THE POTENTIAL OF SMART AQUACULTURE ON IMPROVING FISH PRODUCTION IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAWI

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1 THE POTENTIAL OF SMART AQUACULTURE ON IMPROVING FISH PRODUCTION IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAWI Mr. Mexford MULUMPWA Senga bay Fisheries Research Centre, Malawi LUANAR, Malawi

2 Introduction As the Department of Fisheries aims at increasing aquaculture production from 3,600 to 10,000 metric tonnes 2021 (NFAP 2016) New smart technologies in aquaculture should be taken to potential adopters. There is a need to cultivate a strong linkage between different research stations in Malawi to Extension systems. 2

3 Aquaculture technologies that can overcome climate change effects a. Cage Culture Cage culture is relatively new aquaculture technology in Malawi but it is now a serious option for aquaculture investors (FAO, 2004) Medium and small-scale cage culture enterprises are very conducive economically to most people in Malawi (Figure 1 and 2). 4th Global Science Conference Birchwood Hotel, 27 Nov -1 Dec, 2017 THE POTENTIAL OF SMART AQUACULTURE ON IMPROVING FISH PRODUCTION IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAWI M. Mulumpwa 3

4 The Department of Fisheries has carried out exploratory surveys to identify better sites on Lake Malawi for cage culture and several sites were identified in Salima, Mangochi and Nkhatabay districts Figure 1: Sample of medium scale fish cages ready for stocking at Michesi in Mangochi district 4

5 b. Use of water harvest in fish pond production As used for irrigation in crop production water harvest can be used in fish production to deal with drying up of fishing ponds annually Water can be harvested in a dam and used throughout the year to provide water adequately to fish ponds. c. Use of plastic sheeting to conserve water in fish ponds This technology can take fish farming to areas deemed to be unsuitable for the enterprise even those made unstable due to climat change 5

6 Of late, many ponds that could hold water through out the year are becoming annual making fish farming relatively becoming challenging. There are some areas that have been unsuitable for fish farming ever since due to poor soils (i.e. sand soils). In these areas a pond or frame work of a cage can be made and aligned with a plastic sheeting to hold water hence making fish farming possible to areas where it has never been thought to be possible as shown in Figure 2, 3 and 4. 6

7 Source: Sarnissa 2017 Figure 2: Wooden frame inland cage aligned with plastic sheet to hold water for fish production Source: Sarnissa 2017 Figure 3: Big fish ponds aligned with a plastic sheeting. 7

8 Source: Sarnissa 2017 Figure 4 Water channel aligned with plastic sheeting to avoid water in transit 8

9 Using plastic sheeting to increase water temperature for increased fish production It is reported that fish grow slowly during cold season in Malawi making fish production during this season very low. This technology uses clear plastic sheeting on top of the pond leaving sides for air circulation as the model shown in Figure 6. This simple but yet an important technology can be used to make the productivity of fish in the country high throughout the year 9

10 Source: Kaunda et al Figure 5: A model showing covering of a pond surface with clear plastic sheet 10

11 The role of extension services in smart aquaculture in the face of climate change The aquaculture sub-sector has a potential to increase fish production in the country. This is inline with the aim of the Department of Fisheries to increasing aquaculture production The extension workers should fully understand these technologies and carry them to the farmers and other investors who can adopt them 11

12 If this process of adoption of the smart aquaculture is adequately facilitated by extension workers fish production in Malawi will significantly increase. This will contribute positively to food security in the country. 12

13 Thank you for your attention 13