Towards a more sustainable aquaculture through green tank rearing of tilapia fry
(Book - Regular Print)

Thesis,MSFS,Green Mountain College,2017

Includes bibliographical references.

The growing aquaculture industry is facing two important issues: the depletion of wild resources of fish protein used for feed inputs and the cost of production for fish hatcheries and farms. These issues can be addressed early in the process of production. Green tanking is a viable alternative to commercial feeds in early stages of fish production. In the study, tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), fry from White Brook Tilapia Farm in Kansas City, Missouri were used. The design of the study was a free standing, enclosed environment with controlled climate and artificial lighting. This environment was built inside an existing glass green house. Data was collected on a daily basis from two control groups and two experimental tanks, reinforcing the green tank method as a viable alternative to commercial feed in the early stages of fry rearing. The experimental group, or green tank group, was found to cost less than half of what he control group cost. Real cost savings were determined by calculating the cost per millimeter of growth incorporating electrical usage and feed cost. Final cost analysis shows a positive financial impact for fish fry production.