Artemia Production

and Conservation

in Africa

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1st VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 13 JANUARY 2026

1.  Please keep your microphone on mute.

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3. You may type in the question while the speakers are speaking and during the Q&A session in the chat window so that it can be addressed.

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4.  After the webinar, you will receive a copy of the presentation and link to the recorded session. 

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5. Enjoy the Workshop!

Workshop Housekeeping Guidelines

Date and time: January 13, 2025, 8-10am (EST) �Organizer: World Bank�Duration: 2 hours

Workshop Agenda

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A strategic approach to Brine Shrimp (Artemia) Aquabusiness

08:45 – 09.15 | Presentations from African countries

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Artemia in Algeria: potential and exploitation possibilities Amarouayache Mounia - Professor, Department of Marine Sciences, UBM Annaba, Algeria - Researcher, Marine Bioresources Laboratory

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Mining Blue Gold in Kenya’s Brine: 40 Years of Successes, Misses and Lessons Morine Mukami - Senior Mariculture Research Scientist, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute

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Status of Artemia Production in Mozambique Rafael Rafael - Formal Head of Aquaculture Research Center (CEPAQ) in Gaza, Mozambique - Technician, National Fisheries Research Institute (IIP)

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Status of Artemia Production in South Africa Horst Kaiser - Professor, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa

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Status of Artemia Production in Tanzania Nazael Madalla - Director of Aquaculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries

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Status of Artemia Production in Tunisia Mohamed Salah Romdhane - INAT, University of Carthage Tunisia

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09.15 – 09.55 | Q&A Session World Bank representative as moderator

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09.55 – 10:00 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps World Bank representative

08:00 – 08:05 | Opening Session

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Welcome remarks World Bank representative

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Objectives and expected outcomes of the Workshop World Bank representative

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08:05 – 08:35 | General overview of Artemia ASA key takeaways & findings

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Global overview Patrick Sorgeloos - Emeritus Professor, Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center, Ghent University, Belgium

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Market and Investment Opportunities Olek Kaminski - Project Lead, FutureFish

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Inventory of stakeholders Simon Wilkinson - Manager of Information & Networking, Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

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Videos of production examples

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08:35 – 08:45 | General overview of feedback received

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The status of Artemia Production and Conservation from African countries Michael Phillips - Co-Founder/Director and CEO FutureFish

�Global Overview of Artemia Production and Conservation

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Patrick Sorgeloos

Emeritus Professor

Laboratory of Aquaculture & Artemia Reference Center

Ghent University, Belgium

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What is Artemia aka “Brine Shrimp”?

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Artemia �Cysts

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0.5 mm

Cornerstone �of aquaculture �hatchery production

Unique biological characteristics: extremophile

Unique �reproductive cycle

Unique salinity �resilience

Exceptional �nutritional value

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Artemia �Biomass

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1 cm

6

dry

cysts

adults

OVOVIVIPAROUS REPRODUCTION

(under optimal conditions)

OVIPAROUS REPRODUCTION

(under sub-optimal conditions)

0.4mm

±14 days

500 times weight increase

10mm

24h

100-200 nauplii every 4-5 days during several months

100-200 cysts every 4-5 days

nauplii

Life cycle of Artemia

As of the 1970s – the Japanese pioneered hatchery production of marine fish and shrimp

Artemia: crucial live food in the commercial production of fish and crustacean species

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First commercial sources of Artemia cysts in the 1960s

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main market = aquarium hobbyists <100 kg per year

Great Salt Lake, Utah

San Francisco Bay, California

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1^st FAO Technical Aquaculture Conference – Kyoto, Japan 1976

• exploitation of more natural resources
• transplantation and inoculation of suitable habitats
• improved techniques for cyst
• harvesting�processing
• storage
• hatching
• use of juvenile/adult Artemia biomass as food source

Potential

improvements for Critical Artemia Situation

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established in 1978 at Ghent University upon suggestion of the FAO

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International Study on Artemia - ISA

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International Interdisciplinary Study of Artemia Strains

Joint papers, symposia, proceedings, books, manuals…

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Improved commercial availability of Artemia cysts as of the early 1980’s

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Artemia sources: wild fisheries supply >90% of cysts

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Large Solar Salt Works, China

Great Salt Lake, USA

Artemia sources: farming is increasing, in diverse systems

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Solar salt works

Artisanal salt farms

Pond farming

Tank systems

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Marine fish & crustacean hatcheries – a multi-billion US$ industry

-> final production of over 10 million tons of high-value aquatic species

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• 1970 < 1 ton
• 1980 < 100 tons
• 1990 > 1500 tons
• 2000 > 2000 tons
• 2010 > 3000 tons

Annual consumption of approx 3500 tons of Artemia cysts, value of 200m US $

Artemia cyst consumption

International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium� to consolidate and expand sustainable use of Artemia in aquaculture �

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Artemia research institute

Artemia production project

43 partners � (from public & private sector)

28 countries

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International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium

Conservation, management and sustainable utilization of Artemia biodiversity

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Established in 2022 - Recognized in 2023 by the FAO COFI Subcommittee on Aquaculture and hosted by

8 IAAC recommendations

1. Develop science-based protocols to assure sustainable harvesting of wild Artemia sources to meet the needs for aquaculture transformation.
2. Quality certification of Artemia cyst products following guidelines proposed by FAO and approved by a future COFI-SCA
3. Develop improved guidelines for bio-secure production and use of Artemia in hatcheries:  promotion of new FAO Artemia manual, convene regional Artemia training courses for local hatcheries, to disseminate good practices and facilitate adoption of standardized protocols.
4. Assess the contribution and demand of Artemia resources to the development of aquaculture transformation
5. Investigate the impact of climate change on Artemia production in inland lakes and coastal saltworks
6. Consider sustainable integration of Artemia production in artisanal salt farming in Asia, Africa and Latin America, in desert/arid and salt-affected areas
7. Promote and further investigate the production and use of Artemia biomass as a low-in-the-food-chain, high nutritional food in nursery and brood stock feeding, as fishmeal alternative, and even as a direct source of food in human nutrition .
8. Conserve Artemia biodiversity: cyst banks, species identification, “wild” vs “farmed” species, genotyping and strain characterization. Initiate strain selection and selective breeding to develop improved Artemia strains

8 IAAC recommendations

1. Develop science-based protocols to assure sustainable harvesting of wild Artemia sources to meet the needs for aquaculture transformation.
2. Quality certification of Artemia cyst products following guidelines proposed by FAO and approved by a future COFI-SCA
3. Develop improved guidelines for bio-secure production and use of Artemia in hatcheries:  promotion of new FAO Artemia manual, convene regional Artemia training courses for local hatcheries, to disseminate good practices and facilitate adoption of standardized protocols.
4. Assess the contribution and demand of Artemia resources to the development of aquaculture transformation
5. Investigate the impact of climate change on Artemia production in inland lakes and coastal saltworks
6. Consider sustainable integration of Artemia production in artisanal salt farming in Asia, Africa and Latin America, in desert/arid and salt-affected areas
7. Promote and further investigate the production and use of Artemia biomass as a low-in-the-food-chain, high nutritional food in nursery and brood stock feeding, as fishmeal alternative, and even as a direct source of food in human nutrition .
8. Conserve Artemia biodiversity: cyst banks, species identification, “wild” vs “farmed” species, genotyping and strain characterization. Initiate strain selection and selective breeding to develop improved Artemia strains

8 IAAC recommendations

1. Develop science-based protocols to assure sustainable harvesting of wild Artemia sources to meet the needs for aquaculture transformation.
2. Quality certification of Artemia cyst products following guidelines proposed by FAO and approved by a future COFI-SCA
3. Develop improved guidelines for bio-secure production and use of Artemia in hatcheries:  promotion of new FAO Artemia manual, convene regional Artemia training courses for local hatcheries, to disseminate good practices and facilitate adoption of standardized protocols.
4. Assess the contribution and demand of Artemia resources to the development of aquaculture transformation
5. Investigate the impact of climate change on Artemia production in inland lakes and coastal saltworks
6. Consider sustainable integration of Artemia production in artisanal salt farming in Asia, Africa and Latin America, in desert/arid and salt-affected areas
7. Promote and further investigate the production and use of Artemia biomass as a low-in-the-food-chain, high nutritional food in nursery and brood stock feeding, as fishmeal alternative, and even as a direct source of food in human nutrition .
8. Conserve Artemia biodiversity: cyst banks, species identification, “wild” vs “farmed” species, genotyping and strain characterization. Initiate strain selection and selective breeding to develop improved Artemia strains

Thank you

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Market analysis and

Investment Opportunities

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Olek Kaminski

Project Lead, FutureFish

Artemia Farming as the New Frontier

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Integrated Salt-Artemia Systems

Cyst-Focused Farming

Biomass-Focused Systems

Repurposes brine from salt production for Artemia cultivation; promotes circular use of resources.

Optimized for cyst yield through controlled salinity and strategic harvesting.

Produces live or processed Artemia biomass for markets like ornamental fish, and aquatic animal feed.

Farming systems Farmed Artemia systems vary in design, with opportunities for efficiency gains and rapid scaling using existing technology.

produced in controlled environments: consistent quality & less contamination risks

biofortify cysts - added nutrients for improved hatchery outcomes.

continuous, reliable supply, addressing seasonal and geographic gaps.

Traceability & Biosecurity

Product Customization

Year-Round Production

Country case studies

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Scalable Business Models:

China

Vietnam

Thailand

Bangladesh

1000’s of jobs

500-600 tons of cysts

100,000 tons of biomass

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20-30 tons (dry weight)

2000 jobs

2/3 workers p/ha

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20 Intensive ponds

Direct sale to hatchery

250 t of biomass

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54 farmers - 6.7 of biomass, 8kg of cysts, 35 t of tilapia

$1300 extra p/farmer

144 seasonal workers

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Scalable business models

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Investment criteria and scaling conditions

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Saline Land Availability: Access to coastal or inland saline environments with stable salinity levels above 60 ppt.

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Water and Brine Management: Reliable saline water sources and systems for seasonal or year-round brine control.

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Locally available Artemia nutrient resource: organic substrates, waste/by-products of local agriculture products

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Market Demand: Existing or emerging hatchery, feed, or food markets that can absorb Artemia cysts or biomass.

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Labor Supply and Inclusivity: Availability of artisanal labor, interest from women's groups or youth, and potential for cooperative engagement.

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Infrastructure and Logistics: Access to roads, drying or processing infrastructure, and cold chain (for biomass).

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Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Supportive aquaculture, salt, or food safety regulations enabling Artemia production and trade

Low Entry Barriers: Simplicity and affordability of technologies suited to smallholder adoption (e.g., drying beds, paddle harvesters).

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Public–Private Support: Involvement of R&D institutions, NGOs, agribusinesses, or feed manufacturers in pilot deployment.

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Extension and Training: Availability of technical assistance in pond management, seed quality, harvesting, and biosecurity.

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Certification and Quality Standards: Systems for grading, labeling, and traceability—especially for cysts and enriched biomass.

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Climate Resilience and Circularity: Integration into climate-smart farming, including salt reuse, wastewater recirculation, or solar drying.

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Access to Finance: Microfinance, concessional loans, or blended finance mechanisms for producers and SMEs.

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Key Investment criteria

Scaling conditions

Artemia farming status and investment opportunities

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Roadmap

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This roadmap presents a strategic, forward-thinking approach to Artemia investment, building on country case studies, investment criteria, and market dynamics.

�The strategy focuses on aligning with World Bank investment priorities: inclusivity, scalability, �and climate resilience.

A Shift from �Trials to Transformation�Artemia farming should be viewed not just as a technical solution, but as an investment opportunity for governments and private sector to drive broader impacts and enter new markets.

Investment Roadmap

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Scoping & Stakeholder Engagement

Platform and �Model Design

Capital �Structuring

Inclusive �Rollout

Policy and �Scale

Thank you

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�Inventory of Companies, Stakeholders, and Innovator

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Simon Wilkinson

Manager of Information & Networking,

Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

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Purpose: A practical directory

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Inventory of innovators and companies involved in Artemia production globally

• Quickly search, learn, make contact and apply Artemia production technologies and innovations
• Goal is to raise awareness of what is available in the Artemia “ecosystem” to inform decision making, facilitate partnerships and drive investment in client countries
• Built for WBG client countries, policy teams and investors
• “Who to work with” map centered on farmed Artemia production, value chain and innovators

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Approach

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Inventory was developed from:

• Expert knowledge from International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium (IAAC) researchers, industry and trade contacts
• Local experts through a series of regional webinars and workshops conducted by the IAAC between 2022-2024
• Survey of aquaculture-related websites
• Survey of trade publications.

Data from these sources has been validated and updated

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Scope and coverage

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Global inventory with emphasis on both major and emerging producer countries

• Profiles of value chain actors from farmers and harvesters to research organisations and financiers
• Scope includes existing applications such as hatchery feeds, as well as innovators of technologies and products that enhance efficiency, solve problems or create new opportunities
• Innovations range from production of speciality cysts, to new applications of Artemia such as a human food, and improved farming methods, livelihoods, gender & youth engagement
• Integration points such as saltworks, mariculture, value-chain highlighted

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Who is included

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• Who is included:
• Farming (artisanal & commercial)
• Harvesters / Processors / Traders
• Hatcheries
• Feed manufacturers
• Equipment vendors
• Research & reference centers
• Industry associations
• Gender / youth engagement
• Human food applications
• Government bodies
• Private & public financiers

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Categories / data filters

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Contacts indexed to facilitate search and discovery:

• Country and region
• Industry sub-sector
• Farmer, processor, trader, equipment vendor, feed manufacturer, hatchery…
• Business interest
• Aquaculture feeds, human food, salt production, processing technology, conservation, gender/youth
• Innovation area
• Farming systems, enrichment diets, alternative feed ingredients, live Artemia products…

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Innovation profiles

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Report includes a section on innovation profiles

• Showcases advancements in Artemia farming systems, as well as advances in technologies for hatchery production, live feed and other value adding
• Each profile highlights specific systems, tools, methods or products that have demonstrated improvements in production efficiency or nutrition
• These innovations address key challenges in Artemia cultivation and use, offering practical solutions to enhance reliability and performance
• Resource for understanding how novel methods can improve outcomes in farming, hatcheries or for livelihoods

Available as standalone report or online database

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• Full inventory report will be published as a standalone document that you can download and share
• Core inventory component is also available as a searchable online database, hosted by the International Artemia Aquaculture Consortium website at:
• https://artemia.info/inventory
• Online version uses same tags and categories as the report, you can also search alphabetically or run free text searches
• The online version will be updated and expanded on an ongoing basis by the Artemia Consortium

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Thank you

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�The status of Artemia Production and Conservation from African countries: General overview of feedback received

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Michael Phillips

Co-Founder/Director and CEO FutureFish Company Limited

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African Artemia assessment

Respondents:

• 24 respondents across Africa including island and coastal states
• Respondents include: Researchers and academics; Government fisheries/aquaculture officials; Technicians and practitioners; and Private sector and NGO partners

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➡️ Indicates strong interest across public, research, and applied sectors, but limited large private operators at scale.

Countries providing Artemia Survey Data

Current Status of Artemia Activities

• Most countries are at early or exploratory stages
• Limited or no commercial Artemia production
• Small-scale trials, research interest, or feasibility discussions
• Artemia is not yet integrated into national aquaculture or salt sector strategies in most countries.
• Awareness of Artemia is higher among researchers than among policymakers or investors.
• Early movers - Kenya (≈10–50 kg/year in coastal ponds), Tanzania (small-scale pilot projects), Egypt (historical production ~1–1.2 t cysts/year and 10–20 t biomass in 1990s), and Algeria (natural populations with potential for 400,000 t/year salt integration).

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➡️ Artemia in Africa is largely a latent opportunity, not yet operationalized.

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African Artemia assessment

Perceived Opportunities: Strong alignment with climate resilience, blue economy, and food security agendas.

Conservation Status:�

• Many habitats are unprotected; threats include pollution, habitat degradation, water abstraction, and climate change.

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• Only some countries report research-level conservation or habitat monitoring (e.g., Algeria, Tunisia, Tanzania).

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• Few countries have Artemia-specific regulations; most conservation is under general fisheries and environmental laws.

Respondents consistently identified Artemia as relevant for:

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African Artemia assessment

Common Constraints Identified:

Constraints are systemic, not biological — reinforcing the need for coordinated intervention.

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Institutional

• Artemia not recognized in regulations or policy frameworks
• Limited coordination between research, government, and private sector

Technical

• Lack of Artemia seed/strains
• Limited production know-how
• No pilot or demonstration farms

Market & Business

• Absence of clear buyers or offtake agreements
• No local processing or quality standards
• Weak links to hatcheries and feed companies

Financial

• No access to startup or pilot financing
• Artemia not well understood by banks or investors

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African Artemia assessment

Respondents are not asking for basic research — they are asking for practical, investment-oriented support.

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Availability of saline land and salt systems

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Growing aquaculture demand in most countries

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Willingness from public institutions to collaborate

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Interest in regional learning platforms

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Most frequently requested support needs (with strong convergence across respondents)

Technical assistance and training

Pilot and demonstration projects

Feasibility studies and business planning

Seed funding / blended finance

Regional knowledge exchange and exposure visits

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With modest catalytic support, several countries could move quickly from interest → pilots → investable models.

Readiness Signals for Scale-Up - despite early-stage conditions, the responses indicate:

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African Artemia assessment - Key Takeaways

The Artemia data shows high latent demand, low coordination, and clear appetite for action. Countries are ready to engage, but need:

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Structured technical support

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Demonstration of viable business models

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Clear pathways to finance and markets

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This strongly supports the case for:

Pilot investments

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A regional Artemia partnership and investment catalyser or Hub

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World Bank / partner programs focused on de-risking first movers

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Synthesis Report: A strategic approach to Brine Shrimp (Artemia) Aquabusiness

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North Africa, Leveraging salt lakes and coastal salinas for research, pilot production, and hatchery integration.

🇩🇿 Algeria – Research and pilot production; >24 salt lakes; potential for hatchery integration.

🇹🇳 Tunisia – Extensive salt lakes; 1.5–2M t/year salt; research-focused Artemia potential.

🇲🇦 Morocco – Coastal saltworks suitable; opportunities for pilot projects and training.

🇪🇬 Egypt – Past commercial Artemia trials; natural populations; opportunities for pilot facilities and hatchery integration.

West Africa, Developing Artemia in salt lakes and lagoons to support aquaculture and local livelihoods.

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🇬🇭 Ghana – Salt ponds suitable; no production; potential for feed, hatcheries, and micro-enterprises.

🇳🇬 Nigeria – Artisanal inland salt lakes; strong catfish industry; ideal for biomass farming.

🇧🇯 Benin – Salt lake Djègbadji; potential for pilot Artemia and aquaculture feed supply.

🇬🇲 The Gambia – Artisanal salt; opportunities for pilot Artemia and aquaculture integration.

Central Africa, Small-scale Artemia development to supply national aquaculture and regional markets..

🇨🇩 DR Congo – Salt present; opportunities for introduction, training, and infrastructure.

🇨🇬 RoCongo – Small-scale coastal salt marshes; high potential for national aquaculture supply.

🇦🇴 Angola – Artisanal salt; no Artemia; opportunities for pilot production and training.

East Africa, Scaling Artemia in coastal salt ponds to integrate with hatcheries and feed systems.

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🇰🇪 Kenya – Coastal salt ponds; small-scale production; opportunities for seasonal employment and aquaculture feed.

🇹🇿 Tanzania – Coastal salt ponds productive; high potential for hatchery supply and integration.

🇩🇯 Djibouti – Lake Assal and Ghoubet; favorable for future Artemia production.

🇲🇿 Mozambique – Salt lakes and ponds; past pilot production; potential for Artemia integration and future projects.

Indian Ocean / Southern Africa, Leveraging historical and pilot projects for hatcheries and local shrimp feed production.

🇲🇬 Madagascar – Salt ponds; past pilot and small-scale production; opportunities for shrimp feed and hatcheries.

🇰🇲 Comoros – Artisanal salt; Artemia pilot projects planned.

🇿🇲 Zambia – Freshwater only; unsuitable for Artemia; limited interest.

Artemia farming investment opportunities in Africa

Thank you

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�Artemia in Algeria: potential and exploitation possibilities

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Amarouayache Mounia

Professor, Department of Marine Sciences, UBM Annaba, Algeria

Researcher, Marine Bioresources Laboratory

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1. Kara M.H., Bengraine A., Derbal F., Chaoui L., & Amarouayache M. (2004). Quality evaluation of a new strain of Artemia from Chott Merouane. Aquaculture, 235: 361-369

2. Amarouayache M., Derbal F. & Kara M.H. (2009). Biological data on Artemia salina (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) from Chott Marouane (Northeast Algeria). Crustaceana 82 (8): 997-1005 (9).

3. Amarouayache M., Derbal F. & Kara M.H. (2009). The parasitism of Flamingolepis liguloides (Gervais, 1847) (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) in Artemia salina (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) in two saline lakes in Algeria. Acta Parasitologica, 54 (4): 330-334.

4. Amarouayache M., Derbal, F. & Kara, M.H. (2010). Caractéristiques écologiques et biologiques d’Artemia sp de la Sebkha Ez-zemoul, Algérie nord-est (Anostracé). Rev. Ecol. (Terre Vie) 65 : 13-22.

5. Amarouayache M., & Kara, M.H. (2010). Qualité et biomasse exploitable d'Artemia salina du Chott Marouane. Synthèse, 21: 39-48.

6. Amarouayache M., Derbal F., & Kara M. H (2012). Note on the carcinological fauna associated to Artemia salina (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) from Sebkha Ez-Zemoul (Northeast, Algeria). Crustaceana, 85 (2): 129-137

7. Kara M.H. & Amarouayache M. (2012). Review of the biogeography of Artemia Leach, 1819 in Algeria. International Journal of Artemia Biology, 2 (1): 40-50.

8. Amarouayache M., & Kara M.H. (2015). Quality evaluation of a new strain of Artemia from sebkha Ez-Zemoul, Algeria : biometry, hatching and fatty acid composition. Vie et Milieu-Life and Environment, 65 (4):1-7.

9. Amarouayache M. & Belakri N. (2015). On a parthenogenetic population of Artemia (Crustacea; Branchiopoda) from Algeria (El-Bahira, Sétif). Sustainability, Agri, Food and Environmental Research, 3(4): 59-65.

10. De Los Rios Escalante P & Amarouayache M. (2016). Crustacean zooplankton assemblages in Algerian saline lakes : a comparison with their Altiplano Chilean counterparts. Crustaceana 89 (1) : 1485-1500.

11. Amarouayache M. & Kara M.H (2017). Aspects of life history of Artemia salina (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) from Algeria reared in different conditions of salinity. Vie & Milieu-Life & Environment. 67 (1):1-6.

12. Amarouayache M. Y.S. Cakmak, M. Asan-Ozusaglam, A. Amorouayeche (2017). Fatty acid composition of five Algerian bisexual and parthenogenetic strains of Artemia (Anostraca, Crustacea) and their antimicrobial activity. Aquaculture International, 25 (4): 1555-1568.

13. Amorouayeche A. Belkseir MH. , Amarouayache M. (2024) Biological characteristics of parthenogenetical populations of Artemia (Crustacea Anostraca) from Algeria: survival,growth and reproduction. Egyptian Journal of Aquaculture and Fisheries, 28 (4):355-367.

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A good understanding of the brine shrimp but not yet exploited, except clandestine one

Main publications of the laboratory on Artemia

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El-Oued

Chott Merouane, Melghigh, N’Sigha, El Djemaa

Ouargla

Chott Ain El-Beida, Chott Oum Raneb, Oued Righ, El Melha

Sétif

Lac El-Bahira, Hamiet,Chott El Hodna

Oum El Bouagui

Sebkha Ez-Zemoul, Garaat El Tarf

Batna

Sebkha Djendli

Oran

Guerbes, Morsli, Arzew,

Sidi Chami, Ettouama

Rélizane

Sidi Bouziane

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Béchar

Adrar

El-Golea

Saida

Regane

Tindouf

Timimoun

Distribution of Artemia

around 30 sites of Artemia in Algeria : 10 - 700,000 ha

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Potential for future production

Salt companies

Big potential:

Sites

⮲ Chotts and Sebkhas, salt mountains, abandoned salterns, saline springs.

⮲ Good quality Artemia.

⮲ Potential local and international market (local aquaculture, European countries deprived of Artemia).

Brines from desalination plants

RAMSAR sites

Isolated sites

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Inconvenients:

Sites

⮲ Huge but shallow, long dried period, polluted sites, far and inaccessible.

⮲ Concession complicated.

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Algerian Artemia quality

Artemia parthenogenetica

⮲ Oviparous

⮲ Small cyst diameter: 236 µm

⮲ Small nauplii size: 428 µm

⮲ Rich in ALA 18:3n-3 (22%)

⮲ Efficient FA against Vibrio anguillaris

Artemia salina

⮲ Ovoviviparous and oviparous

⮲ cyst diameter: 277 µm

⮲ Large nauplii size: 549 µm

⮲ Lipids 25%

⮲ Rich in EPA 20:5n-3 (16%)

Red colored (rich in carotenoids/Fe)

Morphological criteria confirming A. salina

Interesting biomass (7.8 tones in 2000 in Chott Marouane)

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Conclusion and perspectives

CONCLUSION

• Good knowledge on Artemia biology and ecology.
• Artemia is now well-known (large diffusion)
• Big potential of sites.
• Good quality and important biomass
• Potential local users for aquaculture.
• nternational users and proximity market (France, Italy, Spain, etc.).

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PERSPECTIVES

• Researchers need assistance on farming Artemia to be advisors.
• Larger diffusion of knowledge and sensibilisation of salt farmers on Artemia benefits.

Thank you

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�Mining Blue Gold in Kenya’s Brine:

40 Years of Successes, Misses and Lessons

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Morine Mukami

Senior Mariculture Research Scientist, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute

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The Blue Gold

• A microscopic organism with golden-coloured cysts, thriving in extremely salty waters that few other life forms survive — a true symbol of resilience

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• A critical live feed for fish and shrimp hatcheries in globally. Most Artemia used in Kenya is imported costing up to Ksh. 40,000 per kilo

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• Introduced to Kenya about 40 years ago, Artemia has transformed saline ecosystems by improving salt quality and supporting a multi-billion-shilling salt-farming industry.

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The 40-years Artemia farming journey in Kenya

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Successes

• Wealth of expertise

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• Sustainable Artemia populations across the Kenyan salt farms

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• Capacity to produce affordable Artemia cysts and biomass for use in local aquaculture hatcheries.

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• Dedicated Artemia research lab established at KMFRI in 2021 to strengthen scientific capacity.

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• Innovated a local low-cost biomass drying system

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• Artemia research conducted and disseminated through publications

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Misses

• Outdated harvesting methods reducing efficiency and quality

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• No Artemia demonstration centre despite decades of experience thus limiting investment and research opportunities

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• It took over 35 years to establish an Artemia research laboratory delaying scientific advancement

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• No clear policies exist in Kenya to guide or support Artemia farming

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• Government support has been very minimal due to limited awareness of Artemia’s economic and ecological importance in Kenya

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Lessons Learned

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Kenya’s potential in Artemia farming

• Strong government support driving aquaculture – BE, BUA

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• Favorable climatic conditions and extensive saline ponds (>8,000 ha)

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• A strong science base to support Artemia research

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• Continued investment in fish farming

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• Rising Artemia demand - New hatcheries by World Bank at NAMARET.

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• Existing retail market infrastructure sustained by imported Artemia product.

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• A tech-savvy youth population ready to innovative and modernize the sector

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Kenya’s potential in Artemia farming

Thank you

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�Status of Artemia Production in Mozambique

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Rafael Rafael

Formal Head of Aquaculture Research Center (CEPAQ) in Gaza, Mozambique

Technician, Department of Aquaculture, National Fisheries Research Institute (IIP)

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Introduction

70

Problems of aquaculture in Mozambique:

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Lack of hatcheries for marine fingerlings and PL;

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Lack of feed for grow-out; and

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Lack of feed for fingerlings and larvae/post-larvae

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Artificial and

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Live feed (Algae, Rotifer, Artemia)

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Introduction

71

1980’s - Discovered Artemia in Natural small salt lagoon in Quissico, Inhambane Province, Mozambique.

1995 - Identification of local specie as Artemia parthenogenetic.

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2009 - Secure funding from VAIS to implement, Pilot Aquaculture project in Mozambique (including introduction of Artemia franciscana from Vietnam)

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2010 - Started growing of Artemia at private saltfarm Salina Raio Solar in Maputo.

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Results

72

2010-12-Produced Artemia cysts and biomass in small year-round due to low rain season and acceptable temperature.

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INAM: Based on monthly average data 1971-2000 (www.inam.gov.mz)

Results

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Mozambique cyst analysis

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SFB: Cysts standard;�VCS: cysts from Vinchau, Vietname; and�Mz: Cysts from Mozambique

After the project follow-up

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2013 - Design and built a small research center at Maricultura da Matola, Maputo.

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Other factors

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September, 2011

September, 2011

April, 2012

November, 2012

November, 2012

Confirmation of shrimp white spot disease in Mozambique

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PRESENT SITUATION

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2025 - Assess the feasibility of Artemia culture to support aquaculture development and livelihood diversification in Mozambique.

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This study is led by InOM, in partnership with KMFRI, with support from AFRIMAQUA funding support (EUR 1,200), and involves postgraduate training.

Methodology

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STUDY AREA & METHODOLOGY

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Northern Mozambique, artisanal salt pans in Metuge and Mecufi districts, Cabo Delgado Province.

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Methodological approach:

GIS-based multi-criteria analysis integrating ecological and socio-economic factors

Salinity regimes

Availability and characteristics of salt pans

Infrastructure and community engagement

Data sources: desk studies, satellite imagery, field observations, semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews.

Findings

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Preliminary results:

Over 300 artisanal salt pans was identified and mapped suitable for Artemia integration. However they face:

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• Poor product quality;
• Climatic vulnerability;
• Low investment; and
• Weak markets.

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Next steps:

• Improve the construction of the experimental artemia cultivation ponds

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• Laboratory analysis of Artemia cysts (KMFRI).

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• Use of Artemia biomass and cysts in fish and crustacean larval rearing at InOM (CEPAM) for scientific propose.

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• Training of salt workers on integrated Artemia–salt production systems.

Thank you

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�Status of Artemia Production

in South Africa

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Horst Kaiser

Professor. Rhodes University, Grahamstown,

South Africa

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[.....]

81

Thank you

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�Status of Artemia Production

in Tanzania

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Nazael Madalla

Director of Aquaculture,

Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries

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Background information

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• Availability: Tanzania has Artemia franciscana strain in salt pans along the Indian Ocean coastline (Mlingi, F. T., Lamtane, H. A., Chenyambuga, S. W., & Lund, I. (2020). First biogeographical survey of Artemia in Tanzania. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 32(3), 278–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/10454438.2019.1660753)

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• Performance: The strain show promising results, with good biometric traits, strong growth, and high survival (around 75%) (Jacob, A., Kapinga, I., Mwijage, A., Luvanga, A., Mremi, A., Sekadende, C., Matondo, A. (2025). Biometry, hatching efficiency, growth performance and survival of the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana from Tanzania. African Journal of Marine Science, 47(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2024.2443545)

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• Production of Artemia Cysts: Not developed and remains dependent on imported cysts

Challenges & Opportunities

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Challenges

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• Technical constraints: Limited knowledge in production and processing of artemia cysts

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• Market limitations: Underdeveloped artemia value chain

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• Research gaps: Need for more studies on Artemia strains, production systems, processing and marketing

Opportunities

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• Livelihood diversification: Artemia could provide secondary income for salt farmers during non-production seasons

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• Value chain development: Opportunities in cyst processing, biomass production, and feed applications

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• Regional market: Growing aquaculture sector in East Africa increases demand for Artemia products

Recommendations

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• Pilot Production Artemia: Establish Artemia production demonstration units in salt pans

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• Capacity building: National training programs on Artemia culture techniques and value addition, and international knowledge and skills exchange on Artemia production

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• Genetic resource management: Conservation of native strains while introducing improved varieties

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• Public-private partnerships: Private sector involvement in Artemia processing and distribution

Thank you

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�Status of Artemia production

in Tunisia

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Mohamed Salah Romdhane

INAT / University of Carthage Tunisia

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Natural context

89

• Northern African country
• Saharo-Mediterranean climate
• Area : 163610 km²,
• Coastline : 1445 km
• 80 Potentials sites of Artemia distribution:

56 Sebkhas

14 chotts

5 Salinas,

5 evaporations ponds

Historical Overview

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Investigations and signalisation of Artemia in Tunisia started 100 year ago, more than 50 (natural or artificial) sites are investigated :

Disappear of sites further to urban restoration works (Megrine and Sijoumi ).

• Ariana (Seurat.1921),
• Carthage (Heldt (1926)
• Sidi El Hani (Gauthier (1928).
• Chott Jerid (Dumont et al,1979)
• Megrine, Sahline, Bakalta, Moknine, and Sfax (Ben Abdelkader. 1985)
• Korzia (Sorgeloos et al,1986)
• Elmelah, Chott El Gharsa (Romdhane; 1994)
• Sijoumi, ElAdhibet (Romdhane et al,2001)
• Assa jriba, El Jem, Bou Jmel, Mchiguig, Nouael, Mnikhra, Mhebbel, Zarzis (Ben Naceur et al. 2009)
• Halk el Menzel (Ben Naceur et al. 2010)
• Halk el Menzel Artmia franscicane (Ben Naceur et al. 2011)
• Wad Ran (Ben Naceur et al. 2012)
• Desalination ponds (Romdhane 2015)

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New sites were Artemia spread ( in land desalination ponds).

Research Overview

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• Common research on Fundamental aspects and characterization

• Lack of research/data concerning cysts harvesting, enrichment, inoculation…

• Summary research on natural productivity

Potential and characterization

92

• Artemia salina is mainly dominant
• Nevertheless Artemia franciscana was identified in the costal sebkhat of Halk Menzel, neighbouring the outlet of the major inland marine hatchery,
• Biomass and harvesting characterisations are done for some population (Sfax, Sahline, Adhibet,,,)
• No commercial harvesting or uses
• Some potential sites:

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Artemia use and needs

93

• Only 2 hatcheries
• Artemia uses : 5,6 tons (2019), 4,8 tons (2020), 2,8 tons (2024)
• Local production : 10 to 25 millions larvae (sea bream and sea bass).
• Cysts are used in moderation given its cost and import tax (40%).
• 22 offshore large fish farm
• Up to 80 millions of larvae/fingerlings (sea bream and sea bass).
• Actually imported at 85%

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Aquaculture needs

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• Growing demand with a total 42 farm around the country
• Estimated needs ± 25 tons/year

Cyst production tentative

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• Concession of 400 ha at Sebkhat Boujmel
• Development of a system for the mass production of Artemia cysts and Dunaliella algae,
• Estimated production 40 tons of cysts
• Project failed after preliminary works : basin and channel dredjing,,,

➊ Private company “Biban Artemia”

Cyst production opportunities

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➋ Border channel crossing the sebkha El Adhibet

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• More than 30 km length
• 5 to 7 m large,
• 3 to 5m depth

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Cyst production opportunities

97

• Over 15 inland desalination plants
• Evaporations ponds ± 10 ha
• Salinity 80 to 110psu
• Estimated seasonal crop 50 kg

➌ Evaporation ponds of desalination plants

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Production of Artemia cysts in Tunisia

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Desalination plant Cysts

• Preliminary quantification or productivities are estimated from 5 to 100 kg/ha/year
• Until nowadays no operation of inoculation of foreign strain of cysts is done
• We need some new approach to enhance small scale project of cysts production

more or less similar to Spirulina projects, there is more than 8 farm producing up to 10 tons/cycle

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Suggestive conclusion

Thank you

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