The surviving phytoplankton will multiply rapidly to reach pre-crash levels. The most important thing fish farmers must do after a die-off is mechanically supply dissolved oxygen to the pond to maintain the fish population until the new bloom is established. These species of blue-green algae produce compounds which are absorbed by catfish and impart a bad flavor to the flesh. Conclusion Channel catfish ponds are solar collectors. Phytoplankton use the sun's energy through photosynthesis to produce oxygen which is released into the pond.
Phytoplankton utilize nitrogenous waste products as nutrient sources for growth.
Without phytoplankton, the culture of channel catfish in ponds would be impractical. The energy cost would be too great to mechanically add all the dissolved oxygen and remove nitrogenous waste products needed to economically produce channel catfish in ponds. Understanding the role of phytoplankton and its relation to water quality will help producers make critical management decisions. Advances in our knowledge of phytoplankton dynamics are essential to the future of catfish production. H. Steven Killian is an Extension fisheries specialist, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, located in Lake Village.