AQUACULTURE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAM

Best management practices (BMPs) were developed for management of bottom soil in freshwater aquaculture ponds in Thai- land. These practices were based on a survey of production practices in tilapia, catfish, carp, and freshwater prawn culture and upon findings of studies of physical and chemical characteristics of bottom soil from ponds of different ages. Fifteen BMPs were designed to encourage the following: pond dry-out between crops; aeration of bottoms by tillage; liming of acidic bottoms; use of sedimentation basins; responsible disposal of sediment; erosion control; application of proper construction techniques; reduction in suspended solids in effluents. The BMPs have been translated into Thai for distribution to farmers, and several of the BMPs have a high rate of adoption by Thai farmers.