EU supports Tilapia gene improvement

NAIS- The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock with the support of the European Union has begun the Genetic Improvement Programme -GIP- of local tilapia fish species.

The improvement programme is being done at Misamfu Aquaculture Research station in Kasama.

Chief Fisheries Research Officer and lead of the Genetic Improvement Programme, BORNWELL SEEMANI says a GIP manual has already been developed.

Mr SEEMANI says the collection of brood stock from the wild for breeding is now underway.

He says the ministry through the Zambia Aquaculture Project (ZAP) decided to improve the Oreochromis Macrochir species which is adaptive to the region as an alternative to the Niloticus species that is invasive and prohibited.

He was speaking at Misamfu Aquaculture Research Station in Kasama during the training of officers involved in the Genetic Improvement Programme.

And an Aquaculture Consultant, TERENCE STONIES says there is a lot that will be achieved from the genetic improvement of Oreochromis Macrochir.

Mr. STONIES is optimistic that  Misamfu will be able to develop two generations of Macrochir with improved growth and survival rates within 18 months.

Meanwhile, ZAP Technical Assistance Team Leader MEL JONES says the genetic improvement of the local fish species will enhance the development of the aquaculture industry in Zambia.