Potential benefits of low energy water circulation in Hawaiian prawn ponds

Abstract

Water temperature and pond water dissolved oxygen level are two parameters that are vitally important for optimization in aquaculture production. If the dissolved oxygen level falls below about 2 mg liter −1 and the water temperature drops to less than 22°C, freshwater prawns and other warmwater species of fish and invertebrates become stressed. That stress leads to decreased growth and survival, lower quality product, increased aggression, and reduced income. Artificial circulation of pond water can reduce oxygen stresses and thermal stratification, thereby alleviating conditions of poor water quality. Circulation with low energy pond mixers can increase benthic temperatures in thermally stratified ponds, uniformly distribute phytoplankton, and increase dissolved oxygen levels at the bottom of the pond. These benefits result in less aggression and cannibalism, increased survival, increased growth, and increased production.