The growth of aquaculture in Zambia has seen the sector shift from subsistence production to commercialization. T his has resulted in increased need for high quality, large numbers and consistent supply of fish seed. Sustainable fingerling production depends on broodstock quality as determined by the genetics, health and nutrition; better management practices (BMP’s) such as proper biosecurity and diseases management, proper feeds and feeding practices, water quality management and waste disposal..
Limited information exists on the status of the hatchery sector in Zambia, including their distribution, species cultured and management practices across the various hatcheries in the country. The present study was aimed at reviewing these and assessing them against the better management practices to ascertain gaps for improvement. A countrywide survey was conducted in 2019-2020 in which information on general distribution and characterization of the hatcheries was collected. 74% of hatcheries in the country were surveyed and these were considered representative as all provinces were captured. The major cultured species from these hatcheries tilapias; Oreochromis andersonii, O. niloticus, O. macrochir , O. tanganicae and Coptodon rendallii (see map).
The survey indicated only 80% of the hatcheries were aware of and had some form of biosecurity measures in place while 78% had a broodstock management plan with some degree of awareness to dangers of inbreeding (86%). A 20 % non-adherence to biosecurity measures puts the industry at risk given the current threat of fish diseases in the region. A review of management practices from the current study coupled with continued awareness and capacity building of farmers, managers, extension workers and research sector through BMPs is recommended for the sustainable growth of the industry.