Fish Transportation

Fish transportation is a crucial factor in aquaculture. Proper transportation of fry and larve has a very strong impact on their survival.

1. W ELCOME TO OUR PRESENTATION A PRESENTATION ON FISH TRANSPORTATION

2. INTRODUCTION Fish Transportation is a process by which fish is transported from one place to another place in a scientific way. It plays an important role in the distribution of quality fish fry among a country or even the world. Fishes are transported mainly for three purposes : For breeding purposes Stocking in nursery pond For selling purposes

3. TOLERANCE TO TRANSPORT A Famous saying in fish culture is,' Fish are not potatoes’. They need tender care and love to remain strong and healthy. Tolerance of fish to transport depends on their ability to resists or adapt to stressful condition. Tolerance varies with species to species. Some species mainly species having air breathing organ are more tolerant to transport. E.g. Oreochromis spp. , Cyprinus carpio etc. Some medium tolerant species including Bighead carp, Grass carp Low tolerant species- Silver carp

4. CONDITIONING OF FISH BEFORE TRANSPORTATION Conditioning is the pre-requisition of fish transportation. Conditioning reduces the mortality rate during transportation. The temperature of the conditioning water should not be high – it should be preferably on the lower side of the optimal thermal range of the species. Fry, fingerlings should not be handled with bare hand- the slime over the fish body should remain in tact. Fish survived better if they have no food in their intestine .

5. METHODS FOR PACKING AND TRANSPORTATION There are two system for packing of fish fry Open system Close system

6. Open system It is a traditional method . Open system comprising with open carrier with or without artificial aeration/oxygenation/water circulation. Plastic or metal drums or traditional earthen pot “ hundi ” are used for fish transporting. Mainly two types of hundies are used in transportation: 20cm diameter-23L capacity 23cm diameter-32L capacity In this system, dissolved oxygen content is maintained through splashing of water during movement.

7. Open system Figure: Open System of Fish Transportation

8. Open system ADVANTAGES: It is cheap and easier method Equipment are locally available It keep water cool for long time No need to oxygen supply from outside More suitable for broodfish

9. Open system DISADVANTAGES: Relatively less amount of fish can be transported at a time. Needs close observation. Not suitable for larger distance.

10. CLOSE SYSTEM It is the modern transporting system In this system , we have to maintain adequate oxygen supply in the water while transporting fish Plastic or metal container, Rubber and plastic bags are used in this system for transporting fish One-fourth of the bag usually containing water and fish and three-fourth of the bag filled with oxygen. After adding oxygen, the bag is sealed shut with a twisted rubber band. Woven grass or sometime ice is also used during packing of fry bag to provide insulation from heat.

11. CLOSE SYSTEM Figure: Close System of Fish Transportation

12. CLOSE SYSTEM ADVANTAGES: Oxygen can be supplied easily Mortality rate is very low Easily transportable It can be transported from a long distance even from one country to another Large number of fish can be transported at a time It is most suitable for commercial fish farm

13. CLOSE SYSTEM DISADVANTAGES: It is a cost effective method Packing materials are not locally available Need skilled person for packing and handling Additional oxygenation is required

14. CAUSES OF MORTALITY IN TRANSPORRTATION Oxygen depletion due to oxidation of organic materials. Accumulation of free Carbon-di-oxide,, resulting from respiration and Ammonia as excretory product. Sudden fluctuation in temperature. Hyperactivity and stress due to handling. Ion-osmotic imbalance due to stress. Physical injury due to handling Diseases.

15. CHEMICALS USED IN FISH TRANSPORTATION Drugs and chemicals are either used as tranquilizers and sedatives or as antiseptic. Sedatives are mainly used for : Reducing metabolic rates Reducing excitability of fishes Convenience in handling fish Several drugs have been studied for use as anesthetic for transport of fish. E.g. Tricaine methane sulphonate (MS-222), Sodium amytal , Quinaldine , Novocaine etc.