Establishment and Maintenance of Fish Pond

Establishment/Construction of a Fish Pond:

The following operations are normally carried out when establishing a fish pond:

1. Site Selection:

Site selection involves the choice of the best sites based on necessary conditions like a piece of land through which a perennial stream flows. The site should be on fertile and clay soil to prevent seepagethe slow escape of a liquid or gas through a porous material or small holes. More of water. It should have a valley with a narrow neck and a fairly open area.

2. Reconnaissance or General Survey:

A detailed survey of the chosen site should be carried out, especially by extension workers. Such workers help to determine the height of the pond, the volume of earth to be used for dyke, the total water surface area, and the volume of water in the pond or embarkment.

3. Clearing and Stumping of Site:

This involves the removal of thrash, cutting of trees and removal of stumps.

4. Construction of Dam/Dyke:

A dam/dyke is usually constructed across the stream. Materials used in the construction should be of good quality. Clay soil should be used for dam construction because of its ability to hold water.

5. Construction of Core Trench:

This involves the removal of the soil or excavationExcavation involves the removal of soil or rock from a site to form an open face, hole or cavity, using tools, machinery or explosives. More. It is positioned at a right angle of the dyke. Such a dyke should be made with consolidated stones or cement walls.

6. Construction of Spill Way:

Spillway is positioned at one end of the dam or dyke. Wood and wire-mesh screen should be used to construct the spillway.

7. Impoundment of Pond:

This involves the filling of the pond with water by opening the monk board of the reservoir. This leads to the release of water which flows to fill the pond.

8. Liming:

This involves the addition of limestones or calcium carbonate powder to the sides and bottom of the pond to seal pores and prevent water loss.