Climate information systems (CIS) for aquaculture

Stander, H., Greengrass, C., Oladejo, S., Watson, B., Nel, A., Salie, K., Mudege, N., Kakwasha, K., Lundeba, M., Hossain, R. P., Siamudaala, V. 2024. Climate information systems (CIS) for aquaculture. Development of a temperature-based, early warning alert system for fish farmers in Zambia. AICCRA Working Paper. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).

The AICCRA project developed an air-water temperature relationship algorithm used to forecast pond water temperatures for integration with the data hub of the Intelligent Agricultural Systems Advisory Tool (iSAT) and an early temperature warning decision tree matrix. The project team will develop the matrix into a dashboard based on input data and water quality parameter thresholds for critical scenarios for tilapia and catfish (Clarius Gariepinus). When predicted temperatures approach their thresholds, this activates a color-coded alarm corresponding with a specific action protocol to regulate pond temperatures. The purpose is to mitigate the impact of high-risk (24°C for minimum and 32°C for maximum) and emergency (12°C for minimum and 40°C for maximum) temperature scenarios on cultured stock.