Introduction:
 The earliest freshwater aquaculture trials (fish farming) were carried out in the 1970s
and involved the culturing of Tilapia fish in small family fishponds by
farmers in their rice fields in the fresh water zone of the river. The
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with assistance from the US Peace Corps
(PCVs) and the Department of Fisheries has also carried out
culture trials. Such earlier efforts at pond culture failed to produce
the desired production levels however, important lessons were learnt
by the Fisheries Department which is has used to set up pilot fish
ponds in the rice growing areas of Gambia.
Shrimp Farming:
In 1982 The West
Africa Aquaculture engaged in fish farming to raise the P.monodon from
lava to maturity. Of the original 200 ha only 50 are being used today
which in 2006 produced 50 tonnes.
Two fish farms were being operated Pirang and Sanyang Point by
Scan Gambia Ltd. of Norway who introduced the foreign Black Tiger
Prawn (Peneaus monodon) in 1988 but closed down in 1992 due to
financial problems.
1982, The Gambia: industrial farm, “West Africa Aquaculture” (WAAq)
Semi-intensive farm raising includes a hatchery and a processing
plant producing to EUstandards. Of the original 200 hectares, only 50
are being used for production today. With a production of 50 tons in
2006, this farm is the only one in West Africa today with the capacity
to serve as a base for modeling production methods adapted to the
local context
Oyster Culture:
The development of
Oyster cultivation in Gambia has been a priority for the Government
for some years now. The Department of Fisheries has conducted research
studies on the mangrove oyster of West Africa Ostrea (Crassostrea)
tulipa which indicates great commercial potential though the market
has not yet been adequately identified. The rack system for harvesting
the mollusk delicacy has proved a more efficient method for their
exploitation that the more sustainable alternative than the current
harvesting method and was less destructive on mangrove ecology. Policy
makers want to encourage less destructive methods, increase oyster
production as well as better access to credit facilities for low
income producers.
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Present Situation:
 Aquaculture activities are currently being carried out by the
Department of Fisheries in co-operation with Department of
Agriculture. The pilot
fish culture ponds at Sapu in the Central River Division is part
of the continuing effort of the Department to assist farmers
improve their incomes and nutritional status. Several
communities in the area have expressed interest in fish farming
but lack adequate knowledge of the cultural practices associated
with fish farming. Tilapia and Clarias senegalensis are the fish
species to be considered for future culture in the trial rice
fields of the project.
Potential Growth:
The development and growth of commercial aquaculture holds great
possibilities and is hoped to decrease or hold the country's
reliance on netted fish. This coupled with shrimp and oyster
culture has the potential to be economically and naturally
feasible within the area of the Gambia River's estuarine
geography as well as the fresh water flood plains of the Central
River Region for species such as catfish and Tilapia.
Commercial aquaculture entails culturing of high economic
value species such as shrimps aimed at the export market.
Government Policy:
Due to the nutritional and economic potential of the aquaculture
sector the Gambia Government's policy is to develop 3 areas of
the aquaculture i.e. commercial, artisan and subsistence. The
strategy includes the development of community participation,
training farmers in pond construction methods and maintenance,
tidal irrigation methods and access to loans.
Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
Contact details:
The Quadrangle
Banjul
The Gambia
West Africa
Tel: (220) 4228291 / 4228292
Fax: (220) 4228230
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