The introduction of this species is aimed at easing pressure on the Marine ecosystem at the Coast. [Photo/ fishfarming.com]
Scientists from the Kenya Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) have introduced tilapia, a fish which naturally survives in fresh water, into the marine waters in the Coast region.The researchers, James Mwaluma and David Mirera said fish farming has always been practiced in the Coast region, but has not been as productive for the farmers as it should be."Fish farming in Marine water has been going on for quite a while but it has not been as lucrative and sustainable as it was envisaged and this led to exploring of fresh ideas that would add value to fish farming," said Dr Mirera, as quoted by Business Daily.In addition, Dr Mirera told the daily that other countries in Asia especially China have diversified their fish farming and are now leading exporters of fish and fish products worldwide. He said they, therefore, hope to learn from their success and see to it that fish farming at the Coast becomes productive."This type of integration has been done successfully in other parts of the world and more interestingly China which started with our own Nile species has now become a leading exporter of farmed Tilapia," he added. The introduction of this species is aimed at easing pressure on the Marine ecosystem at the Coast.