The Fisheries of Kenya, 1975

Fishermen in the East African country of Kenya caught over 27,000 metric tons (t) of fish in 1975, about a 20-percent decline from the record catch of nearly 34,000 t in 1970. Catches from Kenya's many interior lakes provide most of the country's catch. Only one company, a joint venture between the Kenya Government and a Japanese company, is currently engaged in commercial marine fishing. Kenya has both freshwater and marine sport fisheries, and they are an important part of the nation's tourist industry. Korean longliners fished for tuna out of Mombasa, but apparently pulled out of Kenya in 1976. Kenya is a net importer of fishery products. In 1975, imports totaled 2,400 t compared to exports of only 1,100 t. Business opportunities for U.S. firms appear rather limited. There may be a potential to develop fisheries for snapper and deepwater shrimp. Other opportunities exist for the sale of small boats, refrigeration equipment, refrigerated trucks, and sport fishing equipment. Perhaps the best opportunities exist for U.S. companies capable of assisting in developing aquaculture operations in Kenya. 1977 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) Library Public Domain 1861