Harvesting, Holding, and Hauling

Need assistance with wildlife and fish management on your ranch, backyard, or pond? Simply call your local County Extension Agent.

Aquaculture is an established and viable commercial agricultural practice in many states. It includes a variety of native and exotic species grown for human consumption, fish bait, recreational fishing and hobby use. At some time in the production cycle from brood fish to marketing different live product forms, one or more life stages of fish must be harvested from the culture facility.

-SRAC Publication No. 394, Harvesting Warmwater Fish

The link between fish harvest and distribution to market is transportation. Fish are transported for re-stocking, brought to market to be sold live, or delivered to processing plants for slaughter. At this stage, most labor and production costs have already been incurred, and any fish loss from death or injury severely affects the profit margin. Most fish losses from hauling stress are caused by poor water quality and improper handling. Outbreaks of latent diseases or osmoregulatory problems may also occur. Osmoregulation is the ability of the fish to maintain proper internal salt concentrations. Poor water quality, overcrowding, and improper handling or tempering may cause serious fish losses or injury. The goal is to provide healthy fish that survive until they are sold and processed or after they are re-stocked.

-SRAC Publication No. 390, Transportation of Warmwater Fish – Equipment and Guidelines