EVOLUTION OF INTENSIVE AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS IN ARKANSAS  

With the development of partitioned aquaculture systems and the more recently developed split-pond system, farmers across the catfish industry have been looking to these alternative production systems to increase commercial production on their farms.  Seeking to minimize input costs, farmers have implemented numerous designs and strategies across the state which has led to varying degrees of success.  While the initial aim was to increase production, it was observed that these systems would have the added benefits of increased feed and production efficiencies over traditional pond culture while also helping improve oxygen and water quality management on the farm.  After numerous benefits of these systems were demonstrated on a commercial scale, the ideas gained momentum for use with alternative species with varying goals in mind.

In addition to in-pond raceways and split ponds for catfish production, a split pond production system was developed and optimized for production fathead minnows.  Three in-pond raceways have also been installed to optimize growth and feeding of small largemouth bass fingerling from 2 to 6 inches.  As success is compounded with each new system, we expect the partitioned concept to further expand in the aquaculture industry.