What is aquaculture? Fish farming, or aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants under controlled or semi-controlled conditions. In Saskatchewan, fish farms are found both commercially and on farms in dugouts and ponds. While privately owned commercial operations tend to operate year round and on a much larger scale, productive ponds and dugouts are not capable of supporting fish through the winter. Extensive aquaculture is the term used to describe the latter, where fish are stocked in ponds, allowed to grow through the summer, eating the natural food in the water, and then harvested at the end of the season. This type of aquaculture requires no feeding, no significant capital investment and few specialized skills are required. What do I need to start a fish farming operation? Raising fish requires some thought. Take a look at the fish farming checklist to see what is involved. Site Requirements Do you have a site suitable for a fish farming operation? Where are the 'fish raising' facilities located? Are they close to your residence to allow frequent and timely observations? Is there enough water available to fill ponds or replace losses? Is the water quality and temperature suitable for fish production? Is the topography and soil suitable for a fish farm operation? Do you require aeration equipment? Management Time and Skills Do you have (or be able to acquire) the skills necessary for fish farming? Can you handle the additional demands on your time and stress of running an operation carrying certain risks? Do you know of an established market for your fish if you plan to sell them? Do you have a plan for harvesting the fish? Can you clean and prepare the fish for market? Can you transport the fish to market? Are you aware of the provincial and federal government agencies that can provide educational and technical services? Will you be able to obtain the necessary licence required? (have you thought about what type of aquaculture operation you will run?) Is it biologically feasible to raise fish in your area? Are fingerlings available from local dealers or will you raise your own? Are you prepared to handle water quality problems? Can you make or purchase aeration equipment? Are dependable services available for disease diagnosis? Money Matters Will you incur the costs of maintaining water (via pumps) as needed in the pond? Will you need to purchase any equipment? Do you have the necessary financial resources? Is there a profit to be earned (if you intend to sell?) Can you absorb any losses? So, now you have seen the list of considerations for running a fish farm. Your next question might be... Do I need a special Licence? One of two types of licenses can be obtained: 1. Private Aquaculture License - no charge A private license grants the holder fish farming rights for his personal use and that of his friends. he may not sell, barter or trade his fish. it is intended for persons who have a dugout or small pond on their property and who wish to stock it to provide recreation and fish for consumption. 2. Commercial Aquaculture License - $15.00 fee A commercial license grants the holder rights for any of the following types of operations: a) To stock and harvest fish for commercial market sale. The fish may be sold directly to local consumers or to wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and Special Dealers, providing they have been processed in licensed fish processing plants within the province. Those intending to sell fish outside the province must obtain a special dealers license. b) To stock fish in a water body for sale to the public by means of angling, commonly known as "U-catch-'em" or "fee-for-fishing" pond. People angling at these places do not require a provincial angling license, but must retain a receipt showing the source of the fish for their own protection. c) to act as a broker, importing live fish from suppliers outside the province and reselling them in smaller lots to private or commercial fish farmers in Saskatchewan. Once you have determined the type of aquaculture license you require, it can be obtained by completing the appropriate application from. These are available from any fisheries branch. The exact process is outlined in the booklet "Aquaculture in Saskatchewan: Dugouts and Ponds" available from Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management.