Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 7, Number 6, 1 Iune 1990 — Backyard aquaculture subject of new book [ARTICLE]

Backyard aquaculture subject of new book

A c!ear and simply-written paperback manual whieh provides practical information on the basic principles of backyard aquaculture, the keeping or growing of aquatic (water-dwelling) plants and animals has just been published. The manual addresses the subject of aquaculture in relation to elimate and other conditions found in Hawai'i an other warm-water locations. Copies of "Backyard Aquaculture in Hawai'i: A Practical Manual," are available for $10 at Windward Community College's Office of Community Service or by mail for $12 whieh includes shipping and handling. Author and marine biologist Dr. Jim Szyper of the University of Hawai'i Windward Community College and Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology based his information on the student-run

Hawaiian Backyard Aquaculture Project eonducted at WCC in 1981. The project resulted in the manual. Backyard aquaculture, Szyper says, ean be done by individuals in an area as small as a householder's backyard or as largeasanacre. The book provides a starting point and information source for people interested in learning more about backyard aquacu!ture, or in starting up a small-scale culture system. The focus of the manual is on how to use aquaculture to grow food for personal or family use, not as a commercial or profit-making venture. The manual tells how to build an aquaculture pond, what to grow, how to keep aquatic animals alive and healthy, record-keeping, how to understand and comply with government regulations, and more.