Observation

This question was poorly attempted by the candidates.  In 1(a)(i – ii), majority of the candidates could define fishing gear but most of them could not state the ways of maintaining fishing gear.  Also, most of them could neither define pond management nor describe pond management practices as required in 1(b)(i-ii).

The expected answers include:

1 (a)    (ii)        Ways of maintaining fishing gear
-           Keep in cool dry place
-           Mend damaged parts
-           Clean (wash, remove debris)
-           Keep away from direct sunlight
-           Paint/grease metal parts
-           Protect wooden parts from termites
-           Replace broken/ damaged parts

(b)       (i)         Definition of pond management

Pond management involves all practices/activities carried out in fish pond   
aimed at ensuring a healthy/conducive environment to increase fish yield.

(ii)        Description of Pond management practices
Stocking              -     The right type and the right number of fish is placed in
a pond at the right time. (cool hours of the day)

The type of aquaculture influences the type of fish stocked.

Acclimatize/allow  fish to swim out into pond 

Pond water        -     Organic or inorganic fertilizers are added to the pond
fertilization         -     Application could be done before or after impounding.

It could be done through broadcasting or sack method.

Liming          -     Lime such as CaO, CaOH are applied to pond to
increase pH      

It is applied by broadcasting

It may be applied to kill parasites/predators

Apply  at recommended rates

 

Feeding             

-          Feed is placed in pond water by broadcasting, point
placement or automation.

-     Fish could be fed two or three times a day, at specific
times

Quantity of feed depends on the size and age of fish.

Pellet size of feed depends on the size of fish

Feed fish with high quality feed/diet

 

Disease control            

 -      Keep pond well aerated to prevent disease  
                   outbreak
-     Foot baths are provided for visitors at the entrance
of the farm
-      Farm appliance/ tools/equipment are kept clean and
disinfected
-      Minimize stress/handling fish
-      Fresh fish stock are quarantined
-    In case of disease outbreak consult experts
-      Keep your surrounding clean
-      Maintain good water quality

                    Monitoring            

-      Water quality is checked daily to ensure that water is
water quality maintained at optimum level
-      Daily observation of fish for stress/unusual behaviour
-      Check sources of pollution within the pond e.g.
overfeeding/overstocking/over fertilization
-      Flush pond water when necessary