Production of hybrid striped bass and water quality in split ponds compared to traditional earthen ponds

Authors: Green, Bartholomew - Bart; Rawles, Steven - Steve; GAYLORD, T GIBSON - Us Fish And Wildlife Service; McEntire, Matthew - Matt; Ray, Candis; Webster, Carl

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2023
Publication Date: 2/18/2024
Citation: Green, B.W., Rawles, S.D., Gaylord, T., McEntire, M.E., Ray, C.L., Webster, C.D. 2024. Production of hybrid striped bass and water quality in split ponds compared to traditional earthen ponds [abstract]. Book of abstracts Aquaculture America 2024,February 18-21, 2024, San Antonio, TX. p. 187.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The split-pond production system, a modification of the partitioned aquaculture system, is a catfish production intensification strategy used on about 3,000 acres (ca. 1,200 ha) of ponds in the southern U.S. Increased catfish yield results because of improved control of dissolved oxygen and total ammonia concentrations, feeding efficiency, predator control, and harvest. Because hybrid striped bass are fed a higher protein feed than catfish during grow out, pond total ammonia-nitrogen concentration, a prime concern of farmers, can increase and affect hybrid striped bass performance. Hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), which is grown in traditional earthen ponds in the U.S., is a promising candidate for the split-pond production system. For the first time, water quality and performance of hybrid striped bass grown to market size in split ponds compared to traditional earthen ponds were evaluated in two 153-155-d studies. Hybrid striped bass (0.55 lb/fish; 250 g/fish) were stocked at 3,000/acre (1,215/ha) in study 1, while in study 2, fish (0.32 lb/fish; 145 g/fish) were stocked at 3,200/acre (1,295/ha). Fish in both studies were fed a 42% crude protein, 12% lipid extruded, floating feed to apparent satiation 6 d/wk. A paddlewheel aerator (4.5 kW/acre; 11.0 kW/ha) in each pond was activated when dissolved oxygen concentration dropped below 40% saturation. The aerator operated only in the split pond fish basin. Total ammonia-nitrogen concentrations in split ponds were significantly lower than in traditional ponds. No significant differences were detected between systems for other water quality variable concentrations. The absence of significant differences in production metrics shows hybrid striped bass perform as well in split ponds and as in traditional ponds when stocked at 3,000-3,200 fish/acre (1,215-1,295 fish/ha).