This study presents the first trial application of an integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system in pond culture in Kenya using a combination of locally available species. Sea cucumber,Holothuria scabra, and cockles,Anadara antiquatawere obtained from the wild for culture trials with Indian white shrimp,Penaeus indicusin an IMTA for comparison with monoculture of shrimps in intertidal earthen ponds. The monoculture treatment (T1) ponds were stocked withP. indicusjuveniles at a stocking density of (5 ind/m²; 12.9 g/m²) while the IMTA treatment (T2) combination hadH. scabra,P. Indicus, andA. antiquatastocked at (1.2 ind/m²; 105.78 g/m², 5 ind/m²; 12.9 g/m²and 3.5 ind/m²; 142.48 g/m²) respectively. During the culture period, the harvest weight gain (mean ± SE) for shrimps in T1 was 13.17 ± 0.75 g while the organisms in T2 combination a weight gain of 13.19 ± 0.57 g for shrimps, 175.03 ± 27.84 g for sea cucumber, and 44 ± 0.97 g for cockles. Economic analysis revealed increase in net income in T2 with a cost benefit ratio of 1.77 higher than T1. The findings of this study provide a basis for integration ofH. scabraandA. antiquatainto Kenya's coastal mariculture through application of pond IMTA technology.

Oreochromis hunteri Günther, 1889, commonly known as Lake Chala tilapia, is an endemic cichlid restricted to the small crater lake, Lake Chala, on the border of Kenya and Tanzania. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on the taxonomy, and phylogenetic placement, distribution and ecology, and biology including nutritional composition, and conservation status of O. hunteri and identifies knowledge gaps to assess its potential for aquaculture development. The knowledge gaps include its reproductive biology, population structure, and adaptive capacity to environmental and climatic variability. As the type species of the genus Oreochromis , O. hunteri is a unique, genetically isolated lineage within a species flock of the upper Pangani basin. It exhibits typical tilapiine traits, such as maternal mouthbrooding and omnivorous feeding, and occupies a unique ecological niche in deep, clear waters of Lake Chala. The species is listed as critically endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List due to its single‐lake range, habitat degradation, and competition from introduced tilapias. Preliminary data suggest O. hunteri is a protein‐rich, low‐fat food fish comparable to other tilapias; however, detailed nutritional profiles remain scant. Although its aquaculture potential has not been explored, recent surveys indicate Lake Chala’s pristine conditions could support conservation‐oriented aquaculture to bolster wild stocks and local livelihoods. We recommend coordinated transboundary conservation actions, including controlling invasive species, restoration of lake catchment vegetation, and actively engaging local communities to protect O. hunteri . Aligning these initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals on biodiversity conservation and food security will promote a balanced approach that integrates conservation and sustainable use.

This field study examined extant aquatic food production and marketing in the three coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo before IMTA across 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs)/Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Marketing mix practices in coastal aquatic food systems were explored through a structured, qualitative assessment using a multi-value chain perspective. Monthly sales volumes most frequently fell within the range of 1–5 tonnes. The local market was dominant, with some sales in the international markets. Respondents asserted that post-harvest processing was diverse, and some were satisfied with the technology available to preserve their products. Cold storage practices across coastal states were hindered by unreliable power supply. Zero-level channel distribution dominated among traders, with over 90% relying on word-of-mouth (WOM) to promote their products. Consumers showed a strong preference for the quality of local products and expressed openness to incorporating seaweed into their purchases. Health benefits, taste, and other reasons for purchase decisions varied significantly across the state χ² (df = 8, n = 300) = 92.39, p < 0.001. These findings provide a baseline for IMTA in Nigeria, highlighting existing strengths, market dynamics, and infrastructure gaps that must be addressed to support sustainable integration.