West African Fish run environmentally friendly aquaculture farms in Ghana that create jobs and a supply of protein-rich food for local communities.
West African Fish operates in eastern Ghana where the company grows and farms fish by using aquaculture technology. The aquaculture involves cultivating the tilapia fish under controlled conditions, as opposed to most commercial fishing that relies on harvesting wild fish. The main technology employed in the process involves re-circulating and recycling water, and using floating fish feed to minimise waste and pollution.
The fish are sold in the local market, and the initiative has created 100 jobs in a region with a high unemployment rate. At the same time, West African Fish meets the heavy demand for protein-rich food of good quality in a country where most food is imported.
West African Fish are also active in the local community. They have built a local school, rebuilt the local market with a new water pump, and have also contributed skills and nets to the Water Research Institute in Ghana, helping to promote aquaculture practices in Ghana.
Why you should care
Aquafarming has become an important additional means of seafood production at a time when over 53% of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited. West African Fish saw strong early growth, going from producing 28 tons of fish in their first year to 4,000 six years later. As well as creating 100 jobs directly on the farm, this relatively small aquaculture practice estimates to have positively boosted the local economy, with indirect benefits for up to 400 local families.
How the Global Goals are addressed
Zero Hunger
Farming Tilapia in controlled environments is a resource efficient fishing method that can produce high quantities of food for coastal communities.
Good Health and Well-Being
Tilapia are a good source of protein, with around 25g per 100g serving. The fish also contain important fatty acids, needed for healthy brain development.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
West African Fish directly employs 100 people in their sustainable fishing and market activities, and they estimate that they indirectly benefit a further 400 families.
Life Below Water
Illegal and unsustainable fishing practices in West Africa are driving several species towards extinction. Controllable and efficient aquaculture practices can help reduce the pressure on wild stocks.
West African Fish ltd.
West African Fish ltd. was founded as a joint venture between Palm Acres Ltd. and Royal Danish Fish Group A/S. The aim of the co-operation was to create an aqua cultural farm, producing fresh tilapia of the highest quality possible, and doing so at the most environmentally friendly farm in Africa.
Global Goals addressed