At the end of the growing period, fish or shellfish are harvested and sold. Extensive culture is generally restricted to some forms of shellfish culture and, occasionally, farm ponds. Intensive culture involves production at densities that greatly exceed those found in nature. Examples include a fed pond, cage culture, recirculating systems and managed bottom culture. High densities are maintained through energy inputs and sophisticated culture methods such as the use of high quality feeds, fertilizer, monitoring and control programs, pumping, aeration or oxygenation.
Intensive culture can maximize the biological return from a given water resource.
It also increases the cost of production, chances for a catastrophic loss, and waste generated from the operation. Most aquaculturists today practice some form of intensive culture. Many successful culturists started with small operations and expanded with experience. Personal experience, site considerations, available resources, species cultured, and regulatory constraints all influence the system selection. Water Source and Supply Regardless of the system used or species cultured, good water quality and quantity are essential.