PCC Fish Introduction Program
Today, I would like to add something that we
are actually very privileged to have on our property…
Our amazing wetlands and
inter-linking stream system running through the golf course and property.
We are very fortunate with the water entering our property
through the Waterkloof Spruit, ensuring a relative constant supply of clean water
for irrigating our golf course and gardens.
In April 2013, with the low rainfall experienced that winter and reduced flow from outside we
experienced the dams on e.g. Hole #13 to become stationary for long periods,
thus creating favourable conditions for the development of unwanted algae and
slime.
In order to redress the balance of the fish species found to
combat the algae, certain non-algae eating species in dams will need to be
reduced and other species introduced to control the levels of algae. The impact
of netting out and re-stocking is expected to take between 2 to 5 years and
will eventually create a more environmentally friendly and healthy environment with
its own aquatic Eco-system.
The Carp species are also known to feed on small plant material growing
on the side-banks along the dams and often cause these side-banks to collapse.
This can become a major risk with some Greens only a few meters away from the waters adge.
We approached an expert, Mr. Casper Kruger from Fisheries Hartebeespoort
to assist us and to recommend a plan heading forward.
The following assessments were conducted for these areas:
- Netting of all fish to obtain an indication of fish species in the dams
- Assessment of fish netted including general condition of fish
- Ecological assessment of dam and surrounding areas
- Testing of water quality
- Bird life survey (Already completed by PCC)
FISH SPECIES IDENTIFIED
AND TO BE REMOVED FROM THE PCC DAMS
- Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides
- Carp Cyprinus carpio
- Catfish Clarias gariepinus
FISH SPECIES TO BE ADDED TO THE PCC DAMS
All the fish species mentioned will contribute to the cleaning of our dams.
- Banded Tilapias Tilapia sparrmanii
Diet: The banded tilapia feeds on microscopic organisms.
Size: Can reach 23,5cm and 300g
- Blue Tilapias Oreochromis mozambicus
Diet: They can consume detritus, small
invertebrates and vegetation ranging from algae to rooted plants. This
broad diet helps the species thrive in diverse locations.
Size: Can reach 35cm and 1.2kg
- Dwarf Tilapias Pseudocrenilabrus philander
Diet: All living organisms,
e.g, mosquitoes, bacteria and small frogs.
Size: Can reach 12cm and
140g
- Redbreast Tilapias Tilapia rendalli
Diet: The redbreast tilapia feeds on algae,
plants, small crustaceans, worms, and larvae, but prefers a vegetation diet
such as the thick growth of weed, found in still waters
Size: Can reach 45cm and 2,5kg
- Ghieliemientjie Barbus paludinosus
Diet: Most living organisms
e.g. water insects and mosquitoes.
These are excellent breeding fish,
they can breed and reproduce within 60days in ideal climate. They also attract
a wide variety of birdlife to any dam/pond.
Size: Can reach 15cm and
120g
On 6 May 2013, 2500 fingerlings comprising
of the above species were added to some dams on the property and we will soon
monitor their progress.
These fish will also encourage our
bird life status by attracting more water birds to the Club and ensure we have
clean waterways all year round.
Hartebeespoort Fisheries busy with netting
of fish on 6 May in the Dam by Hole #13 to determine the fish species we
currently have in our dams.
500 Fingerlings to be released to the dams on #4/#9.
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