Jamaica National Fisheries Authority calls for an increase in tilapia farming

BROOKLYN, NY – The greater take-up of tilapia farming is encouraged to boost local fish production and relieve the stress on reef fish.

In making the call, Chief Executive Officer at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Dr. Gavin Bellamy, said that improving tilapia production “will allow us to improve the blue protein, which is protein from fisheries stock.”

“Also, it will minimize and reduce the stress on our reef fish,” he said while addressing a recent JIS Think Tank.

Tilapia is a popular fish for aquaculture as it is very versatile and tolerant of various aquaculture environments. It can be farmed in brackish or saltwater and pond or cage systems.

In Jamaica, tilapia is mainly raised in ponds, with most of the production concentrated along the southern end of the island.

In addition to increased tilapia production, the NFA also has a project to train fisherfolk to do pelagic or deep-sea fishing.

“There is Fish Aggregation Device (FAD) fishing where they (fishers) will go beyond reefs for fish, which can make it more economical. They will use a little more gas but will come back with a larger haul so that it will be more profitable,” he pointed out.

FADs are floating objects designed and strategically placed to attract pelagic fish.

Many pelagic species are associated with natural FADs in the open ocean, such as logs, seaweed, and coconuts. There are also artificial FADs such as buoys or floats.

Meanwhile, the NFA CEO said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, through the authority, is working to address some of the challenges being faced by fish farmers.

“[These include] the availability of high-quality fish feed, reasonably priced water, and improving the broodstock. This is the seed stock that farmers will use to populate their farms,” he noted.

With the restructuring of the operations at the NFA, improvement in the management of the fisheries sector is anticipated.

“We want to see our fisherfolk and fish farmers improve in their economic standing. [With the addition of new units and divisions] these will better allow the NFA to carry out its executive and administrative functions while enabling our technical staff to do the important work in managing our fisheries as a sustainable industry for the future of this country,” Bellamy said.