Scaling Artemia Production in Kenyan Saltworks

Larviculture forms the foundation of aquaculture development and its success is largely dependent on the availability and quality of live feeds. Artemia, also known as brine shrimp, remains the most widely preferred live feed in hatchery operations globally, owing to its high nutritional value, ease of use and broad acceptability across larval species. The global demand for Artemia cysts currently stands at approximately 3,500 tonnes annually and is projected to reach 5,000 tonnes by 2035. However, natural Artemia populations are increasingly threatened by over-exploitation and habitat degradation, meaning wild harvests alone cannot bridge this widening supply gap. The rising demand prompted scientists to explore cultivation of Artemia in alternative saline ecosystems beyond its native habitats, an effort that has proven largely successful and has since underpinned deliberate introductions into saltworks worldwide. Kenya's Artemia introduction story began at Fundisa and Kurawa salt farms, from where it progressively colonised the rest of the saltworks along the Kenyan salt belt through intentional introductions and natural dispersal mechanisms. Despite its established presence in these saltworks, commercial cyst production remains negligible, hampered by inadequate harvesting infrastructure, weak public-private partnerships and insufficient economic incentives for salt farm operators. Meanwhile, Kenyan hatcheries continue to rely heavily on imported Artemia cysts, increasing operational costs and ultimately raising the price of farmed fish for consumers. This import dependency is expected to intensify with the establishment of NAMARET, which will host four marine public hatcheries, alongside recently set up private crab and prawn hatcheries all increasing demand for Artemia cysts. Scaling up local Artemia cyst production is therefore both timely and critical. This will require a coordinated approach encompassing improved production and value addition technologies, enhanced cyst quality and hatchability standards, proper harvesting, processing and storage protocols, branding, supportive policy frameworks, collaborative research initiatives and structured exchange programmes.