Alupo directs fisheries experts on water quality

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Fisheries experts meeting in Kampala city have been asked to develop mechanisms through which water can be protected from contamination so as to promote fisheries reproduction and multiplication.

The call was made by Uganda Vice-President Jessica Alupo as she represented President Yoweri Museveni at the official opening of the World Aquaculture Conference. The event is one of the biggest global gatherings of diverse actors in the aquaculture network, from more than 100 countries. Uganda is the second African country to host this event, after South Africa.

According to Alupo, most cities and Urban areas are often located or surrounded by water sources, such as Kampala and Dubai, and industries have been reported to be leading in water contamination.

“You have a wider spectrum, which you should use to ensure water resources are protected, and a meeting like this should ensure that water bodies being shared across the border are well managed because we share the water and the fish species,” Alupo said.

Commenting on the conference, fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa explained that the World Aquaculture Safari presents an opportunity to highlight Africa’s emerging aquaculture sector.

“It is a platform for Africa’s Aquaculture momentum, enabling us to showcase Africa-led research, innovation, ambition and commercial opportunities. It also provides a global platform to link African farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and policymakers with international networks. It is a great forum to facilitate business-to-business opportunities among others,” she said.

Adoa added that the importance of aquaculture cannot be understated, especially now that the natural wild fisheries are facing stagnation or decline. She added that the remaining options are farmed fish to bridge the supply gap in fish and other products from the wild.

At the country level, Adoa said Uganda is endowed with great potential, given that 20% of its surface is freshwater. Current production is more than 120,000 metric tonnes annually, although the policy target is to produce one million tonnes per annum in the long term.

To this effect, the agriculture ministry has prioritised aquaculture among the top six key interventions in the medium and long term.

The most common production systems are extensive and semi-intensive pond-based aquaculture systems and cage culture mainly on Lake Victoria, she added.