Aquaculture for Food Security

Aquaculture (a solution for food security):

Food security is now a key issue for discussion, as governments worldwide try to manage their economies, as a result of the covid-19 pandemic. In Trinidad and Tobago there have been many challenges in the agriculture sector. Aquaculture is one sector that has captured the eyes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. The Aquaculture Demonstration Centre in Valsayn is managed by the Fisheries Division and it seeks to promote Aquaculture commercially. Aquaculture can be a very lucrative business for Entrepreneurs as well.

Aquaculture is the farming or husbandry of aquatic organisms under controlled or semi-controlled conditions. It is regarded as a means of reducing fishing pressure on the resources of marine fisheries, also meeting increasing demands for fish and fishery products by culture methodologies. Aquaculture globally amounts to about 50% of fish products that are consumed by humans. Although Aquaculture has grown globally, Trinidad and Tobago apparently has not had that growth yet. A 2018 World Fisheries Report showed a 5.8% annual growth rate globally during the period 2001 to 2016. According to the report, Aquaculture continues to grow faster than other major food production sectors. The report also notes that there has been an increase in Aquaculture workers in Latin America and the Caribbean to almost 381,000 compared to the number for the year 2016.

Trinidad and Tobago apparently has the knowledge, technologies and facilities to expand its production capacity, as there is a demand for fish and fish products. Imports of fish and fish products increased to about 5% in 2019 compared to 2018, according to Trinidad and Tobago’s food import bill. Trinidad and Tobago needs to gain a competitive advantage, to allow it to compete in the global value chain. Trinidad and Tobago can perhaps gain a competitive advantage, by expanding into regional markets that import a lot of fish (especially Tilapia). Tilapia fish is cheap, abundant and has a good source of lean protein. Tilapia fish is also low in mercury and other poisonous substances. Tilapia can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it is very nutritious for seniors and for people who suffer from chronic diseases. Tilapia fish can help strengthen the immune system, help in reducing weight, strengthen bones, treat thyroid problems and fight cancerous cells in the body. The healthiest ways to prepare Tilapia fish can be by grilling, broiling or baking.

Many people who got involved in Aquaculture, did so first with ponds. With new technology, tank-based systems, which can be done on a small scale system (16 tanks) or a medium scale system (8 tanks) can be used. At the Aquaculture Demonstration Centre, special training is offered at no cost to the public on all the processes of setting up the systems, maintenance, management and production.

Trinidad and Tobago appears to have the potential to produce fish in large capacities such as cascadura, tilapia, pacu (tambaqui) and swai or bassa (iridescent shark). The Ministry of Agriculture offers various incentives to Aquaculture farmers, which includes a percentage of construction of ponds, dams and wells. Or construction of alternative culture systems, such as raceway type systems, refurbishment of dams and wells; rehabilitation of ponds, cost of equipment such as water pumps, harvesting gear, equipment and vehicles.

The cost for an Aquaculture project like this can cost between $70,000 to $85,000 TT, with starting land capacity of ten acres. However, the figure quoted previously, does not include land preparation or the associated labor to get the system established. The figures can also vary depending on the part of the country that the farm is being set up on, and the land preparation by the prospective farmer.

Aquaculture can be a viable business, but financial and training investments need to be encouraged. Lots of marketing and branding also need to be done for Aquaculture to be successful. Fish farms are apparently not cheap, and a venture like this may not be lucrative if there is no large scale production for income generation. Some farmers are willing to rear the fishes, but they do need advice and expertise from the professionals and the Ministry of Agriculture, to get the fish products in the supermarkets and to the consumers. Investments from the private sector may also be necessary for a sustainable and thriving agriculture industry.

More information about Aquaculture, and the pre-requisites for funding can be found at the Aquaculture Demonstration Centre at https://agriculture.gov.tt/divisions-units/divisions/fisheries-division. Phone them at (868) 462-4348 or (868) 462-4337.