Tanlapia in-pond raceway system (IPRS) as an innovative solution for aquaculture production in Tanzania
Tanlapia IPRS Case Study
For Tanzania to fully utilize the potential available in Blue Economy and become the leading provider of fish and ‘aquatic food products’ in East and Central Africa, and to grow and shape the market in the region there is a need of exploring and investing in innovative technology.
Tanlapia Limited, a private owned company operates large-scale commercial tilapia farm in Bagamoyo along the Ruvu river catchment. It is the largest land-based fish farm in operation since 2020. Realizing the available potential and challenges facing the aquaculture industry in Tanzania, Tanlapia Limited decided to invest in Tilapia Fish Farming by adopting the state-of-the-art fish production system known as In Pond Raceway System (IPRS). This is a super- intensive production system inverted by the University of Auburn through the support of USSEC (United State Soy Export Council).
In-Pond Raceway Systems are an advanced approach to pond aquaculture that combines the management benefits of confining fish in a small portion of the pond with the production capacity of a flowing water system. IPRS creates a flowing “river in the pond” and allows the water to mix and move as it would in a riverine system. This flowing water significantly increases the pond’s production potential.
Advantages of IPRS
This system lowers per unit production costs, reduces risk and significantly improves yield. IPRS operate with simplicity and in harmony with nature to offer greater predictability and profit potential than conventionally operated ponds. The IPRS technology offers the potential to double, or even triple, yields beyond traditional pond expectations (up to 70-80 tons per hectare in tropical climates) with no discharge of water or waste into local waterways. the system does not echange water as is the case in convertional semi intensive pond aquaculuture, making the IPRS technology ideal in adapting to climate change impacts. IPRS is a more manageable, controllable approach allowing high yields and reduce environmental impact,
Alignment of IPRS to Blue Economy Objectives
IPRS technology is therefore, in line with Blue Economy which seeks to promote economic growth, responsible production and consumption, social inclusion, preservation and improvement of livelihoods while at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability of ecosystems. The technology offers a promising diversification option, especially in a time when markets are becoming increasingly demanding, production costs are rising, and finished product prices remain low.