Vietnamese fish farms seek greener model

Vietnamese fish farms seek greener model

In the last five decades, world fish supply has outpaced global population growth, and today fish provides more than 4.3 billion people with about 15 percent of their intake of animal protein, according to FAO’s latest State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report. In 2010, people consumed about 128 million tonnes of fish. Stimulated by higher demand for fish, world fisheries and aquaculture production is projected to reach about 172 million tonnes in 2021, with most of the growth coming from aquaculture – one of the fastest-growing food producing sectors.

A new report from the Food for 9 billion series explores the search for a more eco-friendly fish farming model in Viet Nam: Scaling up: Vietnamese fish farms search for eco-friendly formula

After nine years AwF (UK) consolidates its activities

After the concept of Aquaculture without Frontiers was discussed at a World Aquaculture Society conference in Brazil in 2003, AwF was registered in the UK [AwF (UK)] and in the USA [AwF] and was launched by its founder, Michael New OBE, at the WAS conference in Hawaii in 2004.

Recently the trustees of AwF (UK) decided to close its charity in Great Britain in order to consolidate all the activities of our not-for-profit organisation within the international AwF. All the remaining funds of AwF (UK) were transferred to AwF in June 2012. Michael New remains the Founder and Patron of AwF, which is managed by a fifteen-member international board of directors. 

Haiti: Sustainable Aquaculture Initiative progress report

We are pleased to post the Sustainable Aquaculture Initiative progress report received from Bill Mebane at the Marine Biological Lab about the Aquaculture Learning Center (ALC) in Marigot, Haiti. According to the report, there were about 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of fish in the tanks at the end of May.

For more information about this project, please visit the updated website.

AwF, in collaboration with Novus International, has provided support to this project.

AwF (UK) financial report for 2011-2012 now available

Michael New, AwF Founder and Patron, has submitted the financial report for AwF (UK); it can be found on our Reports page or by clicking here.

AwF (UK) supported an aquaculture project in Kenya during the 2011-2012 FY and has commitments to complete financial support to projects in India and Nepal once the final project reports have been received.

Since most activities are now being carried out by Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF), the directors of AwF (UK) have agreed to wind up the charity – AwF (UK) – and route all further fund raising and project activities through AwF.

AwF (UK) income in 2011-2012 declined, as it did in the previous three financial years, partly as a result of the current recession, which affects all charities. Other causes were recorded in the report for 2010-2011.

Farming the Waters for People and Food – Proceedings of the Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010

The Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010 brought together a wide-range of experts and important stakeholders and reviewed the present status and trends in aquaculture development, evaluated the progress made in the implementation of the 2000 Bangkok Declaration and Strategy, addressed emerging issues relevant to aquaculture development, assessed opportunities and challenges for future aquaculture development and built consensus on advancing aquaculture as a global, sustainable and competitive food production sector.

This volume, a yet another joint effort of FAO and NACA, brings you the outcome of the Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010, the much needed clear and comprehensive technical information on how aquaculture could be mobilized to alleviate global poverty and improve food and nutrition security in the coming decades. Click here to download the report.

Please note that Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) was mentioned on page 799 of the report, and that one of the report’s editors, Patrick Sorgeloos, is an AwF director. Within the document are presentations by AwF Patron, M.S. Swaminathan, as well as several AwF directors: Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, B.A. Costa-Pierce, Geoff L. Allan, Roy Palmer, David Little, M.C. Nandeesha, and P. Sorgeloos. Several members of the AwF Technical Advisory Committee (TAG) were also presenters: Craig L. Browdy, Sevaly Sen, Randall Brummett, Roger Pullin, and Peter Edwards.

M.C. Nandeesha talks about AwF in April 2012 issue of Fishing Chimes

Aquaculture without Frontiers, Alleviating Poverty through Aquaculture, by AwF Chair M.C. Nandeesha was published in the April 2012 issue of Fishing Chimes. This 3-page article provides an overview of some of the achievements and challenges of AwF since its launch in 2004. Please click here to read this article in its entirety.

Our sincere thanks to J.V.H. Dixitulu, editor of Fishing Chimes, for giving us permission to post this article.

AwF-Nepal Phase II project final report received

The final report of our AwF-Nepal Phase II project was received and is now posted on our projects page; you can view it by clicking here.

Highlights of the report include:

Within the limited project funding of US$15,290 (+Overhead), a total of 90 fish ponds were constructed in two years’ time to benefit more than 400 direct family members. Although the target was to reach 100, it is still 90% successful which is quite high. 

Symposium – Aquatic Resources for Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition, 4-6 Dec 2012, Mangalore, India

To commemorate their Silver Jubilee, the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB) is planning a Global Symposium on Aquatic Resources for Eradicating Hunger and Malnutrition – Opportunities and Challenges from 4 – 6th December , 2012 in Mangalore, India.

The number of participants is limited to 600 and you are encouraged to register early. Click here for Symposium details and visit the ASF website for further details and registration info.

How is poverty measured? World Bank explains

Do you wonder how we measure poverty? Do you know how we do it, but have a hard time putting it into simple words?

This 3 minute video explains the methodology that we used, how it works and why it is important. Watch this video to find out.

Come to our website to learn more about poverty and equity!

The World Bank’s mission is to reduce poverty. Timely research and analysis help guide the Bank’s investments and measure success. Our poverty economists keep human welfare and equality at the forefront of all Bank activities, while working directly with member governments to develop sound economic and social policies.

AwF booth at Aquaculture America 2012

Aquaculture America 2012 - Las Vegas, Nevada - February 29 - March 2

If you are planning to attend Aquaculture America 2012 in Las Vegas, USA on 29 February – 2 March, please come by the AwF booth (#528) in the trade show to meet with Dave Conley, executive director, and/or several other directors that will be at the conference – Sungchul (Charles) Bai (S. Korea), John Cooksey (USA), Jose Ferrnandez Polanco (Spain), Kevin Fitzsimmons (USA), John Forster (USA), and David Little (UK).

The AwF Board of Directors recently approved a strategic plan to guide the activities of the organization for the next 3 years and we would like to speak to members of the aquaculture community about our focus and top priorities. We also want to find out from current and potential supporters what we can do to engage them more in our mission, as well as discuss collaborative opportunities, project development ideas, and fundraising.