A review of Cage Aquaculture - Third Edition

ISBN 1-4051-0842-8

In 2004 Malcolm C.M. Beveridge wrote the third edition on Cage Aquaculture. In this edition he presents a synthesis of information on cages and caged aquaculture practices. Mr Beveridge has had a long association with the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling where he was a member of the faculty for more than 20 years.

In Chapter one, he looks at the origin and principles of cage aquaculture, reviewing the history of aquaculture and also suggesting reasons as to why aquaculture never developed like agriculture. He looks at the development of rearing facilities and the origins of cage culture.

Chapter two, he reviews cage aquaculture discussing the diversity of cage types, along with cage culture and aquaculture. In this chapter he also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of cage culture.

In Chapters three and four, cage design and construction and site selection are dealt with, looking at shape, size and materials. He reviews traditional designs and looks at modern designs of cages. Mr Beveridge delves into the environmental aspects of farmed aquatic species, along with the environmental criteria for cages. Also covered are the site facilities and management of the farms.

In Chapter five he deals with the environmental impacts and environmental capacity of caged aquaculture. He looks at resource consumption, the process of cages aquaculture, waste and modeling environmental capacity giving examples of intensive cage farming with Rainbow Trout, Tilapia.

Chapters six and seven deal with management of the facilities, transport and stocking. Feeds and feeding he also looks at the problems associated with caged farming, water currents, disease, fouling along with many other aspects.

This publication written by Mr Beveridge, with his many years of experience in the field of aquaculture, is in my opinion, a good guide to anyone working in caged aquaculture. It would also be a great help to anyone starting out in this field too. A well-written and well-presented book, with a good selection of photograph, a book for students and teacher alike, as well as anyone with an interest in the subject of caged aquaculture.

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers.