Farming Carp

Need for revolution Farming Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector, driven by ever-growing demand for fish and the perilous state of our fisheries. As the human population carp continues to rise, aquaculture will have to come to the rescue. However, the expansion in aquaculture has What role does organic carp production slowed over recent years due to several constraining have in the UK, asks Jimmie Hepburn? factors, including the availability of suitable sites and alternative sources of aquafeed. t always surprises me when flying across the UK or Critics argue that intensive aquaculture is travelling by train just how much standing water contributing to the overfishing crisis facing many of there is in our country. I often wonder whether we the world’s fisheries through its use of wild-caught

I OC K could use this water more productively. Perhaps you have fish as feed for farmed fish. Indeed, a recent paper by

a pond or lake which is not productive: have you ever the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United EST V I

considered growing some fish such as carp for the table Nations on the state of the world fisheries concluded L market – or even as a poultry feed supplement? that aquaculture must reduce its dependence on wild stocks. In other words, the only way forward for Medieval origins aquaculture is to wean itself off reliance on wild fish Back in medieval times fish such as carp were widely as feed and to farm the ‘whole system’ – as is done grown across the UK to provide fresh fish, particularly by small fish farmers in many southern countries. for communities far from the sea. With the onset of This is a revolution which desperately needs to the industrial revolution, and the introduction of steam happen in aquaculture, but which is not yet possible trawlers and the railways, this need diminished. even for organic salmon or trout farmers. But farming Yet with the chaotic state of today’s global fisheries organic carp is another matter and I believe that and ever-growing demand for fish could these unused Could organic carp provide a organic farmers could lead the way for a new expanses of water be farmed sustainably, providing much needed protein source form of sustainable aquaculture. for organic pigs and poultry? farmers with a viable addition to the business for a Top To rear organic carp you reasonable return? Could aquaculture once again will need a pond of at least become part of the UK’s rural landscape? Basic requirements the UK, the main potential outlets include restaurants, 250m2 and 1–2m deep In warmer climates, such as China, agri-culture (the To rear carp you realistically need a pond of at least 250m2 fish mongers, farm shops and box schemes. Adding Above Netting is advised Case study to protect fish stocks from farming of the land) and aqua-culture (the farming of and 1–2m deep, with access to some clean water. Having value through processing (such as smoking) could further heron, otter or kingfisher water) have been integrated for thousands of years. But more than one pond provides flexibility in rearing different enhance returns. Jimme Hepburn first started farming organic while ‘industrialised’ aquaculture models rule supreme in sizes of fish. Ideally, ponds should have a southerly aspect, An exciting alternative to table fish is to grow carp carp at Upper Hayne Farm, near Cullompton the UK, integrated organic carp production is developing with a means of controlling the water level and the flow (or perhaps other course fish) as a feed supplement for in Devon in July 2006 – selling its first organic across Europe – particularly in Austria and Germany – and rate of the added water. organic poultry or pigs, potentially providing a much certified stock in November 2008 involves existing fish farms as well as agricultural holdings Most farms will already have all the essential equipment needed source of protein. This practice is frequently We currently have 13 organic carp ponds where livestock and crop production are successfully they will need to farm carp on a small scale – such as a found in the Far East. covering about 2ha. The production process is fairly integrated with carp production. tractor and trailer – although a seine net, anti-predator straightforward: young stock arrive as seven day netting and transport tanks to move fish around are Making it happen old fry from a local carp farm and are introduced So what’s involved? all useful additions. The key time commitments include Theoretically, carp production within an integrated system into carefully prepared ponds, which are limed and Carp are omnivorous, eating both animal and vegetable carrying out the routine husbandry duties, such as feeding, makes complete sense. But developing the market will manured (an initial 60kg of FYM per 100m2 with material. They do not need enormous quantities of clear supplementary manuring, water quality monitoring require a real pioneering spirit. FURTHER READING further supplements during the summer). The carp spring water and subsequently cause little pollution (particularly May–October) and grading fish out in the First, we need to develop a network of potential are then sorted and graded the following spring and concerns. Being cold blooded and living in water, fish are autumn or spring for slaughter or for restocking to newly producers and other interested parties who are willing Carp Farming by V. K. stocked into dedicated ponds. The carp are fed daily much more efficient in converting feed into flesh. But prepared ponds. to experiment and perhaps form a cooperative to market Michaels (Fishing News from May–October with soaked grain or beans and unlike trout or salmon, carp can be fed on locally grown Planning is everything so make sure you seek plenty of the product. We could then arrange a meeting at the Books Ltd) is now out of water quality is regularly monitored. Oxygen levels crops, such as wheat or barley, and in a well managed advice (see further reading, right). You will need to contact Soil Association to discuss ways of gathering information print (but look out for a can drop dangerously in late summer, so additional system they can achieve a 1:1 conversion. Carp have the your Local Authority and the Environment Agency for on the potential market for sustainably farmed fish and second hand copy). Carp water is added to maintain adequate levels. Predators, advantage of allowing the farmer to choose whether to water abstraction and discharge consent and notify the technical issues. To register your interest email the author and Pond Fish Culture such as heron and otter, can be a problem and we rear the fish extensively or more intensively, depending on Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture directly (see article end). by L Horvath (Blackwell use netting over some ponds. In the autumn, the time and resources available. Science (CEFAS), the Defra agency responsible for fish Fortunately, the pioneering spirit is not uncommon Scientific) is more recent carp are harvested at the desired weight (400–900g) Carp normally take three summers to reach a farm registration and fish health. in the organic community. As Helen Browning said at and also very useful and transferred to clean spring water for a few days marketable weight of 0.5–1kg. The Soil Association’s the launch of the Soil Association’s organic aquaculture before slaughter to remove any ‘muddy’ taste. Unlike organic standards state that carp must obtain half their The future standards at the British Trout Association’s annual livestock, carp can be slaughtered on site before feed from the pond, achieved by regular applications of Although carp is the most widely farmed species of fish conference in 1998, “taking the organic option means immediate dispatch. Initially, we sold 100kg to test the manure (normally well rotted farmyard manure) to sustain in the world, the market for organic carp in the UK is endlessly reassessing what is possible – and working out market and plan for the next season. But customer algae and zooplankton populations which form the basis still embryonic. But we have been surprised by the level ways in which to make the possible practical”. feedback was excellent and demand higher than

of the carp’s diet. Supplementary feeding is then provided of consumer interest in sustainably farmed fish, and ON anticipated. This winter we will sell at least 500kg to ISI in the form of soaked barley or wheat grain, field beans across Europe the tradition of eating course fish is rising V Jimmie Hepburn is joint-owner of Aquavision restaurants, retailers – and perhaps a box scheme!

and compost worms (see case study right). because of consumer trust in organic standards. Here in AQUA [email protected]

38 Organic Farming Summer 2009 39 Organic Farming Summer 2009