Subject: Commercial Fish Farming / Aquaculture
Course: Skill Enhancement Course
Course Code: CFF122S
Time: 2 Hours
Maximum Marks: 50
Minimum Marks: 18
Semester: 1st
Section A: Short Answer Type Questions (8 × 1 = 8 Marks)
Q1.
i. Define aquaculture.
Aquaculture is the controlled breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and algae.
ii. Define the recirculatory aquaculture system.
A recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) is an advanced system that continuously filters and reuses water for fish farming.
iii. What is composite fish culture?
Composite fish culture involves the simultaneous rearing of different fish species in the same pond to optimize resource utilization.
iv. What is monoculture?
Monoculture is the farming of a single species of fish in a pond or controlled environment for commercial production.
v. Where is semi-intensive aquaculture practiced in District Anantnag?
Semi-intensive aquaculture is practiced in various rural water bodies and fisheries-managed ponds in District Anantnag.
vi. What is liming?
Liming is the process of adding lime to a pond to maintain water pH and improve water quality for fish farming.
vii. What is a nursery?
A nursery is a specialized area where young fish (fry or fingerlings) are raised before being transferred to a grow-out pond.
viii. What is the full form of RAS in aquaculture?
The full form of RAS in aquaculture is Recirculatory Aquaculture System.
Section B: Medium Answer Type Questions (4 × 5 = 20 Marks)
Q2. What is pond and raceway culture?
Pond culture is a traditional method of aquaculture where fish are reared in natural or artificial ponds with controlled water exchange. Raceway culture, on the other hand, involves a continuous flow of water through narrow, rectangular tanks where fish are raised in controlled conditions. This method is used for fast-growing species like trout and salmon. Raceway culture provides better water quality and oxygenation, promoting high-density fish farming.
Or
What is the present status of aquaculture in the world?
Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. It contributes significantly to food security, employment, and economic development. China leads in global aquaculture production, followed by India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Technological advancements such as RAS, biofloc systems, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) have improved sustainability and efficiency. The demand for seafood continues to grow, making aquaculture a vital industry worldwide.
Q3. What are the criteria for species selection in aquaculture?
The criteria for selecting species for aquaculture include:
Fast growth rate and high survival rate.
Ability to tolerate environmental conditions.
Resistance to diseases.
High market demand and economic viability.
Availability of seed and feed resources. Proper species selection ensures profitability and sustainability in aquaculture practices.
Or
How can we control aquatic weeds in a pond?
Aquatic weeds can be controlled through:
Manual Removal – Physically removing weeds from the pond.
Biological Control – Introducing weed-eating fish like grass carp.
Chemical Control – Using herbicides carefully to prevent fish toxicity.
Mechanical Control – Using machines to cut and remove weeds.
Proper Pond Management – Maintaining water quality and preventing excessive nutrient buildup.
Q4. What is duck-cum-fish culture?
Duck-cum-fish culture is an integrated system where ducks and fish are raised together. Duck droppings serve as organic fertilizer, enriching the pond’s nutrients and promoting natural fish feed production. Ducks also help control aquatic weeds and insects, reducing maintenance costs. This system enhances fish yield and overall farm efficiency.
Or
What is paddy-cum-fish culture?
Paddy-cum-fish culture is a method of integrating rice farming with fish rearing. Fish are cultivated in paddy fields, where they feed on pests, improve soil fertility, and enhance rice productivity. This eco-friendly method ensures better land utilization and additional income for farmers.
Q5. Write a short note on the preparation of a pond for aquaculture.
Pond preparation includes:
Site Selection – Choosing a suitable location with proper water availability.
Pond Drying – Sun drying to eliminate unwanted organisms.
Liming – Adjusting pH and improving water quality.
Fertilization – Enhancing plankton growth for fish feed.
Water Filling – Ensuring the right depth and quality before stocking fish.
Or
What are the main factors contributing to algal bloom formation in a pond?
Algal blooms occur due to:
Excessive nutrient accumulation (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus).
High sunlight exposure.
Stagnant water conditions.
Improper pond management.
Chemical runoff from nearby agricultural fields.
Uncontrolled algal blooms deplete oxygen levels, affecting fish health.
Section C: Long Answer Type Questions (2 × 11 = 22 Marks)
Q6. Describe in detail what an integrated aquaculture system is and what are its various types.
Integrated aquaculture involves combining fish farming with other agricultural practices to maximize resource utilization. Types include:
Fish-Duck Culture – Ducks provide organic manure, improving fish production.
Fish-Poultry Culture – Poultry droppings enhance pond fertility.
Fish-Rice Culture – Fish control pests and fertilize the soil.
Fish-Vegetable Culture – Aquaponics integrates fish and plant farming, using fish waste as fertilizer.
Integrated systems increase productivity, reduce waste, and enhance sustainability.
Q7. What are the various physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting the productivity of a pond?
Pond productivity is influenced by:
Physical Factors – Temperature, sunlight, depth, and water movement.
Chemical Factors – pH, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels.
Biological Factors – Presence of plankton, aquatic plants, and fish species.
Proper management of these factors ensures healthy fish growth and high yield.
Q8. Write a note on the history of aquaculture.
Aquaculture dates back to ancient China and Egypt, where fish farming was practiced in ponds and lakes. Romans and Japanese later developed advanced techniques. In the 20th century, scientific advancements led to commercial aquaculture. Today, aquaculture is a global industry ensuring food security and economic development.
Q9. How can we control weeds, algal blooms, and predatory fishes in a freshwater pond?
Weeds and algal blooms are controlled using manual, biological, and chemical methods. Predatory fish are managed by stocking compatible species, using barriers, and selective fishing. Proper pond management prevents ecological imbalances and enhances fish production.