Start Here: Q & A

Q1: What is your business philosophy and approach?

A: Our Business Philosophy and Company Profile are included on our Home  page.

Q2: What services do you offer?

A: Fisheries Technology Associates is a full-service aquaculture, fish farming, aquaponics, and wild- and commercial-fisheries consulting company.  Please visit our Services & Fees page for comprehensive information and then give us a call.

Q3: What products do you sell? Do you receive commissions or finder's fees?

A: We do not sell fish, chemicals, equipment, production systems, or other products, and we do not represent other companies that sell products.

There are no conflicts of interest, hidden agendas, finder's fees, or product distribution and commission deals with other companies. We are, quite simply, here as your purchasing and decision-making advocates, and arm you with the right questions and unbiased answers and information to make the best possible strategic and buying decisions. We offer the most up-to-date information, impeccable service, many decades of combined experience, and our unsurpassed know-how and expertise.  We are consultants in the truest sense of the term.

Q4: I am a potential investor in an aquaculture, aquaponics, or commercial fisheries business. How can you help me?

A: We are here to assist you as you investigate possibilities and execute due diligence. We will work on your behalf as your advocate and provide you with objective and independent assessments, answers, and opinions based on decades of experience, so you can objectively assess the potential risks and benefits. Please visit our Services & Fees page and then give us a call.

Q5: I'm new to aquaculture, fish farming, aquaponics, and fisheries management. How do I start a fish farm or manage a fishery? When do I need your services?

A: We are always here to assist you. However, to save money, we always recommend that you learn as much about your subject as possible before you use our services. The Aqua Facts and Aqua Links pages on our site provide a wealth of information that is free and easily accessible. But please keep in mind that Internet information always carries with it the issue of accountability. In other words, how reliable is the information? Who stands behind the information? Does it come from a credible source? When you are ready to make decisions, we always recommend that you seek advice from reliable and accountable professionals. Online libraries and aquaculture periodicals such as Fish Farming News and Global Aquaculture Advocate provide comprehensive and current coverage as well. After exhausting your research leads, give us a call and we will guide you through the next steps.

Q6: What steps are required to develop a new fish farm?

A: We use a phased approach to project development. The four phases include:

• Phase 1: Feasibility analysis and business planning, including technical analysis (species selection, water quality, site quality, infrastructure analysis, and other topics), conceptual design (not detailed design), market analysis, and analysis of capital and operating costs, cash flow, and other aspects of financial feasibility and profitability.
• Phase 2: Detailed design, including construction drawings and specifications, detailed equipment lists and costs, and other details required to construct a facility.
• Phase 3: Construction oversight to ensure proper installation of equipment, development and search for key management personnel, development of operation and management plans and manuals.
• Phase 4: Implementation of management plans, including facility start-up, ongoing operational oversight, troubleshooting, assistance with marketing and sales, periodic production audits, and recommendations to ensure maximum performance.

We develop cost proposals for each phase of the project as they are needed and requested by the Client.

Q7: I want to buy/sell a fish farming or aquaponics or fisheries property. How do I proceed?

A: If you have a specific property in mind for purchase, water analysis is a valuable and inexpensive first step. The same holds true for sellers. Please visit our Water Testing pages for additional details.

For buyers, if you are not focused on a property, we can help you find one and evaluate its potential. Independent evaluations are almost always required by banks or other lending institutions. We will work on your behalf, not as a representative of a seller.

We work just as hard for sellers to provide an independent technical appraisal of the facility--a service that provides invaluable credibility and bolsters the confidence of a buyer. Please visit our Fish Farms page.

Q8: Which species should I choose for my fish farm or pond or lake, and which species will perform well for me?

A: We are here to guide you through the maze of choices and options. We can provide you with information about any species, their culture requirements, markets to sell fish, product and aquatic system diversification, financial analysis, and opportunities and scenarios for technical and financial success. Please visit our Services & Fees page and then give us a call.

Q9: How do I rid my pond of weeds and "moss"?

A: Filamentous algae (often called "moss") and aquatic vegetation overabundance is a function of system fertility and overall management of your aquatic system and the surrounding land and watershed. We can provide long-term solutions to your problem, usually without the use of expensive, toxic chemicals and herbicides. Herbicides create only short-term relief and vegetation soon returns.

Q10: From what geographic locations do you accept clients?

A: We are available to work in any state in the U.S.A., or at any international location. Over the years our experience has been wide-ranging both technically and geographically. Please visit our Background pages for more information.

Q11: What is the cost of your services?

A: Please visit our Services & Fees page for more information.