Amman: The Northern Jordan Valley Agriculture Directorate has called on fish farmers to follow technical and preventive guidelines to maintain fish health and reduce losses during the summer season, as high temperatures affect water quality and fish production.
According to Jordan News Agency, Director of Agriculture Mohammad Al-Nuaim emphasized the need for daily monitoring of fish ponds during the summer months. The rise in temperatures necessitates maintaining water quality and regularly checking dissolved oxygen levels, especially during early morning hours. Al-Nuaim suggested that water renewal or additional aeration should be considered when oxygen levels decrease to ensure optimal conditions for fish.
Al-Nuaim also highlighted the importance of providing feed in suitable quantities and cautioned against overfeeding. He advised farmers to stop feeding when fish exhibit signs of stress or when oxygen levels decline, and to promptly remove leftover feed and dead fish to prevent water pollution and curb the spread of diseases.
He underscored the necessity of daily monitoring of fish to detect any signs of disease or behavioral changes. Suspected cases should be reported to relevant authorities, and maintaining appropriate fish densities in ponds is crucial to reducing stress and supporting growth.
Further, Al-Nuaim stressed the importance of ensuring the readiness of pumps and aeration equipment through regular maintenance and recommended providing alternative power sources in case of electricity interruptions. Regular checks of water quality, including temperature, pH levels, and ammonia concentrations, are also essential.
The director urged farmers to prevent pollutants and agricultural pesticides from reaching fish ponds and to adhere to biosecurity measures, such as disinfecting equipment, to minimize disease spread between ponds. He concluded by stating that improving the sustainability of fish farming contributes to safe production and supports food security efforts.