Sectorial appraisal of investor and consumer uptake potential for polychaete culture enterprises along the Kenyan coastline

Globally, wild harvesting of polychaetes (Marphysa mossambica) as mariculture feed and bait is unsustainable and hence artificial culture provides a viable alternative. However, adoption of culture techniques developed, and consumption of cultured end-products among stakeholders requires evaluation. This paper uses published and grey literature, and consultations with practitioners and personal observations to evaluate the existing and potential supply and demand characteristics of a polychaete driven enterprise. Results indicate that while conversion of the numerous artisanal fishers into polychaete growers and users may be the ideal target, their financial, cultural and technological capacity limits large-scale adoption. Other existing and potential users, such as entrepreneurial fish farmers, and recreational fishers, are possible alternatives. Polychaete annual demand of 298 tonnes may be absorbed by existing and upcoming stakeholders and could provide an important lucrative alternative livelihood venture, especially among the fish farmers. However, improving profitability will require rigorous examination of the supply chain and improving cost-effectiveness of culture protocols.