Rational Design of Hatcheries for Intensive Salmonid Culture, Based on Metabolic Characteristics

Abstract

Design criteria for new hatcheries for the intensive culture of fish should be based on a correlation of water quality characteristics with data on fish metabolism. This paper presents much of the available information on water quality (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and un-ionized ammonia), water exchange rates, and fish metabolism, and suggests appropriate management practices and design criteria that take these factors into account. Specific recommendations include a water exchange rate of four per hour, dissolved oxygen saturation of 90% in incoming water and not less than 5 mg/l in effluent water, and a maximum allowable concentration of 0.0125 mg/l of un-ionized ammonia.