September 18, 2006

Trinidad and Tobago raising tilapia
     

The country of Trinidad and Tobago is raising tilapia so that if it ever gets hit by bird flu, people can switch to eating fish immediately, suggested Minister of Agriculture Jarrette Narine

The Cabinet has approved US$1.3 million to encourage local fish-farming in the country's National Tilapia Development Plan.

He added there is great potential for aquaculture in Trinidad and Tobago, adding that the success of a properly managed tilapia industry would encourage the growing of other species such as prawns and conchs, favourites among Caribbean communities in North America.

His ministry is seeking a site for a 15-acre hatchery and suitable species of tilapia.

Phase one of the tilapia plan would involve 13 projects over the next year, Narine said.