3. Pond Construction Proper design and construction of ponds is critical to the success of a commercial catfish operation. Well-designed ponds, constructed on soil with a proper clay content and adequate water supply, have a useful life of at least 10 years. BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
4. Pond Types Three types of ponds are used in catfish farming. The first, called embankment or levee ponds, is the most common type of pond used in channel catfish farming. Embankment ponds are the preferred type for large-scale catfish farming because they can be built in large contiguous tracts, which aids in pond management. Embankment ponds are built on flat land by removing soil from the area that will be the pond bottom and using that soil to form levees or embankments around the pond perimeter. BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
5. The second type, watershed ponds, are built in hilly areas by damming a small stream. In the long term, the major source of water is runoff from the drainage basin above the dam, although a source of pumped water is desirable to help offset evaporation and seepage during droughts. Watershed ponds represent less than 10 percent of the total pond area devoted to channel catfish farming, but are common in some regions, such as western Alabama. . BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
6. The third pond type is a hybrid between embankment and watershed ponds. These ponds may have two or three sides consisting of embankments (actually low dams) across a relatively small drainage basin. A significant amount of water may be obtained from runoff, but because the catchment area above the pond is relatively small, a source of pumped water also must be available. Hybrid watershed-embankment ponds are built in regions with gently rolling topography, such as the Blackland Prairie of east Mississippi BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
7. Pond Morphology The ideal size and depth of catfish ponds has changed in recent years. Fish farmers report that smaller ponds (8 to 10 acres) are easier to manage and feed than larger ponds (18 to 25 acres). Research indicates and producers confirm that deeper ponds (5 to 6 feet average depth) have a longer life expectancy and allow greater water conservation. A bottom slope of 0.2 to 0.3 inches per 100 linear feet along the long axis is recommended for adequate drainage. Interior levees should have a minimum top width of 16 feet to allow vehicle access for management purposes even in wet conditions. Main access levees should have a minimum top width of 20 feet (preferably 25 feet) to accommodate fixed equipment such as wells, generators, and aerators while permitting passage of feed delivery and hauling trucks. These main levees should be graveled for all-weather access. Slope is expressed as the horizontal distance (in feet) that results in a 1-foot change in height. For most soils, an outside levee slope of 3:1 is recommended. Inside slope for commercial ponds typically ranges from 3:1 to 4:1. A single 10-inch diameter drain of heavy gauge, coated metal or PVC pie is adequate to maintain water level and drain a commercial pond. The drain should extend into the pond and past the outside levee toe by at least 5 feet. A perimeter drainage system should be constructed to receive effluents and to prevent water from standing outside levees. BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
21. Released July 24, 2009 by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Agricultural Statistics Board U.S. Department of Agriculture BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
22. Catfish: Number of Operations and Water Surface Acres, Used for Production, 2004-2005, by State and United States Number of Operations on July 1 Water Surface Acres Used for Production State During July 1 - December 31 State 2004 2005 2004 2005 Number Number Acres Acres AL AR LA MS Total 250 158 48 430 886 210 124 32 400 766 27,900 34,900 9,400 103,000 175,200 23,900 29,500 7,700 98,000 159,100 BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
23. Catfish: Number of Operations and Water Surface Acres, Used for Production, 2006-2007, by State and United States Number of Operations on July 1 Water Surface Acres Used for Production State During July 1 - December 31 State 2006 2007 2006 2007 Number Number Acres Acres AL AR LA MS Total 217 132 24 380 753 203 131 19 360 713 24,500 30,200 5,700 95,700 156,100 23,200 32,000 5,500 92,700 153,400 BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
24. Catfish: Number of Operations and Water Surface Acres Used for Production, 2008-2009, by State Number of Operations on July 1 Water Surface Acres Used for Production State During July 1 - December 31 State 2008 2009 2008 2009 Number Number Acres Acres 22,100 26,600 5,700 83,200 137,600 21,700 20,500 70,000 112,200 AL AR LA MS Total 240 141 31 407 819 613 BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
25. Catfish: Number of Operations and Water Surface Acres, Used for Production, 2004 vs 2009, by State Water Surface Acres Used for Production 2004 2009 State Acres Acres 27,900 34,900 9,400 103,000 175,200 21,700 20,500 70,000 112,200 AL AR LA MS Total BIOMASS PARTNERS, LLC November 18, 2009
