ESTA: Extending and Supporting Tillapia Aquaculture

The Extending and Supporting Tilapia Aquaculture (ESTA) project is a cross-disciplinary collaboration between two UK SMEs and a Colombian research centre. Tilapia farming in Columbia is a large and growing industry but farmers report that low fillet yields, slow growth rates and poor feed conversion are a major constraint on profit. There is a clear opportunity to enhance Colombia economic/agricultural development by introducing innovations that extend and enhance tilapia farming in the country. Tilapia is easy to grow in a range of conditions and can be integrated into mixed farming systems, improving overall farm productivity. The ESTA project will assess feasibility of aquaculture enterprises to diversify production in post-conflict areas of Colombia and create new genetic variation for enhanced productivity. Specifically, the project will conduct market assessment, optimise aquaculture techniques, and provide training towards establishment of new tilapia enterprises through both stand-alone fisheries and farm diversification strategies, particularly targeted at including female producers to enhance women's business capacity and economic empowerment. In addition, the project will assess the scientific and technical feasibility of creating novel fish strains through innovative new techniques to produce fish with enhanced growth rate and better yield. Project outputs will benefit farmers by creating new production opportunities, and help to empower female farmers. Genetic improvement will result in better yields for new and existing tilapia producers. Detailed feasibility studies and business plans will encouage investment in Colombia primary productivity, resulting in economic growth and reduction of poverty across the country.