By Machona Kasambala
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock with the support of the European Union has begun the Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) of a local tilapia fish species at Misamfu Aquaculture Research station in Kasama.
The genetic improvement of the local green headed bream – Oreochromis Macrochir – which is dominant in the river systems of Northern and Luapula provinces is targeted to improve its growth rate, robustness and maintenance of the genetic diversity.
Chief Fisheries Research Officer in the department of fisheries and lead of the Genetic Improvement Programme BORNWELL SEEMANI says a GIP manual has already been developed and collection of brood stock from the wild for breeding is underway.
Mr. SEEMANI 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 in the region.
Mr SEEMANI was speaking at Misamfu Aquaculture Research Station in Kasama during the training of officers involved in the Genetic Improvement Programme of Oreochromis Macrochir.
And an aquaculture consultant TERENCE STONIER says there is a lot that will be achieved from the genetic improvement of Oreochromis Macrochir.
Mr. STONIER says his 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.
