Explanation should include
- types of ponds (e.g., watershed, levee, excavated)
- water sources/availability
- site selection
- soil characteristics (clay content)
- climate
- topography (drainage, flooding)
- runoff
- source and materials
- engineering/construction requirements
- address given formulas and case situation
- determine the size for a fish pond including acreage, shape, capacity, and depth maintenance
- address dam inspection and repair
- address the repair and maintenance of plant cover and clean water
- address best practices for pond fertilization
- species selection/suitability for pond culture
- catfish
- striped bass
- crawfish
- drum
- carp
- shrimp
- preventive controls/biosecurity
- best management practices (BMPs) for ponds
- advantages of ponds
- disadvantages of ponds
- stocking densities based on species and pond size
- communication
- delivery
- buyer
- management
- water quality awareness/requirements
- importance of recording pond maintenance
- necessary supplies for harvesting
- nets
- buckets
- truck-to-pond
- access to a pond and the necessary equipment to prepare the pond for stocking according to BMPs
- factors in production
- feeding methods used with ponds (e.g., hand, mechanical, natural)
- types of feed (e.g., floating, sinking, neutral buoyancy pellets)
- frequency of feed
- amount of feed
- oxygen management (aeration devices).
Process/Skill Questions:
- What could happen if a pond were constructed in a flood zone?
- What are the consequences of poor site selection?
- Why use a pond over another aquatic system?
- Why is maintenance important?
- What are some causes of crop loss in ponds?
- What are some preventative measures for reducing crop loss in ponds?
- How are fish acclimated to a new aquatic environment?
- What are the consequences of not following BMPs?
- What are some forms of stress fish might experience (e.g., physical, chemical, perceived stressors)?
- Why is record keeping and training personnel important?
- Why might a pond require oxygen supplementation?