a lateral circulator for generating agitation or circulation in a cultivation pond is disclosed . the circulator comprises at least a drive pulley and a secondary pulley , both oriented vertically and placed in the pond separated from one another along the length of the pond . the drive pulley is coupled to a motor , or to a drive train that is itself coupled to the motor . an endless belt is trained over the drive pulley and the secondary pulley . a plurality of cleats is provided along the exterior of the belt . the cleats are typically angled and serve to drive water as the belt rotates through the water . typically , the belt would extend over much of the length of the cultivation pond , providing agitation and circulation over an extensive , continuous area of the cultivation pond .