Construction of Jamaica’s state-of-the-art National Tilapia Hatchery has reached 60% completion, marking an essential step forward in the country’s mission to enhance its aquaculture sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining, Floyd Green and a team from the Ministry, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) toured the facility on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, to assess progress and discuss the next steps toward completion. The hatchery, located in Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of the new financial year and is expected to significantly boost the supply of high-quality tilapia fry to farmers across the island.
The Government has committed an investment of $574 million for the construction of the hatchery, with funding partly provided by JSIF and support from the World Bank.
Minister Green reiterated the importance of the hatchery in ensuring food security and enhancing economic opportunities for local fish farmers. "This facility represents an important step in revitalizing tilapia production in Jamaica. With its completion on track, we are poised to significantly boost local fish farming and reduce reliance on imported stock," said Minister Green.
A key feature of the hatchery is the incorporation of solar energy, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices. This will reduce operational costs and also ensure the facility’s resilience and efficiency. Minister Green noted, "We are focused on building a modern and self-sufficient aquaculture sector. By integrating renewable energy into this hatchery, we are setting a standard for future agricultural and fisheries projects in Jamaica."
All essential equipment for the hatchery has been sourced, and installation is set to begin in the coming weeks. Once operational, the hatchery will produce up to five million advanced fry annually. The bio-secure design of the facility will also improve disease control and breeding efficiency.
The establishment of the National Tilapia Hatchery is part of the government’s broader strategy to increase the fisheries sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) by 50% by 2027. The initiative is expected to play a vital role in improving local fish production, creating employment opportunities and reducing Jamaica’s seafood trade deficit.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining continues to prioritize aquaculture development and invites individuals and stakeholders to explore opportunities within the sector.
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