Operational Aquaculture Farming Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Explain do we need a permit to stock fish into natural waterways or impoundments?

Yes - a permit is required to stock fish into any public impoundment, natural waterway, river, billabong, lake, wetland, stream etc

2. Which species are grown in our country?

The main species grown in Canada are salmon, mussels, oysters and trout. Canada also produces steelhead, arctic char, Atlantic cod, sablefish, geoducks, Atlantic halibut, quahogs, white sturgeon, tilapia and scallops.

3. Tell me what educational courses are available for aquaculture?

There are a number of courses on aquaculture available, both through Universities and Fisheries Training Institutes like Entebbe Uganda.

4. Tell me is farmed fish really as healthy as wild fish?

EU legislation sets strict rules, including maximum levels for contaminants, to ensure that our food is safe. These limits are the same for both farmed and wild fish whilst a strict system of official controls ensures that only healthy food arrives on our tables whether it comes from the EU or from abroad.

5. How much does aquaculture contribute to our economy?

Our aquaculture industry generated $969 million in direct sales in 2006, and well over $1 billion in indirect value to the rural Canadian economy. Salmon accounts for approximately 80 percent of the industry's value.

6. Tell me why do we need aquaculture?

The output of the world's wild fisheries is either steady or declining, yet the human population continues to grow. Aquaculture already supplies half the world's seafood consumed by humans. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization forecasts a global seafood shortage of 50 - 80 million tonnes by 2030, and aquaculture will help meet that growing demand.

7. Tell us do we need a permit to stock our farm dam with fish?

No - a permit is not required provided that the farm dam is man-made and located on a private property, and the species to be stocked comply with all of the department's policy.

8. Do you know how are fish farmed?

Shellfish such as mussels and oysters are grown on ropes, poles or table-like structures. They require clean water to feed on the nutrients suspended in the water. Marine fish such as salmon and sea bass are farmed in large net pens suspended from the sea's surface. Freshwater fish such as trout are usually farmed in a series of tanks through which river water is diverted. Other freshwater fish such as carp are farmed in large lakes and ponds.

9. Explain how are predators controlled by aquaculture companies?

Most predators, which may include seals, birds of prey and raccoons, are protected by federal or provincial law. The most common control methods are barriers - such as nets, covers or building enclosures - auditory deterrents and removal. Firearms are used only as a last resort.

10. Do you know what are the major species farmed in the EU?

Approximately 50% of the aquaculture production in the EU is shellfish. Mussels and oysters are the most popular shellfish. Marine fish such as salmon, sea bream and sea bass represent about 27% of our fish farm produce whilst freshwater fish such as trout and carp account for 23% of fish farmed in the EU. The species farmed in the EU are very diverse and include clams, scallops, lobsters, and sturgeon (caviar). Algae production is a developing sector.