2002 Annual Report for FW00-104
Aquaculture and Fertigation Project
Summary
OBJECTIVES
The objective is to set up an aquaculture and fertigation project that will raise tilapia fish for local sale and use the wastewater from the fishponds to irrigate and fertilize taro, bananas and watercress.
ABSTRACT
Tilapia fish for local consumption are primarily imported, as are commercial fertilizers, both of which are expensive.
Project coordinator Vincent Calvo farms his land part time, growing bananas, coconuts and some fruit trees. He plans to retire soon and devote his full energy to the farm.
Calvo’s project is designed to show that tilapia can be grown economically on the island for local consumption and that the wastewater from the fishponds can replace expensive imported fertilizers in the production of bananas, taro and watercress.
RESULTS
The project has been delayed owning to construction difficulties. It is now projected for completion in July 2002. During construction, several interested individuals and groups visited the project to look at the actual construction, pipe work and pond depth and size.
Two ponds were scheduled to be completed and filled with fresh spring water by December 2001, and the first batch of tilapia fry introduced in February 2002.
“By the time full operation is engaged, I know a lot of interested individuals or groups will visit for practical review and understanding of the process and costs of such a project,” says Calvo.