The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), through its Directorate: Aquaculture Extension/Technical Services, provides technical support and advisory services to monitor and enhance the aquaculture sector, relying on accurate and timely data collection to assess its status, contribution to production volumes, and compliance with international reporting obligations. The marine aquaculture sector, which is governed through the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA), provides for mandatory submission of production data by all permit holders operating mariculture farms on a monthly basis. On the other hand, submission of production data is not a legislated requirement for the freshwater aquaculture sector. Consequently, production data is submitted voluntarily and through several platforms such as producer organisations without input from the producers which has resulted in collection of inaccurate data. In order to close this gap, a study was conducted to assess, collect and analyse production data of freshwater farms within the nine (9) provinces. The assessment aimed to address the recording and monitoring the progress of the sector, providing reliable statistics and information to stakeholders, facilitating public awareness and finally to identify deficiencies in sector management.
Data was collected utilising the SurveytoGo platform and through physical site visits by an independent service provider. The findings of the study indicated a total of 188 responses received with more than 50% of survey respondents identified as small-scale fish farmers. The main freshwater species cultured is Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus), and Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Primary systems of culture include ponds and Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), aquaponics and ponds. Key challenges experienced in the sector are unreliable source of electricity, market access, high input costs and competition from import market. The study produced reliable information and uncovered information that may guide support interventions by Government, particularly the small-scale aquaculture sector. In conclusion, continued efforts should be made between the DFFE and the freshwater aquaculture industry to further ensure the reliable data supply and address challenges identified in this study to promote sustainable development of the sector.