NARDC INTRODUCES LOCAL FISH GENETIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME

By Josiah Mpofu

The National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC) has embarked on a genetic improvement program aimed at enhancing the local fish species.

The genetic improvement program targets to breed and multiply selected local fish species such as Oreochromis andersonii (Kafue bream) and Green headed bream in order to boost fish productivity in the country.

NARDC Principal Aquaculture Research Officer Edwin Kikamba says the move will help to preserve the local fish species and ensure that they do not deplete in the Zambian water bodies.

Mr Kikamba explained that local fish species are slowly depleting as seen by the reduced number of fish stocks in the Zambian water bodies compared in the past.

He noted that preserving the local fish species is key in enhancing aquatic ecosystems and environmental sustainability.

“There is need to preserve our local fish species as this is crucial in enhancing aquatic ecosystems and environmental sustainability because healthy fish populations entail a better aquatic environment”, said Mr Kikamba.

Mr Kikamba observed that preserving local fish breeds was a step towards achieving a well-managed fisheries subsector and maintained ecosystem.

He indicated that the institution was embarking on the fish genetic program after realizing that there has been more introduction of exotic fish species in the Zambian water bodies which are becoming a menace to local fish species.

“If exotic fish survive and reproduce, they are difficult to control or eradicate. They may cause changes in the existing aquatic community through competition with local species or predation on them, as well as through overcrowding or aggressive behaviour,” explained Mr Kikamba.

Mr Kikamba added that the exotic fish might infect the local one with exotic parasites or diseases thereby endangering the subsectors performance.

“If not properly managed an exotic fish breed might also affect the genetics of local species by crossbreeding with them. Exotic breeds have potential to pose a physical or public health threat,” indicated Mr Kikamba.

He has however noted that the institution has trained 69 hatchery experts in order to increase fingering production.

Mr Kikamba said increased fingering production would help to increase fish production and address the fish deficit the country is currently facing.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the institution has been working with the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and The Zambia Aquaculture Enterprise Development Project (ZAEDP) to empower citizens engage in profitable fish production.

Mr Kikamba said various cooperatives and individuals across the country are now reaping the benefits of engaging in fish farming.

He disclosed that there is need for more people to venture in fish farming in order to meet the demand from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr Kikamba elucidated that Zambia was currently failing to meet the demand from Congo as more Congolese are coming in the country to buy fish and fingerings.

He further encouraged more farmers to venture in fish farming as a way of building resilience against climate change which has had a negative impact on crop production.

Mr Kikamba said this in Kitwe during the just ended 2024 Copperbelt Mining, Industrial Networking, Enterprise –CAMINEX- which was held under the theme "Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Zambia's Land-Linked Position."

And an aquaculture farmer of Chililabombwe District on the Copperbelt Province has described fish farming as a profitable venture if well managed.

Dillon Mwale, one of the benefiting Youth fish farmer from CEEC says there is need for farmers to team up and satisfy the Congo DR market especially with dried fish.

Mr. Mwale, disclosed that he was empowered with about k160,000 from CEEC for his fish farming investment. The funds were in form of construction materials, fish feed and fingerings among others.

Meanwhile, Vantsi Fisheries Limited Chairperson Chola Masenga has appreciated the ministry of Fisheries and Livestock through NARDC and CEEC for enabling his company to expand its fishing business.

Mr Masenga said the company now boasts of having 30 fish ponds from 12 before the empowerment. -NAIS