Chapter-1: INTRODUCTION
Hatchery:
Hatchery is a place where fish seeds are produced in a controlled way. Hatchery may vary
greatly in both design and function.
A hatchery may-
o Be used to produce fertilized eggs, fry and fingerlings throughout the year or for a part of
the year.
o Be owned by the government, NGO, private company, co-operative or by a family
o Have the task to produce fish seeds or act as demonstration farm
o Have the responsibility for training and extension
o Also be used to conduct research
Hatchery management:
Includes all activities required for smooth operation of a hatchery and its overall management.
Hatchery management requires the knowledge of the following subjects:
o Aquatic ecology
o Biochemistry
o Embryology of fishes
o Endocrinology of aquatic animals
o Fish farm design and construction
o Fish nutrition
o Fish pathology
o Fish physiology
o Fishery systematic
o Freshwater aquaculture
o Genetics and fish breeding
o Ichthyology
o Limnology
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Causes for decrease of wild fish fry:
Reduction of natural breeding ground
Changing aquatic ecosystem
Soil erosion and siltation
Indiscriminate and destructive fishing practices
Construction of flood control and drainage structure
Dumping of agro-chemicals and industrial pollutants
Lack of proper implementation of fish acts
Genetical problems, such as inbreeding depression, negative selection etc.