury, although less than in other types of tuna.
White halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Medium contamination with mercury.
Black sea perch (Centropristis striata). Medium contamination with mercury.
Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus). Medium contamination with mercury.
Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius). Mercury contamination.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Infection of PCBs.
Tongue of the sea (Parophrys vetula). Medium contamination of PCBs.
Stingray (Leucoraja ocellata). Medium contamination with mercury.
Cuban yellowtail (Ocyurus chrysurus). Medium contamination with mercury.
Large-headed snapper (Vermilion snapper). Medium contamination with mercury.
Lucianidae, various (Lutjanidae). Medium contamination with mercury.
Coal fish (Anoplopoma fimbria). Medium contamination with mercury.
Sea bass - rockfish. Medium contamination with mercury.
Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus). Medium contamination with mercury.

Fish that contain a large amount of hazardous substances (species are located as hazardous substances increase):

Khokhlach, aka tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps). High levels of mercury.

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). High levels of mercury.
White albacore tuna. High levels of mercury.
Oysters (Crassostrea virginica). High infection rate of PCBs.
Moray eel (Conger conger). High levels of mercury.
Sea eel (Conger oceanicus). High levels of mercury.
Ram snapper (Lutjanus analis). High levels of mercury.
Grouper (Epinephelus). High levels of mercury.
Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). High levels of mercury.
The croaker is gray, the croaker is zander, spotted (Cynoscion nebulosus). High levels of both mercury and PCBs.
Spanish Markel (Scomberomorus maculatus). High levels of mercury.
Toothed Terpug (Ophiodon elongatus). High levels of mercury.
Blue swimming crab (Callinectes sapidus). High levels of both mercury and PCBs.
Toothfish Chilean Patagonian. High levels of mercury.
Bighead orange (Hoplostethus atlanticus). High levels of mercury.
Big-eyed tuna (Thunnus obesus). Very high levels of mercury.
Farmed salmon (Salmo salar). Very high infection rate of PCBs, it is dangerous to eat more than once a month.
Salmon (Salmo salar), wild, from Washington. Very high infection rate of PCBs, it is dangerous to eat more than once a month.
Redfin opal (Lampris guttatus). Very high levels of mercury.
American flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus). Very high infection rate of PCBs, it is dangerous to eat more than once a month.
Summer toothed flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Very high infection rate of PCBs, it is dangerous to eat more than once a month.
Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus). Very high infection rate of PCBs, it is dangerous to eat more than once a month.

Never eat the following types of fish, they are very dangerous (species are located in the order of increasing harmful substances):

Swordfish. Contains dangerous amounts of mercury.

Shark. Contains dangerous amounts of mercury.
Marlin (Makaira). Contains dangerous amounts of mercury.
Common tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Contains dangerous amounts of mercury.
Royal mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla). Contains dangerous amounts of mercury.
Gray croaker (Cynoscion regalis). Contains hazardous amounts of mercury and PCBs.
Sturgeon. Contains hazardous amounts of mercury and PCBs.
Shed (Alosa sapidissima). Contains hazardous amounts of PCBs.
European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Contains hazardous amounts of PCBs.
American eel. Contains hazardous amounts of mercury and PCBs.
White croaker (Genyonemus lineatus). Contains hazardous amounts of PCBs.
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix). Contains hazardous amounts of mercury and PCBs.
American striped perch (Morone saxatilis). Contains hazardous amounts of mercury and PCBs.
Grayback, elewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). Contains hazardous amounts of PCBs.

As far as I know, there are no similar lists in Russian (at least not on such a scale and not from such an authoritative source), so the dissemination of information is encouraged in every possible way.

I try to eat exclusively plant foods, but I can't refuse fish and seafood. I love them very much, and therefore I am offended and scared to read about the fact that in reality fish can be not only not useful, but also extremely dangerous. To reduce the health risks that can arise from eating fish and seafood, there are a few rules to follow.

2. Unfortunately, with wild fish, too, not everything is in order. Today the oceans and seas are extremely polluted and radioactive, and fish absorb toxic and radioactive substances that are dangerous to human health. Most of them accumulate in large fish. Such hazardous substances include heavy metals and mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin that causes people to lose memory, vision, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Doctors strongly recommend that pregnant women exclude products containing mercury, as it causes mental retardation, deafness, blindness and cerebral palsy in children.

Here is a list of fish that should be avoided altogether, as they contain the highest concentration of mercury: marlin, tile, swordfish (my husband's weakness, which caused high levels of mercury in his body), shark, king mackerel, bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna.

Fish from the following list can also be eaten in small portions no more than 6 times a month: striped bass and black perch, carp, Pacific cod, white croaker, Pacific and Atlantic halibut, lobster, dorado, monkfish, freshwater perch, coal fish, stingray, snapper, gray croaker, striped tuna.

Finally, it is recommended to eat fish from this list no more than twice a week (a portion of 180 grams): anchovy, butterfish, catfish, bivalve molluscs, crabs, crayfish, croaker, haddock, hake, herring, Atlantic mackerel and Japanese mackerel, mullet, oysters, river and sea flounder, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimps, sole, squid, telapia, freshwater trout, "white" fish, hake.

3. When cooking fish, keep in mind that toxic substances are mainly found in fat, and it is better to choose cooking methods that involve melting the fat, such as grilling.

4. Avoid canned fish and any industrially processed fish. I hope there is no need to explain why)))

5. I am also often asked about sushi, because there is an opinion that it is a very healthy food. However, in light of the above, it is clear that this is not the case. And one more thing: the combination of fish and rice (especially processed white rice) is very bad for digestion, so sushi or rolls are the wrong choice in a Japanese restaurant. It is better to choose sashimi - if you are not afraid of radiation and mercury))).

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