1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Government of Mozambique, with FAO assistance, is engaged in preliminary studies of the research and development of its inland fisheries. The project has been made possible thanks to funds generously contributed by the Government of Sweden on behalf of NORDIC countries.

As part of the project operation FAO assigned Mr Pierre J. Brichard, Ornamental Fish Trade Consultant, from 3 September 1979 to 15 February 1980 with the following terms of reference:

To carry out a feasibility study for the reactivation of the export enterprise for ornamental fish of the Mozambican waters of Lake Nyasa, i.e., assess the potential of the market in Europe, America, Japan and South Africa and examine channels/costing for export.

The task involved several aspects:

Evaluating the market potential for a future development of marine fauna exports
Evaluating at the same time the potential for the Lake Nyasa cichlids to be reintroduced on the markets after five years' interruption
Assessing the biotopes in view to deciding if they could support a substantial and long-term volume of exports
Evaluating the logistical problems which would have to be faced for each project if they were to become operational, and eventually suggesting priorities.

1.2 SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

The consultancy consisted of three phases:

Phase I: A one-month survey of the main European markets and principal wholesales-importers (see Appendixes 1 and 2)

Phase II: A field survey in Mozambique followed by inquiries regarding air transportation between Mozambique and European markets and availability of essential supplies in nearby African countries (South Africa - Kenya - Burundi) (10 October - 30 November 1979)

Phase III: A further market assessment (31 January - 15 February 1980)

This report is based on the consultant's survey carried out in Mozambique on behalf of the project and also calls on his many years' experience as a leading fish collector and exporter. It reviews the general trends in the trade, its organizations, sources of supplies, how to assess the potential of a biotope in basic fish stocks, and logistical problems in exploiting the biotope. Current data on market trends were derived from information supplied by leading European dealers.