Project overview
Construction and reconstruction of the Aru Farm crayfish ponds took place in two phases between 2004 and 2006 (contract value about EUR 510,000) and between 2012 and 2015 (contract value about EUR 560,000). In total, 5 new crayfish ponds with a combined water surface area of 7,000 m2 were built and 3,300 m2 of existing pond area was reconstructed. Earthworks totaled 19,600 m3. Geosynthetics were used in the pond construction to minimize water loss.
The ponds were supplied with water in a way that allows the use of both water from the farm drainage system and water from the constructed borehole. Water reuse is applied in the crayfish ponds through a gravity-based 200-ton sand filter and high-pressure filtration systems. For security, the ponds are enclosed by a specially designed fence, and the monitoring system consists of microwave perimeter protection and video surveillance.
To create a suitable habitat for crayfish, the ponds were covered with natural gravel and crayfish shelters were built from plastic pipes, asbestos-cement strips and stone piles. Summer and winter aeration systems were installed in the ponds, and 4 ponds were covered with bird protection nets.
The completed crayfish farm enables production of approximately 12,000 market-size crayfish per year.
