Wa Samaki Ecosystems Tropical Fish Farming Food Recycling African Cichlids

Wa Samaki Ecosystems (WSE) is based on a 30 acre citrus estate in Trinidad, Caribbean, and currently operates in the following areas:

Aquaculture

Producers of approximately 30 species of African cichlids (from Lake Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria) for the local and export market. Caribbean distributers of Cichlid Press books.

Horticulture

Specialists in heliconias (over 30 varieties), production includes gingers (7 varieties) and some foliage. Local sales only. Nursery coming soon.

Forestry and Conservation

Planters of over 2000 trees - a transition from monoculture citrus to a mixed culture. Species include commercial varieties for timber and rare/local varieties for biodiversity, conservation and wildlife. Cabanas and campsites in the future.

Agriculture need not negatively impact on the environment to be productive. The farm was created to produce a range of 'environmentally friendly' agricultural products. Wa Samaki is moving towards an integrated system that relies less on pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers and more on recycling, proper planning and placement of all components.

A leaf out of Australia's book

The overall layout of the farm is evolving using the Permaculture method originating out of Australia. All our plants are chosen to for their many uses (fruit, flower, shade, nesting, shelter, windbreak, soil holder etc) before they are positioned and planted.

Fishful thinking

Fish are produced in an indoor recirculating system which allows for monitoring all aspects of their health and growth. This optimizes the condition and minimizes the use of medication. The water is constantly cleaned and recycled, not dumped. Excess water or fish waste is used for irrigation. Fish are available from the farm or can be shipped to certain areas of Canada and the USA.

A tree in time

Our timber will be available in about 25 years. Give us a call then! The commercial timber trees come from the forestry division, the remainder are collected as seedlings grown in our nursery and planted out when old enough.

History/Background

From oceans away

Wa Samaki loosely means "from the fish" in Swahili, the language spoken in the countries from which our fish originate.

Fish eye view

The project started in 1997 with the fish farm being the original idea that generated the purchase and ongoing projects on the estate.

Balancing nature

The long term goal is to integrate the fish production with other aspects of the farm to create many small ecosystems that can be used as demos for children and adult education.

Personnel/People

Wa Samaki Ecosystems

Name	Erle and Siham Rahaman-Noronha
Address	Corner La Cuesa Road & Freeport Todds Road, Freeport, Trinidad and Tobago
Phone	(868) 673-4180
Fax	(868) 673-4180
e-Mail	wasamaki@carib-link.net