Effect of Water Management Technology Used in Trout Culture on Water Quality in Fish Ponds

Abstract

Pond management requires that a specific fish culture is conducted while taking into account both production possibilities and profitability, as well as the impact it may have on the natural environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three water management systems used in rainbow trout culture on water quality in fish ponds. It was conducted at six trout farms and differing in water management strategy. After water had flown through the fishing ponds, its quality was significantly less impaired at farms operating in the flow and cascade systems. In turn, waters discharged from farms using the recirculation system were characterized by the poorest quality and lowest values on the Water Quality Index (WQI). It was found that the flow and cascade systems can be used to maintain the water quality and give less fish mortality for trout. It has been shown that the use of a water recirculation system in rainbow trout cultures significantly affects the quality of water in fishponds and can potentially lead to suppression of fish resistance and in extreme cases, to fish death. This study will help fish farmers in choosing the optimal variant of water management, taking into account both the best fish health with the least negative impact of fish farms on the environment.