Family unit concept for rearing fishes in floating cages

Abstract

This paper describes briefly the history of cage culture of fishes and outlines the advantages and limitations of the culture system. The operation of an experimental fish farm is described in relation to a proposed family unit concept in which cages are attached to a floating house with a working platform. The concept is based on the need to utilize available labour in a family and taking advantage of the knowledge of the experienced fish farmers to indirectly train young fish farmers for the future. The advantages of the fand.ly unit culture system are outlined and the production costs of the floating cages in such a family unit are analysed with reference to their technical and commercial feasibility in Malaysia. The production cost of fish is M$2.35 per kati or M$3.89 per kilogram. The ratio of net-income to operational cost is 69.8% and that of net-income to gross-return is 41.1%. The paper points out the possibility of developing a cage culture industry in Malaysia which is estimated to produce 6,375 tons of quality fish if 20% of the trash fish produced in West Malaysia are utilized. The cage culture industry is projected to provide jobs for 4,250 culturists and 1417 seed collectors. The experimental fish farm clearly illustrates that the income of fishermen can be increased many fold if floating cages are operated on a family unit basis. The need to regulate the number of family unit floating cages is also discussed.