The aquaculture department has managed to stock the first batch of juvenile Mangrove Snapper raised in Seychelles in a cage. An experimental cage was set up at the facility in Providence. The cage was constructed by the SFA team, and the mesh is made of polyethylene.

Polyethylene has several advantages over the standard nylon netting that is commonly used for cage construction. It is rigid and keeps its shape well in a current, ensuring good water flow through the cage.

It is a very tough material, and an additional predator net is not needed, as is the case when using nylon netting. This material is also very slick and therefore much easier to clean than is the case with nylon netting.

The mangrove snappers have adapted well to the cages and are feeding aggressively. The fish have been in the cage for a month, and no mortalities have been recorded.

Another two cages are being constructed and these will be stocked before the end of August. More juvenile production is planned for October this year. The plan is to have 8 cages with continuous production of various species for experimental purposes.

The fish are fed twice per day with a formulated feed that ensures the nutritional requirements of the fish are met.

Automatic feeders have been deployed that can be programmed to feed a specific amount of feed at the right time. These help reduce the man-hours needed to manage the cages.