(Kisii) – Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) has launched a research project to revive two endangered indigenous fish species, Oreochromis esculentus (known as Ngege) and Oreochromis variabilis (commonly called Mbiru), to help stabilize local food supplies. These species, once widely caught in Lake Victoria during the 1950s, are now rare and in danger of extinction, overtaken by more resilient species like Nile perch and Nile tilapia.
Dr. Paul Orina, KEMFRI Assistant Director of Aquaculture, spoke from Kegati Aquaculture Centre in Kisii, highlighting the importance of restoring Ngege and Mbiru, which he described as Lake Victoria’s original tilapia varieties. Dr. Orina explained that the lake has since been dominated by Nile perch, a fish with global adaptability, and Tilapia niloticus, the more commonly farmed tilapia in Kenya. The introduction of these non-native species has dramatically reduced the populations of Ngege and Mbiru.
“Our mandate is to research and conserve the traditional genetic material of Ngege and Mbiru around Lake Victoria,” Dr. Orina stated. “This will help reduce dependence on just a few species for our food supply.”
The study is backed by Boston University, Rio Fish, and PlusFish Philanthropy, aiming to understand the nutritional value of Ngege and Mbiru. Researchers hope to determine whether these indigenous fish offer a dietary advantage over Nile tilapia and to promote their adoption as a sustainable source of protein in Kenyan diets.
To support community integration of these species, the research project also looks into whether Ngege and Mbiru are likely to be accepted by locals involved in aquaculture, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) who rely on fish ponds and cages.
“We are bringing on board a sector that can make an economic impact for local communities, especially for women, youth, and PWDs, by creating job opportunities and improving food security and nutrition,” Dr. Orina said.
The research collaboration extends to Uganda and Tanzania under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasizes regional partnerships in research. This East African alliance aims to reintegrate these endangered fish species into the region’s aquaculture systems.
Challenges in the project include adapting the first generation of these fish from their natural habitats to controlled environments such as cages and ponds. Ngege and Mbiru are reportedly slower to adapt to these conditions compared to Nile tilapia. Additionally, human population growth and urban expansion along Lake Victoria’s shores, especially near cities like Kisumu, Mwanza, and Jinja, have contributed to pollution that impacts fish populations due to waste runoff and agricultural chemicals.
Poor fishing practices, such as using inappropriate fishing gear and damaging breeding sites, have further threatened fish stocks in the lake. To address these issues, researchers propose a breeding program for Ngege and Mbiru, similar to the genetic selection practices used for Nile tilapia, to cultivate high-performance traits that can make these species competitive within aquaculture systems.
“Restoring these fish can help increase not only the quantity of fish available for food but also dietary quality, as they are rich in protein and essential fatty acids,” Dr. Orina noted.
| Research Goals | Strategies |
|---|---|
| Boost endangered fish populations | Develop sustainable breeding programs |
| Improve food security | Evaluate nutritional value for potential diet benefits |
| Encourage local acceptance | Involve women, youth, and PWDs in fish farming |
| Address environmental challenges | Promote use of correct fishing gear and protect breeding sites |