Innovative tarpaulin tanks for sustainable African catfish farming and integrated aquaponics system

Traditional aquaculture systems face challenges in urban and peri-urban areas due to limited space, water constraints, and higher environmental contamination risks. Tarpaulin tanks present a viable, cost-effective solution for fish farming in such contexts, enabling controlled, sustainable, and profitable African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) production.

Innovative tarpaulin tanks for sustainable African catfish farming and integrated aquaponics system – Tarpaulin Accra
Food System Lab Accra promotes technology for aquaculture that combines fish and vegetable farming.

Key Findings

The HealthyFoodAfrica project at Accra Food System Lab is promoting innovative and responsible tarpaulin tank aquaculture. This method integrates sustainable water management technologies, reduces operational costs, and ensures high yields of healthy fish. Key findings include:

1. Efficient Production System:

  • Tarpaulin tanks, constructed with durable and portable materials, allow controlled aquaculture in small spaces.
  • The system yielded 1.2–1.6 tons of African catfish per 4- to 5-month production cycle from tanks with a capacity of 13.5 m³, at survival rates of 68–82%.

2. Innovative Technologies:

  • Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS): Recycles tank effluent using mechanical and biological filtration, conserving water and reducing disease risks.
  • Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture (IAA): Uses fish tank effluent for backyard irrigation, producing fish and crops/vegetables simultaneously.
  • Aquaponics: Combines fish farming and soilless crop cultivation, where plants naturally filter water for reuse in fish tanks.

3. Economic Viability:

  • Stocking approximately 1,000 catfish fingerlings (12–18 g) per tank, fed with commercial protein-rich feed, yielded 22–30% return on operational costs per cycle.
  • Vibrant marketing strategies ensured strong patronage, particularly among urban communities, enhancing financial returns.

4. Environmental Sustainability:

  • Water-conservation technologies minimize wastage and environmental contamination.
  • Effluent management and biosecurity practices further enhance ecological sustainability.

Benefits and Impact

The tarpaulin tank aquaculture system addresses key challenges of urban fish farming by offering:

  • Space Optimization: Suitable for small-scale urban farming.
  • Water Efficiency: Recirculated and reused water minimizes consumption.
  • Economic Sustainability: High yields and profitability with reduced production costs.
  • Scalability: Portable systems allow for expansion or relocation as needed.

Practical Recommendations

  1. Adopt Tarpaulin Tank Systems: Encourage urban and peri-urban farmers to utilize tarpaulin tanks for efficient fish production.
  2. Integrate Water-Use Technologies: Implement RAS, IAA, and aquaponics to maximize resource efficiency.
  3. Ensure Biosecurity: Promote waste management and water quality monitoring to maintain sustainability.
  4. Build Market Linkages: Establish reliable marketing channels to support consistent fish sales and community engagement.
  5. Scale Across Regions: Adapt these methods in other urban settings to promote sustainable aquaculture.

 

Contact information

Seth K. Agyakwah, Emmanuel T.D. Mensah, Ruby Asmah and Queronica Q. Quartey

Food System Lab Accra, Ghana.