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PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A TILAPIA (Freshwater f"Ish) DEMONSTRATION FISHFARM IN WESTERN SAMOA.

NAME OF PROJECT

REQUESTINGGOVERNMENT AGENCY

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST

SOURCE OF FINANCING

Establishment of a Tilapia demonstration farm inSalani, 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 increasefisheries yield, improve nutrition, provide an income for the rural sector and reducing thep+essure on the capture fisheries.

Although, the Tilapia (Oreochromis family) is not a native specie of Samoa, initial trials ingrowing and acceptance as a food fish have been successful.

Tilapia farming is widely practiced in Tonga, Kiribati and other countries. In Fiji, farmingof the Tilapia, in particular Israel tilapia (Oreochromis (Tilapia) niloticus) has become aniJllpommt fishery for the subsistence sector. The Israel tilapia has been selectively bred foraquaculture 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 highpopulation densities. The species has demonstrated aquaculture potential overseas and is afar better species for stocking than Mrican tilapia.

Previous work by the Western Samoa Fisheries Division and local farmer Mr Tipi hasd~monstrated the feasibility of rearing and growing the Israel tilapia strain. In the late1990's, the Salani farm was provided with Israel tilapia fingerlings for grow-out. The frysare fed on taro scrapings, dessicated coconut (coconut scrapings) and leftover food in whichsizeable adults have been harvested by the local partner for food.

A. yi~t. by the Regional Aquaculturist for SPRADP Mr Hideyuki Tanaka, resulted inrecommendations in utilizing the facilities in establishing a Tilapia fish farm.

Having..demonstrated the ability by the local farmer Mr Tipi and Fisheries Division tosuccessfully rear Tilapia fingerlings, it was proposed to form a joint venture between the

Fisheries Division and Mr Tipi of Salani, to establish a Tilapia fish farm. Funds to be madeavailable by the SPRAD Programme for the construction of fish ponds for growing and

_ rearing of the Israel tilapia.·'···nr~

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I>ESCRIPTION:Under this proposal (1) the present mariculture and laboratory facilities at the FisheriesDivision in Apia dedicates existing facilities for the selection and stocking of Tilapia niloticusbroodstock.(2) Salani farm will be expanded for the grow-out of above fingerlings/frys to a commercialsize for marketing. And provision for training of the local partner on fish farm managementand maintenance.

The expansion of the Salani farm would entail the construction of ponds - 4 large ponds forfish 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 Tilapiabroodstock.

Technical assistance on the establishment and operation of the farm is sought from theE<\.o/SPRAD Programme in Fiji and Fiji Fisheries.

COST COMPONENTS:

L SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSIONConstruction 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 GOVERNMENTLocal transportationFisheries facilities.P.rovision of Broodstock (Tilapia)Technical Assistance from Fisheries Staff

US$11,500.002,500.002,000.00

$16,000.00

US$ 1,000.001,500.003,000.00

10,000.00

$15,500.00

3. LOCAL PARTNERManual labourMaintenance

TOTAL COSTS

US$ 3,000.003,500.00

$ 6,500.00

US$38,OOO.00------------------------

TERMS' OF FINANCING:GRANT

Fisheries Division to provide as assistance in kind (aquaculture and laboratory facilities atthe 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-siteassistant.

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An agreement between Fisheries Division and private partner to guarantee that a certainpercentage of all yearlings produced will be available for sale or distribution to WesternSamoa villages for grow-out and broodstock purposes.