Tilapia Aquaculture in Vanuatu Sompert Gereva- Principal Fisheries Officer Government Policy, legislation and Administration for Tilapia Aquaculture National Policies and Plans Vanuatu has growing population of 220,000 people Food security (Protein supplement) is a priority policy for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, quarantine and Livestock and Fisheries (MAQFF). The Vanuatu Aquaculture Development Plan for 2008-2013 clearly stated the need to have in place appropriate aquaculture policies and legislation(vf) Establishment of an Aquaculture and Fisheries Association (AFAV). The association comprises of aquaculture farmers and Fisheries Department. 1
Research and Development program Tilapia Aquaculture (O.niloticus) trial in Vanuatu began in mid 2004 as a combine effort between Vanuatu and Fiji Fisheries. Reason for this trial is to investigate the economic viability as well as social aspect to determine its suitability in a growing population with limited protein and income options. The shipment of this tilapia took place after a fresh water aquaculture training in Nadroloulou Fiji in 2004. The trials were successful and Government through Fisheries Department is slowly trying to build its capacity to further trials and Develop Tilapia Aquaculture. EFATE Santo TANNA 2
Status of Tilapia Aquaculture The only Tilapia Species farmed in a Large-scale production is red tilapia (Red Hybrids & GIFT) by Vate Ocean Gardens in Efate. Farming commences in 2006 with fingerlings imported from Thailand. In mid-2007, cultured red tilapia entered the local market for the first time, fetching VT 400 VT 650 per kg. Vate Ocean Gardens has a production capacity of 150 TONNES/ YEAR Approximately 500 kg 2.5 tones is sold per week on the local market demand 2008 Production 100 tones Staff 2 permanent Status of Tilapia Aquaculture cont... Pictures from Vate Ocean Garden( Red Tilapia). Local Fish Market Restaurants & Hotels From Cage in the Lake 3
Mossambicus Introduction Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was introduced to control mosquito larvae. The species was introduced into the majority of lakes and other water bodies in the country by local health authorities. It is now accepted as an important food fish and also alternative income source at VT 250/kg. Total production 2 tones/year and demand is higher Current constraints and advantages for tilapia aquaculture Government support Facilitate local Tilapia Aquaculture Development Recently secure funding to recruited aquaculture 6 officers Recently acquire a piece of land to build a national aquaculture centre as part of future planning for tilapia breeding Industry Support Fingerlings and feed supply to farmers Technical support Production system 1.ponds, 2.Cages Opportunities/advantages Availability of land and fresh water systems for commercial tilapia aquaculture high demand for fish within hospitality industry (Vanuatu s major industry) 4
Current Constrains VQIS don t allow breeding of Tilapia by the commercial Industry...everything must be sex reversed. This is seen as an ecological concern BUT do not support the growing need for Tilapia Aquaculture Development. Utility Cost is high Lack of Funding to Develop the National bio-security station and also to support small farmers No specific legislation on the current fisheries act for aquaculture Ecological concern...?????.. Marketing issues High cost of distribution of fresh fish Saltwater vs fresh water fish Size of fish. Large fish restaurant/resort vs. Small for local household/ nakamal Future Aspirations 1. Development of biosecure Government Hatchery- Tilapia breeding and feed production. 2. Develop both large scale commercial and satellite small scale farms (Ranwandi Farm Community based farm) 5
THANK YOU 6