Proposal to Establish a Tilapia Demonstration Fish Farm in W

1 Page 1

▲back to top
,. "f"' 1'1,
olt.~.
"1,
PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TILAPIA (Freshwater f"Ish) DEMONSTRATION FISH
FARM IN WESTERN SAMOA.
NAME OF PROJECT
REQUESTING
GOVERNMENT AGENCY
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST
SOURCE OF FINANCING
Establishment of a Tilapia demonstration farm in
Salani, Western Samoa.
Fisheries Division
US$38,000.00
South Pacific Commission (SPC)
Private Partner
JUSTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION:
R~I).t,surveys of the inshore resources established that inshore fisheries are essential for the
$U\\l~istence sector. Fisheries stocks have collapsed in the past decades through overfishing,
the use of destructive and the degradation of mangroves and coral reefs vital for marine life.
The establishment of a Tilapia demonstration farm in Western Samoa is necessary to increase
fisheries yield, improve nutrition, provide an income for the rural sector and reducing the
p+essure on the capture fisheries.
Although, the Tilapia (Oreochromis family) is not a native specie of Samoa, initial trials in
growing and acceptance as a food fish have been successful.
Tilapia farming is widely practiced in Tonga, Kiribati and other countries. In Fiji, farming
of the Tilapia, in particular Israel tilapia (Oreochromis (Tilapia) niloticus) has become an
iJllpommt fishery for the subsistence sector. The Israel tilapia has been selectively bred for
aquaculture in recent decades. It is fast growing, reaching maturity and marketable size
(approx 0.3kg) in about 6 months under ideal conditions, and does not 'stunt' in high
population densities. The species has demonstrated aquaculture potential overseas and is a
far better species for stocking than Mrican tilapia.
Previous work by the Western Samoa Fisheries Division and local farmer Mr Tipi has
d~monstrated the feasibility of rearing and growing the Israel tilapia strain. In the late
1990's, the Salani farm was provided with Israel tilapia fingerlings for grow-out. The frys
are fed on taro scrapings, dessicated coconut (coconut scrapings) and leftover food in which
sizeable adults have been harvested by the local partner for food.
A. yi~t. by the Regional Aquaculturist for SPRADP Mr Hideyuki Tanaka, resulted in
recommendations in utilizing the facilities in establishing a Tilapia fish farm.
Having.. demonstrated the ability by the local farmer Mr Tipi and Fisheries Division to
successfully rear Tilapia fingerlings, it was proposed to form a joint venture between the

2 Page 2

▲back to top
Fisheries Division and Mr Tipi of Salani, to establish a Tilapia fish farm. Funds to be made
available by the SPRAD Programme for the construction of fish ponds for growing and
_ rearing of the Israel tilapia.
·'···nr~
I>ESCRIPTION:
..... ' Under this proposal (1) the present mariculture and laboratory facilities at the Fisheries
Division in Apia dedicates existing facilities for the selection and stocking of Tilapia niloticus
broodstock.
(2) Salani farm will be expanded for the grow-out of above fingerlings/frys to a commercial
size for marketing. And provision for training of the local partner on fish farm management
and maintenance.
The expansion of the Salani farm would entail the construction of ponds - 4 large ponds for
fish grow-out, 2 small ponds for the production of frys and installation of a pump system.
And training on farm maintenance etc, for local partner.
The Fisheries Division will utilize existing ponds for selection and stocking Tilapia
broodstock.
Technical assistance on the establishment and operation of the farm is sought from the
E<\\.o/SPRAD Programme in Fiji and Fiji Fisheries.
COST COMPONENTS:
L SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION
Construction of Ponds
(Hireage of heavy machinery, etc,)
:." ,11
: 4 large ponds
~U~I If·,11IHi
(20m X 20m)
2 small ponds
(10m X 5m)
& Water-supply system
, (installation of pump and pipes)
Technical assistance (Tilapia consultant)
Training for farm assistant
2..W. SAMOA GOVERNMENT
Local transportation
Fisheries facilities
.P.rovision of Broodstock (Tilapia)
Technical Assistance from Fisheries Staff
US$11,500.00
2,500.00
2,000.00
$16,000.00
US$ 1,000.00
1,500.00
3,000.00
10,000.00
$15,500.00

3 Page 3

▲back to top
3. LOCAL PARTNER
Manual labour
Maintenance
TOTAL COSTS
US$ 3,000.00
3,500.00
$ 6,500.00
US$38,OOO.00
------------
TERMS' OF FINANCING:
GRANT
Fisheries Division to provide as assistance in kind (aquaculture and laboratory facilities at
the Fisheries centre), salary of aquaculturist and contribution to power and local transport.
Joint venture partner to provide grow-out facilities at Salani, technical assistance and on-site
assistant.
,'
An agreement between Fisheries Division and private partner to guarantee that a certain
percentage of all yearlings produced will be available for sale or distribution to Western
Samoa villages for grow-out and broodstock purposes.