must be correctly identified and properly controlled us-
ing aquatic herbicides or biological agents. Approved her-
bicides must be used with caution, following specific
recommendations and restrictions stated on the label.
Stocking of hybrid grass carp, Tilapia, or other her-
bivorous fishes to control aquatic weeds should be done
under the supervision of the Florida Game and
Freshwater Fish Commission.
 Microscopic algae that are suspended in the water play
a beneficial role in the ecology of a pond by providing
food to invertebrates, eliminating some organic wastes,
and producing oxygen through photosynthesis. A healthy
pond should have a moderate level of planktonic algae
to keep conditions in balance. A proper algal bloom can
be measured by lowering a white object, such as a painted
board, into the water. If the water is not stained from
organic compounds, the board should be visible to about
2-4 feet beneath the surface. If the water is excessively
turbid, has a distinct green color, or a white object can-
not be seen more than a few inches below the surface,
algae could be too dense and there may be a danger of
oxygen depletions at night. Extremely dense growths of
algae are cause for concern. Attached filamentous algae
can often be controlled with triploid grass carp, again
under the supervision of the Florida Game and
Freshwater Fish Commission. Large phytoplankton
blooms are not practically controlled, even with copper
compound herbicides. When excessive blooms occur,
monitor dissolved oxygen frequently and be prepared
with emergency aerators. Also, reduce nutrients that pro-
mote blooms by decreasing the level of feeding.

Other Pests
 Florida catfish producers should be aware of other
potential pests that may negatively affect catfish survival
or health. Flying forms of fire ants can kill fish if they


Seine harvesting of larger ponds can be mechanized with a
modest crew.


Seine harvesting of small ponds may be unmechanized with
few people.


are ingested, and should be controlled with appropriate
pesticides. Alligators, some snakes, and other predators
that may eat fish should be kept out of rearing facilities
by using fences or other structures. Farmers that use sur-
face water supplies should prevent wild fish from enter-
ing catfish ponds by screening or filtering all inlet pipes,
streams, etc.

 Harvesting and Processing

 Catfish stocked as fingerlings in the early spring should
attain at least one pound by the following fall and can
be harvested for consumption. It is generally preferable
to harvest most or all of the stocked crop in a pond in
one season unless larger dressed fish are desired. Many
producers drain their ponds completely following
harvesting and remove organic sediments or allow them
to oxidize.
 Harvesting methods vary between farming operations,
depending on the preferences of the producer. Fish are
generally removed by seining, trapping, trot lines, or
hook-and-line angling. Total harvest is most easily
achieved by seining or trapping, especially if the rearing
facility is drained or if fish are concentrated into a
harvesting basin. Seining should be done with a large,
coated net of 1 V2 inch mesh. Catching fish by this method
will be easier if the pond water is lowered or if fish are
coaxed into a harvesting pool or lured near the seine by
feeding them in a prescribed area over several days prior
to harvesting. Catfish can be successfully trapped using
wooden-slat traps, nylon hoop nets, and wire-mesh fun-
nel traps. Hook-and-line angling is generally most
popular in stocked catch-out ponds or fee-fishing areas.
Harvesting for commercial sale of fish should be done
when transport to processing facilities will be immediate.
Do not feed fish for one day prior to harvesting.