It is recommended to investigate accurately the availability of sites for aquaculture, using data already collected and to study them not only from the point of view of the biological and physical characteristics, but also from an economic, a socio-political and an ecological approach.
This should lead to a clear status report on shrimp aquaculture and of aquaculture products in comparison with the marine fishing situation. It could be the occasion to define a general policy for marine aquaculture in Kenya.
It is recommended to protect the mesh gate against drift wood and to modernize the gates; the dikes will have to be reinforced against wave erosion so that the ponds can be filled up to the level of 80 cm.
A pumping station will be necessary to test the culture of P. monodon.
In order to get true investment value, it is recommended to use earth moving machines to build the last ponds. One hectare ponds should be preferred to any bigger size.
It is recommended to complete the housing and office facilities in Ngomeni in order to transfer most of the activities now performed in Malindi on the production site.
A deep reorganization of the aquaculture staff is necessary; it will involve a clear definition of each job title, a circulation of information within the project and a delegation of authority in order to realize a true transfer of technology. This could be the duty of an extensionist and it would permit to a reduction in the number of subordinate personnel. A team of three expatries is required to develop such an Extension and Research and Development programme.
It is recommended to organize a true training programme to explain scientifically to the whole staff what has been done up to now and what is expected from them. Then all the professional activities can be transferred to the production site; living close to the farm is the only way to manage any husbandry activity.
It is recommended to buy the fry from villagers at a correct price; this would permit to have a better knowledge of the wild fry population. New methodology will have to be used to count the juveniles.
It is recommended to put in practice Dr. Padlan's recommendations for gelatinous mud and lablab preparation as soon as possible, since as it is the only way to develop a true shrimp farming technology.
A survey of the fertilizers available and their cost is a first step for a fertilization programme. Then Dr. Padlan's recommendations should be adjusted to the fertilizers available.
A new trapnet should be used to sample the shrimps during the grow out phase.
It is recommended to leave the marketing to the professionals and to concentrate on the culturing technology.
Since it appears that it will be difficult to cultivate P. indicus in an economical way, it is recommended to test the farming of P. monodon, which is one of the most interesting species in modern aquaculture. The basic procedures are the same but the engineering of the aquafarm has to be adapted.
If the P. monodon culture is adopted, it will be necessary in the medium term to develop a feed formula to build a small demonstration hatchery for training purposes, and to provide some fry to the first private investors.
