Aquaculture in Africa / October update

People interested in joining a network on aquaculture in sub-saharan Africa, please consult http://www.sarnissa.org/. Disclaimer: This is not an extensive review of aquaculture in each country, this is a digest of the news about aquaculture in Africa released on Internet this month. The validity of any information or figures quoted is the responsibility of the individual newspapers and websites concerned. Also please check previous updates: August 2009, September 2009

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Outside Africa

• Belgium: 530 tonnes of tilapia evacuated

VitaFish the company that specialized in tilapia aquaculture was declared bankrupt last August. In the absence of any buyer, the mayor of Mouscron, Alfred Sim, issued an order to proceed with the evacuation of 530 tonnes of fish stored in facilities to VitaFish Dottignies (Mouscron). This plan will run for fifty days. To avoid any health risk, the municipality will fund the dismantling of VitaFish. Cost is estimated at some 300,000 euros [35] [37].

• Belgium: Joosen-Luyckx takes over bankrupt Vitafish

Belgium aqua feed specialist Joosen-Luyckx has taken over the bankrupt company Vitafish, specialised in growing tilapia. At the moment ten people work at Vitafish; before the bankruptcy it employed 30 people. Current jobs will remain and in the near future more jobs will be created, Joosen-Luyckx said. The company intends to first solve the financial problems of Vitafish and then improve performance by diversification of the species grown [42].

Benin

• Fishermen communities looking for solution to ensure their future

In South Benin, ID Pêche supports fishermen digging their own ponds by supplying fry [17].

Cameroon

• Fish farming to slow down Baka pygmys' continual dependence on bush meat

By the forestry laws of 1994, National Parks fall under the sphere of permanent forest domain. The law explicitly states: "Public access to state forests may be regulated or forbidden". The more than 30,000 Baka pygmies who live in the region see these restrictions as an affront to their right of access to the forest they consider their natural home. The concerns have pricked the conscience of the Cameroon government and its conservation partners, notably the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The two entities have already completed a study that recommends a shift in conservation paradigms. Among other actions, they are working to introduce Baka pigmys to pisciculture as a way of slowing down their continual dependence on bush meat for protein [10].

Chad

• FAO supports rice culture and aquaculture

FAO support the National Program for Food Security (Programme national de Sécurité alimentaire PNSA) which is made of eight sub-program among which the ones for rice and fish farming [9].

Ghana

• Triton Aquaculture Africa Limited project invests in aquaculture

Figures available at the Ghana High Commission in London indicate that nearly 400 private direct investment projects from the United Kingdom (UK) came to Ghana between 2008 and this year. Among others, the Officer in Charge of Trade and Investment at the Ghana High Commission in London, Mr George Fynn mentioned a project in Tema, known as the Triton Aquaculture Africa Limited from the UK, focusing on aquaculture, hatchery, feed plant and processing plant for fish and poultry, with an estimated value of US$1.35 million [18].

• Ghana's Fish Deficit: Aquaculture Comes To Rescue

Ghana’s marine resources continue to dwindle, resulting in low catch by fishermen. Currently, the country’s total fish requirement stands at 88,000 metric tonnes but only 4, 200 metric tonnes of fish is produced. But Ghana can now boast of being the home to the second largest fish farm in Africa, the first is in South Africa. A study has revealed that in irrigation schemes, fish farming is most likely to grow in Ashanti, Eastern, Northern part of Central Region, and the Greater Accra area. Mark Amechi, the Managing Director of Tropo Farms Limited, an aqua culture fish farm with 40 acre hatchery and some 170 cages on the Volta Lake which is rated as the second biggest aqua farm in Africa, complained that the popping up of new farms on the Akosombo Gorge is worrying and that proper regulation needs to be done to ensure the industry achieves its full potential. Mr. Amechi is afraid such unscrupulous investors in the industry might import faster growing tilapia as a result of the competition and that could lead to the pollution of the Lake [34].

Ivory Coast

• According to Greek expert, Ivory Coast can be a big producer

Professor Kostas Perdikaris, Greek expert in fish farming declared this October 1st in Grand-Bassam that Ivory Coast has all elements needed for mass production of fish. This potential includes water areas: 150,000 ha lagoons, 350,000 ha lakes and many wetlands. However, since 2000, annual production has only reached 1,200 tons. That's why Greek experts want to help Grand Bassam's youth becoming huge fish producers and exporters [4].

• Greek Fundation supports Ivorian aquaculture

An aquaculture training workshop aimed at supporting 100 young people started this September 30 in Grand-Bassam. The meeting is organized by the "Greek Action in Africa Foundation" (Fondation Action Grecque en Afrique) in cooperation with NGO "Thinking and Action Committee" (Comité de réflexion et action-Cora). The president of the "Fondation Action Grecque en Afrique", Ms. Méro Kececioglu Kylicas said that the three trainers are teaching at the University of Igoumenista. They are Dr. Kostas Perdikaris, Dr. Thanasis Chantzaropulos and Dr. Yannis Paschos. Training includes lectures of fish biology, reproduction and farming. Cora aims at opening 3 farms every year in Grand-Bassam, for both mâchoirons (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) and tilapia. In 2007, the "Fondation Action Grecque en Afrique" funded a one month training in Greece for 30 young people from Grand-Bassam and Jacqueville [6].

• The Grand-Bassam Aquarium, a center specialized in aquaculture, is facing huge difficulties

With its roof and warehouse in ruins, the shop dilapidated, an outdated plumbing, no electricity for 6 months, ponds, even those renovated in July 2008, in a bad state, fish undernourrished, the center that extends on an area of approximately 4ha is in great difficulty. Initially, it was producing catfish and tilapia fry. According to Luc Bedjiro Galoh, Group Manager, the difficulties began in 2008 with unpaid bills for electricity and lack of funds. Everything went well before, when they started a training on aquaculture practices. There were 29 workers initially, only 10 now. In May 2007, 12 of them went to Greece for a training supported by the Consul General of Cote d'Ivoire in Greece. In 2008, they received a fund provided by the First Lady, that was expected to give a boost to the center. Unfortunately, it is the contrary that occured. Bedjiro and his friends still remain hopeful. They have the ambition to make this site a great center for production of catfish, tilapia fry and for training on fish farming. The aquarium was built by the European Union and the Ivorian Government in the 1960s to promote teaching and inclusion of young people in the farming business. The site has long been managed by the Department of Forestry. Then it went through the hands of private sector, the last operator being "African fish", after what, the Department of Animal Production and Fish Resources sold the site to the general council of Grand-Bassam within the framework of the decentralization policy [13].

• UDPCI government program

Mabri Toikeusse, who will be the candidate of UDPCI running for president on the next election revealed his government program and committed to rehabilitate and promote projects for fish farming, aquaculture and fisheries [28].

Kenya

• Western province set to benefit from fish farming plan

An initiative to expand fishing in Western province will be unveiled in October 2009 as part of the national economic stimulus package. The 24 constituencies in the province are earmarked to benefit from the fish farming plan that targets 4,800 fish ponds being dug in the region to raise different fish species. The project is expected to create 50,000 jobs in the province. A team from the fisheries ministry is currently on a trip to Indonesia where fish farming has transformed fish production in the last four years, from 1 million tonnes in 2004, to 7 million tonnes at present. Analysts say that the ongoing expansion of the Kisumu Airport raises the market prospects of fish raised in the province. Several fish processing factories would also come up in the region, thus creating several employment opportunities [30].

• Sh31 million added to fish farming kitty

The fish pond farming kitty of Sh1.2 billion has received an additional Sh31 million boost from Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The funds will go towards helping farmers in Yala in Siaya, Luanda in Emuhaya and Lurambi in central Kakamega Districts to construct and stock fish ponds, said FAO’s representative to Kenya, Dr Castro Camarada. FAO will also help the country acquire new technology from other countries to develop fish pond farming [36].

Liberia

• ‘Let's Prioritize Aquaculture’ says the Director of the Bureau of National Fisheries

Speaking to reporters at Klay Fish Hatchery on Saturday, October 10, the Director of the Bureau of National Fisheries, Mr. Yevewuo Z. Subah, said the quality of fish on the market is presently poor owing to the fact that many people are not engaged in fishery, yet the entire population depends only on sea fish to survive. The Fisheries Bureau Director said engaging in aquaculture will also help give time for the sea fish to multiply. The National Fisheries Director toured aquaculture sites in Montserrado, Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties along with participants of a workshop on fishery and added that the Ministry of Agriculture is also embarking on empowering farmers in that direction. He also visited a cage project inspired by the Philippines and supported by a group from this Asian country [29].

Madagascar

• MoU on Protection and reproduction of marine resources for their sustainable exploitation

A National Committee for Management of Fish Resources (CNGRH) has been created by a MoU between the Ministry of Fisheries and Fishery Resources, the Professional Group on Fisheries and Aquaculture and the National Center for Oceanographic Research and Marine Resources. Its task will be to assist the Ministry of Fisheries and Fishery Resources to implement a policy of protection and reproduction of fish resources by providing guidance, recommendations, and certification of scientific value (strategy development, protection and reproduction method operation) on the liberalization of resource development and the free flow of information and scientific data [34].

Mali

• Fish farming development: Stakeholders consultation

A consultative workshop of stakeholders in the development of fish farming in Mali has been held at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries on Monday, October 19. Indeed, given the financial crisis and the recurrent phenomenon of youth migration to urban centers, fish farming is emerging as a revolutionary activity that could reverse the trends. Fifteen municipalities of 71 applicants have received support to fish farming. Of the 1 719 water bodies listed in the 15 municipalities, 150 have been stocked and 41 tanks were built. According to the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, to date, the 15 municipalities have sold over 189 million FCFA fish and still old fry which have a value of 50 million francs CFA. The total gain is of 239 million CFA francs for a total investment of about 50 million CFA francs funded by the PACT and Suisse Contact [38].

Mauritius

• Let our lagoons breath !

Judex Rampaul, the president of the Fishermen Union (SPM) gives an interview very critical about aquaculture and the problems it creates to fishermen and environent in Bambous-Virieux's lagoon. Among the critics are organic pollution, sharks attraction, massive fish release in the environment when cages break out [44].

Morocco

• Ras El Ma fish farm, a reference for trout production

Built in 1957, Ras Al Ma fish farm, located four km from Ifrane, aims at producing trouts for river stocking. It is a reference center that actively supported sport fishing. It benefited from an expansion project after which it gained scientific and technical equipment, research laboratory, fishing school and exhibition room. The production should increase from 600,000 to 1.500.000 fry annually, and develop Red Crawfish production (an endangered species) in order to support it re-introduction in the wild. Morocco is a North African country with a huge potential for aquaculture. About 30 species were introduced in the last century, 15 of which established in the environment. Artificial propagation of others reaches 3 millions fry annually (600,000 salmonids, 500,000 carnivorous fish and 2,500,000 carps). For sport fishing, in 2007, production was 160,000 for fario trout, 450,000 for rainbow trout, 400,000 for pike and 300,000 for black-bass. Expansion plan were operated in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in Ras El Ma (Ifrane), La Deroua (Beni Mellal) and Amghass (Ifrane) permits to double production in order to reach an 8 millions fry target [7].

Mozambique

• Opportunities abound in Mozambican Fisheries

The government is giving top priority to the development of aquaculture, and in particular shrimp farming. Factors that attract investors to the southern African country include stability, availability of land, abundant sources of electricity and access to a large regional and international market. The fisheries and aquaculture sector has been developing with both local and foreign companies making significant investments. Prawns and other sea products such as shrimps have done exceptionally well in European and Asian markets. The sector contributes 3% to the Gross Domestic Product, with production estimated at 88,000 tonnes in 2007. Lake Niassa, Cahora Bassa reservoir and Massingir dam are major water bodies supporting the industry, while smaller water bodies are largely exploited by artisanal fishing. Apart from Cahora Bassa reservoir where semi-industrial fisheries for sardines have been developed, no significant development has been achieved in other inland waters. Inland fisheries in Mozambique therefore have potential which has not been fully exploited. Short-term opportunities exist in developing and modernizing post-harvest operations such as fresh fish handling, processing, refrigeration and storage, transport, distribution and packaging. The absence of these facilities in almost all landing sites contribute to harvest losses of more than 50% [21].

Namibia

• Private Sector Asked to Invest in Aquaculture

The government has invested an estimated N$62 million in the development of aquaculture projects throughout the country, but increased investment by the private sector is needed, said Alushe Hitula, Acting Deputy Director of Aquaculture in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. The Ministry therefore calls upon the Regional Councils to avail land to potential investors and the Agribank and Development Bank of Namibia to make financing available to the private investors in order to develop the aquaculture sector, A total of 16 mariculture farms are currently operating in the country, which include oyster farms, one experimental farm at the Sam Nujoma Marine Research Centre, two abalone farms and a seaweed farm, as well as an experimental rock lobster farm. The government has also developed eight freshwater fish farming projects [23].

• Fish farming is the best type of farming

Farmers from Kunene, Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Omusati testified during a meeting organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource together with the United Nations Development Programme; Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and Climate Change Adaptation Project (UNDP/MAWF CCA). The project donated 324 bags of fish feed to 50 farmers from five regions at Ongwediva on Saturday. The climate change project coordinator urged farmers to put to good use the fish feed, adding that the feed should serve as a foundation for major fish farming practices. Also speaking at the event was Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Fish Feed Nutritionist, Elizabeth Ndivayele, who added that fish feed is now available and produced in the country unlike in the past when the feed was imported from South Africa: “Namibia now has its own fish feed factory at Onavivi Inland Aquaculture Centre in the Omusati Region, which is up and running. The factory produces fish feed using locally available ingredients at an affordable price” [35].

Nigeria

• Striking Gold in Fish Farming

There are several thousands of catfish farmers in Nigeria today. These brands of farmers are commonly found in major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Ogun, Plateau, Benue and Kaduna States among others. "The sector is really an area where the government should focus its attention on rather that the oil sector. I want to assure you that the business of fish farming is booming and it will continue to boom. I feed my family from the business and also send my children to school. In fact, very soon my house will be completed," one of them said [24].

• Ornamental fisheries

One of the National Ornamental Fisheries Centres (NOFC), in the country is located at the MKO Abiola Stadium. It serves the dual purpose of being a tourist haven and a foreign exchange spinner, particularly with the disclosure that the ornamental fisheries export in 2008 recorded a princely $100 billion income. NOFC is a Federal and Ogun State Government project, meant for fisheries policy development, capacity building, research and empowerment for all stakeholders interested in the procurement, production and marketing of aquarium fishes [24].

• Fish Could Play Greater Role in Food Security

Fish is an important dietary component and one of the few sources of animal protein available to many people in Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for an average of 20 percent of total protein; in coastal areas, fish supplies as much as 80 per cent of animal protein consumed. Fishing is carried out in Nigeria's many rivers, creeks and lagoons while trawlers operate along the coast, but the total annual catch supplies only 50 percent of the country's seafood needs, estimated at 800,000 metric tons, according by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Nigeria imports over $200 million worth of seafood products annually to supplement local production. Consumption of dried and smoked products is growing, particularly in more remote areas, because they are easy to preserve and consume. Sewanu and other fishermen use simple implements and methods. This fishing community relies on money raised from selling fish to pay for their children's education and to buy other necessities of life. Forty-three-year old Sewanu, who also teaches in the village primary school, makes between 10,000 and 20,000 naira ($66 to $132) from a good catch, especially when he can take large fish the 10 kilometres to Badagry in time to sell them fresh. Even when the catch is small, the family will at least have food for the pot, and can raise the equivalent $5 or $6 from sales in the local market. But the activities of Sewanu and others has resulted in the depletion of fish stocks, according to one analyst. "Nigeria's inland waters can make Nigeria self-sufficient in fish production and fish protein if properly harnessed and managed. But if fishermen keep on taking from the waters without replenishment, there will be shortage," said Folake Areola, national president of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON). The Nigerian Institute of Marine Research and Oceanography, Lagos, has developed techniques to allow tilapia to be canned like sardines. "When this is done, more people will be able to afford it and therefore have access to the product and in that way more people would have access to fish protein and food security," Areola said. She said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is also doing a lot through various fish farming projects and production of fingerlings to support increased local fish production [25] [31].

• Novus International to support Nigerian aquaculture

Given the chronic shortage of fish products, Nigeria is committed towards aquaculture. In recent months the government has implemented various programs to increase the national aquatic production. According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives of Lagos State, South-Western Nigeria, Mr. Enock Ajiboso, "Nigeria imports 900,000 tons of fish for $ 800 million each year to bridge the gap. Nigerians need 2.1 million tons of fish but they produce only 650,000 tonnes per year". "However, we believe that this task [aquaculture development] should not be left solely to government, hence the call for collaboration between government and the private sector to generate sustainable growth of aquaculture in Nigeria". This is the reason for the presence of Novus International in an aquaculture seminar recently held in Lagos. The US company is a feed producer for pigs, ruminants, poultry, aquaculture and pets. Novus has more than 25 locations worldwide and customers in over 80 countries [27].

Reunion

• French toothfish fisheries from Reunion Island embark on the MSC journey

French toothfish fishers have applied for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment to demonstrate the sustainability of their fishing practices. The Reunion Freezer Longliner Shipowners Association (SARPC) was formed by six fishing companies which have authorisation and licences to capture toothfish in the French Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the Kerguelen plateau and the area around Crozet Island. Each of these areas has their own annual quota. The fishing companies operate seven longline vessels from the French island of Réunion. This is the third French fishery to enter the MSC program [8].

• ARDA (Association for the Development of Aquaculture in Reunion) news in the press

Now limited to fifteen farmers, aquaculture could thrive in Reunion, depending on the availability of land where rearing tanks could be installed. The Western Coast Territory (Saint Leu, Trois-Bassins, Saint Paul, La Possession, Le Port) could accommodate a large project in 2011 [15]. First species developed by marine aquaculture in Reunion, the red drum faces difficulties in imposing itself on the local market. The fish however, does not lack arguments [16]. In addition to the red drum, the ARDA is currently experimenting the production of new species [14].

• A regional workshop on fisheries and aquaculture

A regional workshop on fisheries and aquaculture opened on October, 22nd at Centhor Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts. Participants will discuss for two days the specificities of the sector in order to argue with the European Union [41].

Rwanda

• Fish prices fluctuate depending on imports

There are low supplies in Rwanda and the local market has to depend on imports from neighboring countries. About 10 tonnes of fish per week is imported. A kilogram of tilapia costs now costs Rwf1,800 from Rwf1,600 but prices keep on fluctuating depending on the supplies from Uganda and other neighboring countries [33].

Senegal

• The National Aquaculture Agency (ANA)

The Agency's overall mission is to foster the development of aquaculture activities through the design, supervision and evaluation of policies and programs identified in this area. As such, it is mainly responsible of:

1. Identifying aquaculture sites and provide technical support and advice to professionals;
2. Promoting private initiative and encourage the establishment of aquaculture enterprises;
3. Promoting international cooperation in aquaculture;
4. Designing, developing and implementing projects and programs of development of aquaculture;
5. Promoting fisheries research specialized in aquaculture.

It currently undergoes 8 programs:

1. Construction of two technical centers for experiment and pilot studies (One on freshwater aquaculture in Richard Toll, another on marine and brackishwater, with support from Korea)
2. Development of community farms with ponds or cages
3. Construction of ten pilot farms for purpose on demonstrating technologies (7 farms for freshwater, 3 farms for brackish or marine). Sites selected for pilot farms are Podor (Aramis), Tambacounda (Bakel, Gouloumbou, Kédougou) Anambas / Kolda, Thies / Joal Fatick / Sokhon (for oyster farming).
4. Development of retention ponds and other water bodies
5. Programs for the control of fry and feed production chains
6. Partnership Program
   
7. Strengthening capacity
8. Technical Assistance Program FAO: TCP/SEN/3102 To promote small and medium fish through the formulation of technical guidelines and an investment plan, the Government receives technical support from FAO [43].

• Kedougou floods destroy a 29 million CFA (45,000 EUR) fish farming project

After studying in France integrated fish farming for nine years, Dialiba Tandian went back to Senegal where in partnership with Abdoulaye Diallo in the GIE Missirah, he launched the Samécouta project that associates fish farming, chicken farming and crop culture. They were supported by the French Co-Development Agency and Cell. Within a few month, 3 ponds were built, 1.5 ha crop, 0.5 ha of banana and 1 ha maize were implanted. By everything got destroyed by the flood, including equipment like th motorbike. Fish was 6 months-old when it occurred [1]. The value of fish loss is estimated to 2.5 million CFA (3800 EUR) [3].

• Private sector should invest in aquaculture

It is part of the mandate of ANA (National Aquaculture Agency) to support access of the private sector to aquaculture, however, until now, this did not turn into reality and will not as long as financial tools supporting this policy will not be available. That's the reason why director of Ana, Mr. Amat Wade, called for investment: "Aquaculture is now a profitable sub-sector and to support projects, we signed a memorandum on modernization and intensification of agriculture, because we already have financial resource on this program". A standard contract, adapted to SME that want to invest, has been drafted, so that they can apply for funding in an acceptable way. Using FAO money, "we will fund private operators" guarantees Mr. Wade. Funding can support ponds, cages, feed, fry, staff. According to FAO representative, Mr. Amadou Ouattara, FAO already supported aquaculture with 400,000 USD (see September update for description of actions funded by FAO). Senegalese aquaculture sector is moving very fast. Many small scale aquaculture farm exist, such as the one of Haram, near Podor, where 20 villages gathered within a Management Committee. Similar is Diomandou project where tilapia and Yess are being farmed. There is also a project for saltwater farming of bream, mullet and grouper, with Korean cooperation support. As of today, freshwater aquaculture is under control in Senegal. "We have private operators in Ross Béthio with Serigne Abo Mbacké, Serigne Cheikh Ndao. We have operators in Casamance on seaweeds and tilapia, and in Joal, we want to support women groups farming oysters, because we noticed a significant yield decrease as a consequence of infrastructures becoming old. Water plan is not maintained well, as a consequence of the fact that there is no management committee". ANA also put fry in agriculture dams, such as the ones in Belvédère, Sebiponty and Mont Rolland [5].

• Saline tilapia aquaculture

In its pilot fry farm of Emile Badiane Bridge, the National Agency for Aquaculture stocked two 1,250 m2 ponds with wild captured broodstock of saline water tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron and Tilapia guineensis). The male to female ratio used is 1,200 females for 750 males (Sarotherodon melanotheron) and 640 females for 450 males (Tilapia guineensis). The ANA is expected to produce 1 500 000 fingerlings per year to supply fish farmers in Colobane (Five 1,000 m2 ponds for a total production capacity of 5 tons/5 million CFA per 6 month cycle) [39].

• Future Aquaculture farm in Ziguinchor should produce 500 tons per year

The National Aquaculture Agency (ANA) will soon launch a farm with a capacity of producing 500 tonnes of marine species per year, near the Emile Badiane Bridge pilot fish farm. This will be in Colobane (a suburb of Ziguinchor city) where local authorities have granted him 10,000 m2 of land [40].

Sierra Leone

• President Koroma’s Speech to Parliament

The government is securing support for the transformation of the Bo experimental fish farming station into an aquaculture training center [29].

South Africa

• Knysna Oyster Festival

The organisers of this year's Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival said that this year's event was a great success. "We are delighted that numbers were up for all events this year," said festival manager Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt, "despite our concerns about the effects of the global economic recession" [22].

Tunisia

• Tunisians consume 9 kg of fish per year and per capita

The end of September marks the resumption of fishing activities at the end of the 3-month biological rest period that was established as part of a programme designed to expand domestic production of fish, particularly through the promotion and encouragement of aquaculture and fish farming. However, with 9 kg/year/capita, the national consumption still remains low and at the same time, much of the national production of fish is exported abroad, as exports of fish come in second place in terms of value, in all Tunisian exports of agricultural products - food, after those of olive oil. Taking into account that fishermen and shipowners criticize Tunisian fishery stock assessment and biological rest period, some citizens and commentators question the role of aquaculture and fish farming in resolving the issue of fish consumption in Tunisia. According to them, they could help increase production but not to increase fish popularity, as did the poultry industry for meat chicken. The Tunisian government aims at increasing aquaculture fish production in Tunisia by 50 thousand tonnes in the coming years [2].

• Bluefin tuna to help Tunisian aquaculture respect International Food Safety Standards (IFS)
  

Tunisia opted for aquaculture, an activity with a high growth potential, and is keen to learn more about new techniques of fish farming that follow strict food safety regulations. Bluefin tuna industry will be a way of introducing the compliance of the country with IFS. "Italy is one of the main countries where tuna is exported Tunisian," said the Director of the Tunisian Technical Center of Aquaculture, Mustapha Ben Dag at the conference "Aquaculture Med" held in Verona in Italy, but Italy has stringent requirements for its market [45].


Uganda

• Fisheries project flops

The Fisheries Development Project (FDP) worth $22m (sh42b) has failed to achieve its objectives since its launch in 2003. Parliament is not satisfied with the progress of the project that is funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Government. The rate of implementation of the project activities was noted to be slow. By June 30, 2008, the project had utilised only sh5b out of the sh22b given. Civil works were estimated at 45% for Kajjansi, 80% for Gulu, 50% for Bushenyi and 35% for Mbale. The auditor general reported that the project has not been implemented on schedule and it may not meet the intended objectives by January 2010 [11].

• Fish farming in Kabarole

Fish production in Kabarole district is set to increase after the introduction of fish cage farming in her crater lakes, according to the state minister for water, Jennifer Namuyangu, while inspecting Kabarole’s crater lakes. She added that fish farming, which is being promoted under the Bonna Bagaggawale (Prosperity for All) programme is also meant to increase fish production in Uganda. The chairman of Kabarole Fish Farmers Association, Richard Asiimwe, expressed concern that the cage might be expensive for some farmers. Allaying his fears, the District Fisheries Officer, William Sabiti, said the department would make affordable cages [12].

• Fish farmers to venture in Chinese fish species

The Uganda and Chinese government have started constructing an Agricultural technology demonstration centre at Kajjansi Aquaculture Research and Development Centre to uphold research on new fish species, offer technical training and technical demonstration of highly effective freshwater aquaculture techniques. New fish species such as blue tilapia, grasscarp, silvercarp, and bighead carp will be introduced from China. The project, being implemented by Sichuan Huaqiao Fenghuang group and funded by the Chinese government, would also scientifically develop and promote large-scale breeding of the Nile perch, the main specie residing in Uganda’s waters. According to the State Minister for Fisheries, Fred Mukisa, the project is one of the outcomes of the Sino Africa Summit that marked 50 years of collaboration and cooperation of Africa with China. For years now, the fisheries sector has emerged one of Uganda’s key foreign exchange earners, generating over $150 million representing approximately 12 per cent of the GDP. But despite the fact that fisheries contribute billions of shillings to the national treasury, the sector is under threat due to continuous dilapidation of all natural resources. Dr John Balirwa, the National Fishery Resource Research Institute Director says the centre will bring fish farming to a new level and reduce overwhelming pressure surrounding natural fishery resources [14].

• Water Hyacinth Removal Extended to Rwanda

An Egyptian-funded initiative to remove water hyacinth on lakes Victoria and Kyoga is to be expanded to Rwanda and Burundi. Fisheries minister Fred Mukisa said the hyacinth, a water weed which invaded the two lakes a decade ago, had been brought under control. The Egyptian government has provided technical and financial support for the removal of the water hyacinth for the last 10 years. Mukasa also said the initiative would help to develop aquaculture and irrigation in the drought-prone parts of Sembabule and Lyatonde [19].

• Making the Most of the Fishing Farming Venture

Besides the food aspect, fish products in Uganda are among of the leading export-earning commodities. Born 64 years ago, Mr John Wamulu, the executive director of Shawe Investments, a fish scheme in Kasenge, Wakiso District says fish farming needs planning from the start just like any other venture. Successful fish farmers however need not only plan but also consult experts before digging fish ponds. Wamulu set up his first pond at his farm at Kasenge, where he would easily reach experts from Kajjansi fish ponds. "One fingerling costs between Shs200-300 whereas a fry goes for Shs100," says Dheyongera Hamuza, manager, Shawe investments. The eggs which are weighed in kilos can hatch into many fries depending on the weight. "Five kilograms of eggs hatch into 100,000 fries," he says. However, this facility is not available to many fish farmers as they require importing hormones to fertilise the fish [20].

• Tugumisirize - Profile of a Fish Farmer

Farmers practicing small-scale commercial fish farming from Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Rukingiri and Busoga will receive fingerlings at farm-gate price in the second half of this year, says Digo Tugumisirize, the proprietor of Sunfish Farm in Kajjansi. "For the last eight months, we have been perfecting growing appropriate technology for the African catfish (emmale) larvae and fingerlings bait that could be dispensed to rural farmers," says Tugumisirize. According to the Lake Victoria Environment Management Project survey report, the number of fish fingerlings bait hooks used per day in Lake Victoria by Ugandans are 950,000, Kenya 2.2m and Tanzania 4.4m totaling 7,550,000. About 40% of the hooks use catfish baits leading to a daily demand of 3,020,000 in East Africa, whereby Uganda needs 380,000 baits daily. The annual hatchery for catfish bait supply capacity in Uganda is 3.1m, Kenya 1.5m, while Tanzania has no hatchery. The report revealed that the three East African countries were experiencing a bait deficit of 98.36%, says Tugumisirize [26].

• Tilapia prices up

As of October 9, tilapia prices increased by sh500, bringing prices as high as sh3,500 for the small size and the biggest to sh10,000 [32].

• Reducing Run-off To Protect Lake Victoria

The Ggaba landing site on Lake Victoria is the nearest wholesale fish market to the Ugandan capital, Kampala. More than 6,000 people live and work in this fishing community. The water looks green and dirty from the quay. No one is willing to draw water from it for household use, and passengers coming and going from Ggaba to Lake Victoria's islands are keen not to step in the green water. The discoloration is as a result of too much algae on the water. One fisherman, John Sentamu says all the algae has reduced the number of fish found near the lake shore. He says he no longer catches as much as he did five years ago. "The fish, especially tilapia, have run away from the shore to the deeper water. No fish can stay in such dirty water. And my small boat cannot go further than ten miles." He says one needs more than $2,000 to buy a powerfully-engined boat like that. He, like most of Ggaba's fishermen, is confined to working closer to shore. Biologist Lucas Ndawula, from National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NAFIRRI), says tilapia habitat, including their breeding and nursery zones, is in shallow areas near the shore, so it is not true that algal blooms have forced them to migrate offshore into deep waters. Ndawula says algal blooms are caused when there is an influx of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, that the algae feed on. They then reproduce in vast numbers causing a "bloom" in the lake, and using up a lot of dissolved oxygen in the water which makes it hard for fish and other aquatic life to survive [46].


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