Vol. 5, Issue 5, Part D (2019)

Aquaculture one of the world’s major and fastest growing food Production sector, is already facing competition for water and aquatic habitat in many areas. Hence, future methods for aquaculture need to be more advanced and smarter, which will be able to support culture’s sustainability as well as high culture efficiency in terms of space utilization, water resources and food. A shift from “experience driven to knowledge-driven approaches” is therefore essential to get aquaculture growth right and better optimize aquaculture production to contribute to a sustainable food future.

The general hydrological equation inflow=outflow +change in storage, can be used to make accurate estimates of water use by ponds for inland aquaculture projects The primary inflows are precipitation, runoff and regulated water additions. The main outflows are evaporation, seepage, overflow after storms and intentional discharge water conservation measures such as maintaining storage capacity in ponds equal to the normal, maximum daily precipitation, reduction in seepage beneath dams, fish harvest without draining ponds, and water re-use are discussed. Even with the implantation of water conservation measures pond aqua culture is a water-intensive endeavour which consumes more water per unit area then irrigated agriculture. However, the value of aquacultural production per unit of water used greatly exceeds that of gated agriculture. Reduction in effluent volume is the most effective water saving means, and not only reduces water consumption but also reduces the pollution potential of pond aquaculture.