TMFF ENVIRONEMENTAL CONSTRAINTS

Question 1

Climate of Area

Answer 1

Mild, temperate, av. Temp between 17-26

• Moderate conditions, plenty of sunlight, no extremes in weather conditions= ideal for leafy greens and tourists

Question 2

Effects of drought:

Answer 2

Low water supply = a drop in the water table and higher demand on bore water
Government imposes water restrictions which reduces production capacity

Question 3

Methods to overcome probs associated with climatic cond. Water is sourced form Aquifers (Water bearing sand layers) and bore water

Answer 3

• Nutrients in the fish wastewater is used to grow leaf vegetables
• Water is taken up by the plants and enters the atmosphere by transpiration through the leaves
• Little water returns to the aquifers (water- bearing sand layers) below the property
• TMFFs footprint, as far as water consumption goes, is low
• Little water leaves the system

Question 4

Tank water must be heated to enable these tropical fish to survive this far south

Answer 4

• Achieved using solar panels and the effects of the plastic ‘greenhouse” roofs covering shed.. Keeping water between 22-27 degrees year round
• Saves 50% off the power bill

Question 5

Topography is flat with good drainage

Answer 5

Normally , areas where the water table is high can cause probs for aquaculture
High water tables (saturated soils) make it difficult to build ponds and for their drainage and cleaning
• TMFF uses aboveground tanks so high water tables not an issue
• TMFF however needs access to the water table to draw water from
A porous aquifer and a water table not too low is essential

Question 6

Disease

Answer 6

Since aquaculture is generally intensive by nature, fish stocks have been susceptible to bacterial infections because of high stocking density in tanks
Prevention:
1. Filtration of fish tank water through a series of filters: removes all waste elements form solid to chemical wastes (ammonia and Nitrite)
2. Biotechnology: dissolved fish wastes by removed by bacteria cultured in large bio filters
3. Ultra Violet Lamps: Sterilize water passing through the filter systems 24/7
4. Daily record keeping of water quality in each tank
5. Daily tank maintenance eg. Washing of screen filters
6. Maintain suitable levels of oxygen in water: Blowers and diffusers
7. Disease can harm fish and humans (Streptococcus bacteria)
8. Disease control focuses on preventative methods
9. Antibiotics are generally administered in feeds having been either added during feed manufacture or surface coated onto pellets