Fish farming and cultural understanding. Cage farming of tilapia. Lessons learned Launching a 70m cage at Isla Ometepe, Lake Nicaragua

Farmed Tilapia Niloticus (Black tilapia) 75% of world production

Tilapia farming More than 5 mill tons in 2014 China no. 1. Much for domestic consumption Cage farming gives better quality. Cage production is expanding. Lakes and reservoirs very sutitable.

Positive of cage farming Does well in cages. Norwegian technology functiones well With good conditions it has good growth and acceptable FCR.

Small scale cage farming

Industrial Cage farming of tilapia Feed is more than 60% of production cost

Upscaling 60 kg/m3 cannot be transfered to large cages. The water exchange is done trough the net panel. The tilapia shall not only survive it shall perform at its best. Equipment is not the biggest cost in cage farming. Large industrially produced cages are cost effective, environmental friendly and long lasting.

Challenges Environment Diseases and mortality Escapes Quality of fry Fish feed

Fish fry

GIFT 5 grams to 1kg in 6 months FCR of 1,35 Less than 5% mortality High Filet yield Tolerates brackish water

Equipment

Things have to fit together Much of the operations are done manually Spare parts for techical equipment Not necesarry with Norwegian dimensions Never forget the software Remember the tropics (sun, fouling etc)

Equipment Changing nets in Lake Volta, Ghana

Negative Invasive, can have negative biological impact Pollution and Eutrofication Use of antibiotics and chemicals

Cultural challenges

When in Rome, do as the romans

Management Important to remember: Often the transition time from foreign to local management is too short, min 3-4 years. Responsibilty is given to the workers. Make sure the reasons and methods for routines and working operations are understood. Most of the time you get what you pay for.

Employment is less than 10% of production cost

Social responsibilty The company should be a part of the society Important to spread the employment locally. Employment of women if possible Try to avoid corruption and be transparent Adjust most things to local conditions, but never those that are essensial for the success of the operation

Be a happy fish farmer There is alway a cold beer waiting in the end of a long hot day (texan saying)