Fish farmers cast their nets to harvest fish. [Photo/ royfarm.com]
Fish farmers are set for a mega boost after 10 international and local institutions came together to provide education on capacity development for the fish industry.The three-year plan which will cost Sh30 million is an initiative of the Kenyan and Belgian governments in conjunction with other partners.It will provide skills on fish husbandry, improved animal health and feed production and nutrition.The project was launched in Mombasa on Tuesday and is expected to build on another ongoing initiative started in 2010 which led to an increase in local fish production by 21 per cent to the current 25 per cent.“This means a growth from 4,000 tonnes to over 46,000 metric tonnes within five years which is quite rapid and significant,” Kenya Maritime and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) director James Njiru said at the launch.He said fish production through aquaculture has the potential to boost local fish harvests and better the quality fish.The project bringing together KMFRI, Kenya and Belgian Universities and two vocational training institutes, will help Coast residents relying on fishing to boost their livelihood as well as improve their fish stocks.Local institutions taking part in the project are the University of Nairobi, Maseno University, University of Eldoret, Karatina University, the National Aquaculture Research Development and Training Centre, Commission for University Education and the Kenya Wildlife Training Institute.Belgian institutions working with local ones include Ghent University and the Free University of Brussels.