More Information
Excerpt from the Course
CHOOSING WHAT TO FARM Your choice will depend on many considerations, including:
- Climate
- Water resources
- Finance
- Scale of operation
- Other resources: manpower, knowledge, support services etc.
- Market demand and access
- Ecological considerations: availability of animals, legislation on living animal trade
- Risk Considerations: disease, pest, reliability of growth rate, stability of markets.
Climate
Some animals are more environmentally sensitive than others. Some may require cold water, others hot water; and others water where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Some need deeper water; others are able to grow in shallower water. Some species need certain water salinity or alkalinity in specific periods of development. In general, cold freshwater fishes require more pristine waters and stable oxygen concentrations, therefore more control on water quality, than warm water estuarine fish.
Water resources
Water quality may be more important to some animals than others. Some may grow in poor quality or contaminated water, but the quality of the harvest (taste, levels of pollutants such as mercury, etc) can become an issue if water quality is poor. Oxygen levels can affect rate of growth in animals, as can chemicals in the water. High levels of nitrogen together with light can cause algal blooms which can block pipes, and may cause other problems as well –but may also provide food for aquatic animals.
Finance
Sometimes set up costs can be very high (e.g. creating dams, installing tanks, filtration systems etc) Some properties may already have dams or other previously built or naturally occurring water resources that can be used. Some animals may be grown to a marketable size quickly; while others take a lot longer. It is not only important to have adequate money to set up a venture but also the cash flow to maintain operations until a return on investment is realized.
Scale of Operation
Some types of aquaculture can be intensive, requiring relatively little land. Other types need to be operated on a much larger scale to be profitable. Your choice of animal may be determined by the scale on which you are able to operate.
Other resources (manpower, knowledge, support services, etc)
Larger scale operations will need more manpower. If something goes wrong, you either need the expertise yourself or experts help close at hand to deal with the problem. For farms that are located in isolated communities (for example), it may be difficult to obtain help from a veterinary expert, an engineer or irrigation expert, or some other expert, as and when you need it.
Market
Some products sell well, but that may be because they are difficult to produce; or perhaps because they are in fashion at the present moment. This does not necessarily mean you will sell them well, or make a profit on them if you start planning to grow them now. There may be others also starting aquaculture ventures targeting this market or perhaps the cost of production is so high that despite demand, there might not be a big profit. Current demand is none the less an indicator of likely demand later on. Demand is only one consideration when deciding whether the market opportunity will be strong. There are all sorts of costs involved in marketing as well. Consider how well the product keeps, the cost of processing, transport, packaging etc. Consider alternative options for marketing also. Some fish may be preserved by freezing, smoking, canning, pickling etc: thus extending the shelf life; but this may also change the nature of the product. Processing may add value to your produce; but it can also increase the overall production cost.
Availability of Animals
You may identify an animal species that would be ideal to farm, but if it is unavailable or illegal to grow in your region, there is little point in planning its production.
Risk Considerations
Some animals are more prone to disease, growth rates are more sensitive and variable, or market demand is less reliable. Drought, variations in water quality (or depth) and other factors can also be risks. You need to consider risks; and choose animals to farm that will be less risky for you in your situation.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
