The inland aquaculture section is responsible for the development of inland aquatic resources with current emphasis on Mozambique tilapia.

Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a non-native fish to the Solomon Islands that is currently cultured at a low scale within the country and is either consumed by the farmers or sold in local markets. Farming of this particular species of tilapia is done on Malaita and Guadalcanal and as well in other provinces. However, due to the slow growth and low productivity of Mozambique tilapia, MFMR is looking into introducing Nile tilapia known as the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) (Oreochromis niloticus) for farming due to its fast growth rate and high productivity. Nile tilapia has been successfully farmed in the neighbouring Pacific Island countries and has been agreed upon by general stakeholders and the Cabinet of Solomon Islands Government in 2017 to be introduced within the nation for aquaculture purposes.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources with support from New Zealand Government through MSSIF and other donor partners are collaborative embark on preparatory works for the importation of GIFT tilapia. These include development of necessary infrastructures, staff capacity buildings, partnerships and strengthening policies governing aquaculture in Solomon Islands.

It is the government intention to improve livelihood of all Solomon Islanders through food security and employments by promoting market-led and sustainable aquaculture development not limited to tilapia farming.

RESOURCES:

Brochure - Tilapia Site Selection (PDF)

Brochure - Tilapia Harvesting (PDF)

Brochure - Tilapia Pond Features (PDF)

Brochure - Tilapia Feed (PDF)

PDF Version of Tilapia App.