There are many different types of structures that house an aquaculture facility. The type of structure chosen depends on several factors, some of which include: type of species to be raised, climate of area, location of site, available funding for a structure, and size of the operation.

    Some of the various facilities found in use in different climates and locations include::

cages in natural waterways, generally using a floating system in a lake, sea or other large body of water to separate the cultured stock from the native fish

Cage culture(net pens) of Tilapia in Egypt

 

Steel cages in the Pacific Ocean, Chile

Catfish cages in a reservoir on the Ak-Chin Reservation, AZ

Aerial photo of a farm employing levee type ponds in Hyder Valley, AZ

Watershed ponds, damning a natural stream or valley or using a natural pond.

Shrimp pond in Gila Bend, AZ with paddle aerators
 
 

Tanks and Raceways may also be used, for information on these, see the startup page.

Due to extremes in climate, aquaculture facilities may also be enclosed in order to better control the environmental conditions
 

This metal building houses a hatchery for the rearing of fry.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This greenhouse also contains a hatchery
 

As you can see, the more complex the system becomes, the more needs a facility has, a most obvious need being electricity or some other source of power to run equipment for climate control, water and air circulation, and even feeding.