Rio Fish,  Koolboks partner to improve fish storage in Migori County

KENYA – Fish traders in Migori County are set to benefit from improved storage and preservation solutions through a new partnership between Rio Fish and Koolboks. 

The initiative aims to equip traders with modern cooling technology, addressing longstanding challenges of fish spoilage and financial losses due to inadequate storage facilities.

Rio Fish, a social enterprise focused on strengthening aquaculture market systems in Lake Victoria, is collaborating with Koolboks, a French company specializing in solar-powered refrigeration. 

The project seeks to extend the shelf life of fish, enhance product quality, and boost earnings for traders by reducing post-harvest losses.

Benchmarking to identify storage gaps

A key component of the initiative involves benchmarking current fish storage practices to assess inefficiencies and identify opportunities for improvement. 

The findings are expected to guide the deployment of advanced refrigeration solutions tailored to the needs of local traders.

Rio Fish and Koolboks anticipate that by integrating efficient cooling systems, traders will be able to maintain product freshness for longer periods, allowing them to access better market prices and reduce dependency on quick sales that often lead to losses.

Efforts to preserve indigenous fish species

Beyond storage solutions, Rio Fish is expanding its efforts to address environmental concerns affecting Lake Victoria’s fish populations. 

In collaboration with Plus Fish and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), the enterprise is working on conservation measures to protect indigenous fish species that are increasingly threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native species.

Rio Fish recently hosted Michael Cooper from Plus Fish and Dr. Orina from KMFRI to discuss strategies for sustainable fishing. 

The discussions explored methods such as habitat restoration and controlled fishing to stabilize fish stocks while ensuring that local communities continue to benefit from the lake’s resources.

Community involvement in sustainable fishing

Local participation is expected to play a central role in the conservation efforts. Awareness programs and training initiatives will be implemented to equip fishers with sustainable practices that balance economic needs with ecological preservation.

Scientists and conservationists involved in the project emphasize that combining research with community engagement is crucial to achieving long-term success. 

Lessons from these efforts in Lake Victoria could provide insights for other regions facing similar environmental and economic challenges.

With both storage improvements and conservation projects in progress, Rio Fish and its partners aim to create a more resilient fish trade ecosystem in Migori County and beyond.