Current fish hatchery practises in Uganda: The potential for future investment

Abstract

Demand for quality and ample fish seed is increasing, yet the country has a number of fish hatchery operators. This study set out to survey hatchery operational levels, seed production technologies and challenges. The purpose was to aid the government and investors to make better policies and informed choices respectively for aquaculture development. Most hatchery operators had some basic education but none had specialised skills in hatchery management. There were only three commercial private hatcheries, the rest were small scale. The technologies being used by most hatchery operators though appropriate were inefficient. Findings indicate that the major challenges included poor breeding and management practices, high levels of inbreeding, poor marketing of seed, employment of non-skilled personnel, high cost of broodstock management and larval rearing, poor water quality, and low larval survival rates. Interventions for improvement in fish seed production and investment opportunities in the country are discussed.