Once fish enter the pond, their growth and survival will wholly depend upon the quality of that environment. Everything the fish comes into contact with has the potential of becoming a part of the edible flesh of that organism and can affect its life. If the water or food contains contaminants, they may end up in the fish. If improper drugs are used to treat a disease, residues of those drugs may also become a part of the fish. If too many aquatic plants are present, they will compete with the fish for oxygen.
Sound management is essential to keep the fish growing.
So, from the time of stocking to the time of harvest, the farmer is busy controlling the aquaculture system. First, every attention is given to the quality of the commercially prepared dry pellet diet. Under FDA requirements, the mill that produces the feed guarantees that ingredients are present at the levels declared on the feed label and that feeds containing medications meet drug level specifications. Prior to pelleting, the mill also analyzes each ingredient to guarantee the absence of toxicants or contaminants. FDA inspectors routinely examine the mills' feed test results and evaluate their good manufacturing practices.