Maputo River water quality imperils fish production

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Maputo River water quality imperils fish production

4:52 CAT | 31 Aug 2016

Notícias

The brownish color of the Maputo River is harming the fish farmers who use fertilizers to produce organic matter to feed the fingerlings in Matutuíne district, Maputo province.

The cultivation of freshwater fish by community organisations in Matutuíne has been seen as a business opportunity, but water quality has proved to be a problem.

With rising food prices, producers have looked to alternative means of increasing output.

Fish project manager of NGO Wings Curam, Peter Clement, says that the color of the Maputo river has become a problem for fish farmers who use this method.

According to Clement, the mode of production arose from the need to save the money spent on food while continuing to provide fish at affordable prices.

Clement points out that the physical and chemical characteristics of the water are essential for the organisms living in it, as they determine the environmental conditions that favor the growth and survival of plant species and aquatic animals.

“The brownish color of the water reduces the penetration of sunlight, preventing it from reaching the deeper layers and producing food for the fish,” he explains.

He said that the productivity of a fish pond depends primarily on the production techniques employed, the species being cultivated, and the availability and quality of water as well as soil conditions.

He added that inadequate breeding conditions would adversely affect the growth, reproduction, survival and quality of fish, potentially compromising the success of the venture

“For success in fish farming, the administration of adequate food to fish, which has a direct effect on their survival, growth and reproduction, is critical,” he said.

A different experience is reported by the 10-member Macassane Association also engaged aquaculture, but also in agriculture and animal breeding.

One of the members of the association, which started operating in 2014 as a way to increase family income of its members, Cecilia Gumende, has said that production was successful and that this year the association expects to start sales to the public.

Source: Notícias