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How to Raise Trout in Massachusetts

Fish farms are fast becoming an economical and efficient way to develop a sustainable food source. Aquaculture supplements the traditional fishing industry by raising fish in a hatchery before releasing into open waters. To underscore its importance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with the U.S. Department of Commerce, are writing guidelines and overseeing fish-farming practices. Different types of trout can be raised by farmers in Massachusetts, and even school children from Pittsfield to Boston can create a mini-fish farm in their classrooms.

Things You'll Need

Aquarium
Pea gravel
Water
Cardboard sheets
Chiller
Air pump
Tubing
Filter
Trout eggs
Fish food
Stryofoam cooler
Ice
Aquarium bubbler
Small fish net

Instructions

- 1
  Place a minimum 30-gallon aquarium on a desk in the classroom away from outside windows. Fill the tank with a 1-inch-thick layer of pea gravel and water.
- 2
  Tape cardboard to each of the sides of the tank to assist with insulation and to keep the hatchery environment dark.
- 3
  Immerse the chiller unit coil in the tank so the water temperature drops to 50 degrees. Follow the chiller manufacturer's instructions for size and placement of the air pump, tubing and filters.
- 4
  Acquire trout eggs from a scientific research supplier and follow any instructions given for acclimating the eggs to the tank environment.
- 5
  Check water pH levels and temperature levels daily. The pH will decrease if a high level of ammonia is present due to waste. Clean the tank regularly, including a water change and filter check once a week.
- 6
  Feed fish a small amount several times a day after they have hatched from the eggs. The Trout In The Classroom website recommends feeding fish only the amount of food they can consume within a few minutes. Remove any uneaten portions after that time.
- 7
  Prepare to release the trout when they reach about 2 to 3 inches in length. Contact the local Department of Natural Resources office to find a suitable location for releasing the trout. Fill a Stryofoam cooler with water from the tank, enough ice to maintain the 50-degree temperature and an aquarium bubbler. Transfer the fish to the cooler using a net. Transport the cooler to the designated release area and transfer the trout to their new habitat.

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