Increased Sustainability in the Aquaculture Sector in sub-Saharan Africa, through Improved Aquatic Animal Health Management

Abstract

African aquaculture is growing rapidly. Tilapia and catfish are the two most important farmed fish species on the continent, and in Kenya, specifically, rainbow trout farming has become an important part of the country’s aquaculture industry. Compared to salmon and shrimp, little attention and research investments have been made to better understand disease epidemiology and control mechanisms in these cultured fish groups. With increased intensification and the resultant proliferation of fish diseases, many African countries are now realizing the importance of biosecurity governance and of building better aquatic animal health research capacity and management to support sustainable aquaculture. International partnerships and collaboration with expert institutions are one way African countries can transition to developing and implementing better biosecurity measures. To this end, WorldFish and Norwegian Veterinary Institutes’s expertise can support mutual missions and objectives in Africa in collaboration with African institutions. Together, they will make informed decisions on future investments on the continent to support aquatic animal health management and biosecurity.