Comments on the development of techniques for management of environmental quality in aquaculture

Management procedures which improve or stabilize environmental quality in aquaculture ponds are needed. The development of such procedures requires knowledge of quantitative relationships among two sets of variables: (1) fish production and specific aspects of environmental quality and (2) the management procedure and environmental quality. The specific changes desired in environmental quality must be identified, and the effect of a given degree of application of a management procedure on both environmental quality and aquacultural production must be ascertained. Management procedures must produce predictable results at a reasonable cost.

Environmental factors which must be considered in managing water quality in fertilized ponds and in ponds in which feeds are applied are discussed. Some examples of the development of successful environmental quality management techniques are provided and topics for future research are mentioned.