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.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
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.
The official source of Fish Producers and Suppliers is the Fish page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
FishfindersProvides Garmin, Eagle, Humminbird and other brand fishfinders.
www.gpsdiscount.com
Aquaculture FiltrationManufacturer of high-quality dust control and loading systems. Offers products like loading sprouts, diverter valves, aeration equipment and more.
www.dclinc.com
Pond LinersManufactures geosynthetic lining products including geomembranes, geosynthetic clay liners, geonets, geocomposites, nonwoven geotextiles, and more.
www.gseworld.com
BrightQube: Royalty-Free Stock Photos, High-End & MicrostockA better way to find outdoor and underwater stock photography. High-End RF and Microstock, millions of images, model-released photos, pageless search!
www.BrightQube.com
Subscribe to
Try our free weekly WhatWorks newsletter, with business how-to advice
& resources from Work.com.
Related Resources from Business.com
Comments
Is any content on this page inappropriate? To let us know, please 
