Optimizing Artemia Production Technology for Sustainable Aquaculture Development (APTSAD), Food Security and Economic Growth for the East African Coastal Communities

PI: Dr. Erick Ochieng Ogello

Department of Fisheries & Natural Resources

Maseno University, Kenya

Co-PIs

Ms. Morine Mukami

Research Scientist Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Mombasa, Kenya

Dr. Mary Opiyo  

Research Scientist Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Sagana, Kenya

Dr. Imani Kapinga

Research Scientist Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), Tanzania

Dr. Joyce Alyssa (Associate Professor – Docent)

University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Other investigators:

Dr. Jacob Ochiewo – Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Mombasa, Kenya

Mr. Joseph Luomba – Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), Tanzania

 Community Collaborators

• Kadzuhoni Self Help Group, Kenya (community development group), Malindi, Kenya
• Kensalt Ltd, Kenya (Private salt producing company), Malindi
• Mwevupi self-help group, Tanga Tanzania
• Zomba sea salt and Distribution (Omary Saltworks, Tanga) Tanzania

General objective

To upgrade the living conditions of East African rural communities through establishment of innovative Artemia Value Chain (AVC) linkages that involves production of Artemia biomass and application in emerging larviculture initiatives.

Specific objectives

1. To characterize local Artemia biotopes in Kenyan and Tanzanian coast using molecular techniques
2. To establish an innovative biofloc technology for mass culture of Artemia
3. To apply Artemia biomass and cysts in emerging local aquaculture activities
4. To determine the socio-economic effects of Artemia Value Chain in the east African coast

• Increased knowledge on East African Artemia biotopes through catalogue or biogeography of existing Artemia biotopes. manuals for biofloc Artemia production technology
• Increased Artemia, fish and salt production in the established model farm using the biofloc technology,
• improved socio-economic status of the target groups through Artemia Value Chain Linkages
• Artemia production value chain policy briefs and fact sheets for prudent management at local, national and regional levels
• Economic feasibility analysis for Artemia ventures
• Scientific publications

• Characterize local Artemiastrain(s) and cysts in terms of nutritive capacity, reproductive performance, survival rates, and growth rates and determine their suitability for pond production and aquaculture.
• Promote adoption of Artemiaproduction techniques (biofloc) by artisanal salt farmers and local communities through training and capacity building
• Conduct regular Artemia biomass and cyst harvesting for larviculture trials of both marine and freshwater fishes
• Assessment of economic feasibility of Artemia ventures and prevailing socio-cultural and economic context
• Weekly monitoring of phytoplankton abundance in the ponds.
• Linking producers’ groups with potential niche markets through socio-economic studies

1) Morine Mukami, PhD Student, Maseno University
2) Bramwel Mukaburu, Msc. Student, Maseno University

Email: erick.ogello@gmail.com ,eogello@maseno.ac.ke