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<p>Fish farming has emerged as a crucial economic activity in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) farming being particularly favoured for its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse environmental stressors. However, high demand and limited access to certified Nile tilapia seeds often force farmers to source from unreliable suppliers, increasing the risk of introducing unintended fish species into their farms. This study used DNA barcoding to assess the presence of unintended species in fish farms within the Kilombero Valley Floodplain, Tanzania. Fin clips were collected from 140 individual fish across five farms and key informant interviews were conducted with 30 respondents to identify potential seed sources. The results revealed nine unintended fish species alongside Nile tilapia, with some farms containing up to 75% unintended fish. Additionally, 60% of respondents were unaware of certified hatcheries, relying instead on fellow farmers and wild sources. Even farms that obtained seeds from certified hatcheries contained unintended species, though in lower proportions. These findings highlight the need to strengthen seed certification systems, enforce stricter quality control measures, and sustain efforts to establish decentralized seed production centres closer to farming communities. Additionally, targeted outreach and digital platforms linking farmers with certified hatcheries could enhance awareness and accessibility. Lastly, a follow-up study on the genetic composition of hatchery-produced Nile tilapia seeds is needed to provide empirical evidence on the extent of unintended species in hatchery stocks and guide improvements in seed quality assurance.</p>

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Accidental fish farming: DNA barcoding reveals high levels of unintended fish in Nile tilapia farms in the Kilombero Valley Floodplain, Tanzania

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月28日

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  • Cyrus Rumisha,
  • Jackson L. Saiperaki,
  • Silvia F. Materu,
  • Prisila Mkenda,
  • Elly J. Ligate

摘要

Fish farming has emerged as a crucial economic activity in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming being particularly favoured for its rapid growth and adaptability to diverse environmental stressors. However, high demand and limited access to certified Nile tilapia seeds often force farmers to source from unreliable suppliers, increasing the risk of introducing unintended fish species into their farms. This study used DNA barcoding to assess the presence of unintended species in fish farms within the Kilombero Valley Floodplain, Tanzania. Fin clips were collected from 140 individual fish across five farms and key informant interviews were conducted with 30 respondents to identify potential seed sources. The results revealed nine unintended fish species alongside Nile tilapia, with some farms containing up to 75% unintended fish. Additionally, 60% of respondents were unaware of certified hatcheries, relying instead on fellow farmers and wild sources. Even farms that obtained seeds from certified hatcheries contained unintended species, though in lower proportions. These findings highlight the need to strengthen seed certification systems, enforce stricter quality control measures, and sustain efforts to establish decentralized seed production centres closer to farming communities. Additionally, targeted outreach and digital platforms linking farmers with certified hatcheries could enhance awareness and accessibility. Lastly, a follow-up study on the genetic composition of hatchery-produced Nile tilapia seeds is needed to provide empirical evidence on the extent of unintended species in hatchery stocks and guide improvements in seed quality assurance.