Sierra Rutile supports artisanal fishing
In collaboration with local communities and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sierra Rutile recently harvested over 38,000 tilapia fish from its breeding farm for the restocking of mined-out dredge ponds. The 2,000 sqm aquaculture project was developed by the company as part of its long term commitment to support an artisanal fishing industry in the Rutile area. (Photo: Sierra Rutile aquaculture fish pond)
Sierra Rutile’s consulting rehabilitation specialist, Alhaji Hassan-King, explained that fish farming is one of the elements of the company’s ‘Rehabilitation Master Plan’, adding that the restocking of ponds with tilapia brooders improves fish yields and helps provide livelihoods for local communities. To-date Sierra Rutile has released over 1,000,000 tilapia, for the benefit of these communities.
Witnessing the harvesting was Mr. Osman Kamara, Officer-in-Charge at the Bo Fish Station of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, who confirmed that Sierra Rutile’s fish breeding ponds meet professional standards.
Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Sierra Rutile, Mr. Ansu Jabati, elaborated on the company’s plans, which include the breeding of catfish. “We have commenced preparation of one of our nursery ponds for the breeding of catfish and have purchased approximately 800 fingerlings.” To ensure the project’s success, Sierra Rutile invited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to give technical assistance on the breeding of the new fish species.
Further demonstrating its commitment to local communities, Sierra Rutile has hired local residents, as guards to safeguard the nursing ponds – monitoring and preventing the fishing of the fingerlings. Chief Gbessay Kpanabom of Moriba Town expressed his gratitude to the company for both the aquaculture project and the employment of locals, adding that he looks forward to the retention and restocking of additional ponds in the near future.
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