Milkfish culture in Taiwan. In：Lee, C. S. and Liao, I C. (eds.)

Abstract

Continuous modification for almost 300years gives milkfish culture in Taiwan a traditional style of its own. It is called the shallow-water pond culture system, or fertilizing culture method, in which the farmer grows benethic algae by treatment of tillage, fertilization, and sunning. This method fully utilizes a balanced ecosystem in the milkfish ponds.

Another culture style has recently been developed and improved. It is called the deep-water pond culture system, or feeding culture method, in which the unit productivity may reach four to five times that of the traditional style. Owing to the higher profit in the modern style than in the traditional one, the former is becoming more and more popular. Nevertheless, the total national production production is increasing rapidly and the imbalance of supply and demand results in a reduction of profit, which comes as a big shock to the milkfish farming industry. A brief introduction and comparision of the abovementioned culture systems are to investigate their advantages and disadvantage. The propects for milkfish culture in Taiwan are also briefly described.