Aquaculture & Fish Farming Management
Develop expertise in sustainable fish farming management and aquatic ecosystem preservation techniques for profitable and environmentally responsible aquaculture operations.
Course Overview
This intensive 14-week program provides comprehensive training in modern aquaculture techniques, fish health management, and sustainable pond ecosystem development. Students gain practical experience with various fish species native to Sri Lankan waters while learning to optimize production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Key Learning Areas
- Fish biology and nutrition fundamentals
- Pond construction and water quality management
- Disease prevention and health monitoring
- Breeding techniques and hatchery management
- Feed formulation and feeding strategies
- Market analysis and business planning
Target Participants
- Aspiring fish farmers and entrepreneurs
- Existing farmers diversifying operations
- Agricultural extension professionals
- Environmental conservation advocates
- Fisheries cooperative members
- Investors in aquaculture ventures
Equipment included in fee
Next intake: August 1, 2025
Fish Species We Cover
Tilapia (Mozambique)
Fast-growing freshwater species ideal for Sri Lankan climate. Learn breeding, feeding, and pond management for maximum productivity and disease resistance.
Common Carp
Hardy species perfect for polyculture systems. Master traditional Sri Lankan carp farming techniques combined with modern aquaculture innovations.
Catfish (Magur)
High-value native species with excellent market demand. Focus on intensive culture methods and value-added processing techniques.
Freshwater Prawns
Premium aquaculture species with export potential. Learn specialized breeding, pond preparation, and marketing strategies for international markets.
Ornamental Fish
High-profit specialty market focusing on goldfish, guppies, and native ornamental species. Master breeding techniques and quality maintenance.
Integrated Systems
Multi-species polyculture combining different fish types with aquatic plants. Maximize pond productivity and ecosystem balance.
14-Week Curriculum
Weeks 1-2: Aquaculture Fundamentals ▼
• Introduction to aquaculture systems and Sri Lankan fish farming history
• Water chemistry basics: pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and temperature
• Fish biology, anatomy, and physiological requirements
• Site selection and feasibility studies for fish farms
Weeks 3-4: Pond Construction & Design ▼
• Earthen pond construction techniques and soil preparation
• Water supply systems and drainage design
• Concrete pond construction for intensive systems
• Aeration systems and equipment installation
Weeks 5-6: Water Quality Management ▼
• Daily water testing protocols and record keeping
• Nitrogen cycle management in aquaculture systems
• Algae control and beneficial plankton cultivation
• Emergency water quality intervention strategies
Weeks 7-8: Fish Nutrition & Feeding ▼
• Nutritional requirements for different fish species
• Commercial feed evaluation and selection
• Local feed formulation using available ingredients
• Feeding schedules and growth optimization
Weeks 9-10: Breeding & Hatchery Operations ▼
• Broodstock selection and conditioning
• Natural and artificial breeding techniques
• Hatchery setup and fry production
• Nursery management and fingerling production
Weeks 11-12: Health Management & Disease Control ▼
• Common fish diseases and identification
• Preventive health management protocols
• Treatment methods and medication administration
• Quarantine procedures and biosecurity measures
Weeks 13-14: Business & Marketing ▼
• Aquaculture business planning and financial management
• Market analysis and customer identification
• Harvesting, processing, and value addition
• Export opportunities and quality standards
Modern Aquaculture Technology
Automated Feeding Systems
Learn to operate programmable feeders and optimize feeding schedules for maximum growth efficiency and feed conversion.
Water Quality Monitoring
Master digital testing equipment, data loggers, and continuous monitoring systems for optimal aquatic environments.
Recirculation Systems
Understand intensive aquaculture systems with biological filtration, UV sterilization, and water recycling technology.
Meet Your Expert Instructor
Nimal Seneviratne
Senior Aquaculture Specialist
Mr. Seneviratne brings over 18 years of hands-on aquaculture experience to the program, having managed commercial fish farms and trained hundreds of successful aquaculture entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka. His expertise spans from traditional pond culture to modern recirculating aquaculture systems.
Qualifications:
- • BSc Aquaculture, University of Ruhuna
- • MSc Fisheries Science
- • Certified Aquaculture Technician
- • NAQDA Licensed Fish Health Inspector
Specializations:
- • Tropical freshwater fish breeding
- • Pond ecosystem management
- • Fish health and disease control
- • Aquaculture business development
Market Opportunities
Domestic Market
- Fresh Fish Sales: Direct sales to local markets, restaurants, and consumer cooperatives with pricing advantages over marine fish.
- Value-Added Products: Fish fillets, dried fish, and processed products for supermarket chains and urban consumers.
- Fingerling Production: Supply seed stock to other farmers through hatchery operations and breeding programs.
Export Potential
- Ornamental Fish: Sri Lanka's reputation for high-quality ornamental fish creates premium export opportunities to Europe and Asia.
- Fresh Water Prawns: Growing international demand for sustainably-farmed crustaceans from tropical regions.
- Processed Products: Frozen fillets and specialty products meeting international food safety standards.
Start Your Aquaculture Journey
Join our comprehensive fish farming program and become part of Sri Lanka's growing aquaculture industry with expert training and ongoing support.
Professional Aquaculture Training for Sri Lankan Fish Farmers
Aquaculture represents one of Sri Lanka's most promising agricultural sectors, with vast potential for both domestic food security and export earnings. Our comprehensive fish farming management program addresses the growing demand for skilled aquaculture professionals who can develop sustainable, profitable fish production systems across the island's diverse freshwater and brackish water environments.
The curriculum integrates traditional Sri Lankan fish farming practices with modern aquaculture science, providing students with practical skills in pond management, fish health, and business development. Our training emphasizes species selection appropriate for local climatic conditions, including hardy varieties like tilapia and carp that thrive in Sri Lanka's tropical environment, as well as high-value species such as freshwater prawns that command premium prices in international markets.
Students gain hands-on experience in our operational aquaculture facility, learning every aspect of fish production from pond construction and water quality management to breeding, feeding, and harvest techniques. The program addresses critical challenges such as disease prevention, optimal feeding strategies, and market development, ensuring graduates can establish and maintain profitable aquaculture enterprises.
With Sri Lanka's strategic location and growing reputation for quality ornamental fish exports, our graduates are well-positioned to capitalize on both domestic and international market opportunities. The course provides essential business skills including financial planning, marketing strategies, and export procedures, enabling students to develop successful aquaculture ventures that contribute to rural economic development and food security throughout the region.