Comparison of African tilapia partial harvesting systems

Abstract

Three typical African partial harvesting systems and an unfished control were compared for gross yield. Fish grew undisturbed on an input regime based on that used by Malawian smallholding farmers for 122 days. Then, for an additional 143 days, ponds were partially harvested once per week by hook and line, seining with a reed fence or basket trapping. Hook and line fishing and seining with a reed fence partially harvested a significantly (P0.05) greater weight of fish than did trapping. Gross yield was significantly (P0.05) higher in ponds partially harvested by hook and line. Partial removal of juveniles had the largest impact on increased yield.