Semi-intensive polyculture in earthen ponds (Portugal and Spain)

Earthen ponds are the main production system for seabass and seabream in Portugal and in Southern Spain, in particular in the Cadiz province. Different farms use various levels of intensification and pond size, but in general these are semi-intensive systems covering large areas, ponds ranging from one to several hectares, and with production ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 Kg/m2 at the end of the production cycle.

Production costs in this farming system are higher compared to intensive cage farms, and its economic sustainability depends on product differentiation and optimization of production. Although seabass and seabream are traditionally the target species produced, in such ponds commonly there is a natural stocking with wild larvae of other fish species, including the Senegalese sole.

Previous attempts of ongrowing sole in ponds in polyculture with seabass and seabream as an added value gave variable results in terms of number of individuals recovered, but growth rates were promising (part of project “Solemates” Q5CR-2001-71039, funded by CRAFT programme of the EC, where partner 1 CCMAR participated).

Publications

D58 Semi-intensive polyculture in earth ponds

D64 Scientific/Technical publication on Semi-intensive polyculture in earthen ponds