A case study: Impacts of deviating from model research design to the commercial industry for split-pond aquaculture

A case study is presented to compare the results of design and management including circulation and dissolved oxygen management at a modified split-pond facility in west-central Alabama to the recommended design. Modifications included: the use of and a propeller pump instead of a slow-moving paddlewheel, lack of baffle in the waste cells, waste cell to fish cell ratio size, and improperly positioned aerators and DO sensing probes. Over a three year time period, the modified split-pond facility had net yields of hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus ♀ x I. furcatus ♂) that reached up to 11,416 kg/ha/year; however, this includes several reports of fish kills. The present study experienced a minimum 15% reduction in net production compared to the recommended design values with a maximum potential loss of 54%. Ponds used an axial pump to transfer water between a 6:1 ratio of waste treatment area to fish grow-out area. Water flowed from the fish cell to the waste cell at a rate of 31.2 m3/min and from the waste cell back to the fish cell at a rate of 0.78 m3/min. Aerators used 5619–7492 kW-hr/ha which is more than the electrical use in traditional ponds (2238 kW-hr/ha). Even with the extra aeration, this study had at least one fish cell and one waste cell drop below a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2.5 mg/L. These specific modifications may lead to poor survival and production in split-pond aquaculture and are discussed with best management practices of the recommended design.