Sustainably farmed seafood holds key to future global food security

Sustainably farmed seafood holds key to future global food security

A new and comprehensive analysis released by the WorldFish Center and Conservation International (CI) has investigated the environmental impact of the world’s major aquaculture production systems and species, and today offers a first-ever global assessment of trends and impacts of cultivated seafood. The analysis has found that, from the 75 species-production systems reviewed, more production means more ecological impact, but that compared to other forms of animal protein production such as livestock, aquaculture is more efficient.

The report, “Blue Frontiers: Managing the environmental costs of aquaculture”, along with a companion policy recommendations paper, was released today in Bangkok, Thailand at the ASEAN SEAFDEC Conference (Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center) on “Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security Towards 2020”. It concludes that the demand for aquaculture products will continue to grow over the next two decades as a key source of animal protein for growing urban populations, and that the industry needs to meet this demand with improved efficiencies and reduced environmental impacts.

The History of Aquaculture now available

We would like to bring your attention to the new book – The History of Aquaculture – by Colin E. Nash and published by Wiley-Blackwell. Many of you may know Dr Nash, or be familiar with his work in aquaculture research, which he did for more than four decades. He was also the chief editor for Aquaculture for ten years; the director of the program for FAO Aquaculture Development, the technical director of France’s Cofrepeche, and finally most recently NOAA.

The Washington Fish Growers Association (WFGA) is selling copies signed by the author, who lives in the Seattle area.

Information on how to order is posted at the WFGA website.

Dr Madhav Shrestha honoured for contributions in Nepal

We at AwF are pleased to inform you that Dr Madhav Shrestha, who co-manages our AwF-Nepal project, has received an award from the Prime Minister of Nepal for his continuous dedication and contributions to Agriculture / Aquaculture Development in Nepal. Dr Shrestha was recently promoted to full Professor at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences (IAAS), Chitwan, Nepal.

Professor Shrestha, an Alumnus of the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) program (MSc’ 92, PhD’94) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT),  has served as a collaborative partner and played a critical role in launching several successful AARM projects in Nepal. The following are the major collaborative projects launched over the past decade:

• Women in Aquaculture project (2000 – 2006)
• Curriculum Development project (2005-2008)
• Aqua-Internship project (2008-2010)
• Aqua-Internship Project II (ongoing)
• AwF-Nepal Project, Aquaculture without Frontiers
• Several PD/A CRSP / Aquafish Projects (USAID)

In addition to these, he has been very successful in winning funding for a number of projects from national funding agencies and successfully launching them for the benefit of local communities throughout the country. He was also the key person who organized a national symposium on ‘Small-Scale Aquaculture in Nepal’ during 5-6 February 2009.

The award ceremony was held on May 17, 2011.

Dr Madhav Shrestha (center) presented with his award by the Prime Minister of Nepal

Aqua-Internship: a hands-on learning opportunity

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) have agreed to collaborate to provide placements for Aqua-Internships on all AwF projects, where possible. Many details still need to be worked out but if you are interested in this opportunity and have questions, please contact the Aqua-Internship Coordinator below and/or visit the Aqua-Internship website.

Ram C. Bhujel, PhD
Coordinator, Aqua-Internship: Asia Link Program
Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)
SERD, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
PO Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, THAILAND

Tel: +66 02 524 5222 Fax:+66 02 524 6200
Mobile + 66 081 734 6934
Email: bhujel@ait.asia

AwF-Nepal Phase II project showing positive results

A recently received report on the first year of our AwF-Nepal: Phase II project states that a significant increase in fish consumption is possible from small-scale aquaculture. During the first year, per capita fish consumption rose to around 10 kg (assuming 4 members in the family), whereas the  national average is less than 2 kg.  Fish can play a significant role in meeting the needs of people for animal protein and results clearly show the potential of small-scale aquaculture to reduce malnutrition in poor rural families.

Good results, however, depend on good management; production can suffer if the ponds are not managed properly. It was observed that enthusiastic farmers achieved much higher yields than their less dedicated neighbours. Higher production was also achieved from ponds situated close to animal sheds from which animal urine is drained. As a result of their success, farmers are very happy and planning to add more ponds.

AwF-UA farmer-to-farmer programme trip report for Haiti now available

As a result of the successful AwF co-sponsored workshop on Tilapia Aquaculture in Haiti held in New Orleans, USA, at the end of February 2011, John Hargreaves travelled to Haiti in mid-April. Accompanied by Bill Mebane, of the Marine Biological Laboratory Sustainable Aquaculture Initiative, the AwF volunteer visited tilapia aquaculture production sites and fish farmers to provide advice and assess opportunities. Activities were focused on Lake Azuei, a hatchery near Croix de Bouquet, and a hatchery near Leogane.

To read his trip report, click here.

Michael New honoured by Asian Fisheries Society

Michael New, AwF Founder, was honoured by the Asian Fisheries Society on April 21 with a Gold Medal Award during The 9th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum at Shanghai Ocean University in China. Unfortunately, Michael was unable to attend the event but AwF Director, Patrick Sorgeloos, who did attend, kindly received the award on Michael’s behalf. The citation of Michael’s Gold Medal Award recognizes his contribution to regional aquaculture development and his work with WAS/EAS/AwF. In 2010, he was given the Exemplary Gold Medal by The World Aquaculture Society for his services to the Society.

Two more AwF-UA farmer-to-farmer programme trip reports received

We recently received two more reports from the AwF-UA Farmer-to-Farmer Programme, which are now posted on our Projects page. They are:

• MEXICO: AwF-UA Farmer-to-Farmer Programme (Trip Report, March 2011) PDF
• TRINIDAD: AwF-UA Farmer-to-Farmer Programme (Trip Report, March 2011) PDF

Kochi charity dinner raises US$4,200 for AwF

A Charity Dinner held during the Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2011 (APA 2011) conference in Kochi, India raised US$4,200 to support the activities of AwF. The event, which included a classical dance show by the Indian celebrity danseuse Ms Shobhana, was held on the 18th of January 2011 in the Oman Hall of Le Meridien Resort and Convention Centre, Kochi, India. Coordinated by Dr. M.C. Nandeesha, Dean, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukkudi, India and International Co- Chair of AwF, a local organizing committee was formed under the patronage of Dr. C. Mohanakumaran Nair to carry out the various logistical tasks.

Nearly 500 people – most of them with their families – assembled in the Oman Hall to hear a warm welcome by AwF Co-Chair, Dr. M.C. Nandeesha, followed by a description of AwF’s mission and ongoing programmes, and the screening of a short video on AwF activities in Bangladesh.

The classical dance performance by the Indian celebrity dancer and actress, Ms. Shobhana, was the major highlight of the event. Her thrilling performance was a real crowd-pleaser, and the audience had an opportunity to understand the various Indian classical dance forms as demonstrated by the dancer and her troupe. A modest dinner was arranged after the dance performance.

The Charity Dinner was successful in spreading the message of AwF and in arousing the interest of participants in joining AwF’s global aquaculture initiatives. The AwF Board of Directors and the event organizers are indebted to all of the participants for contributing to the great success of the event. The timely help and support by the student fraternity from the College of Fisheries, Kochi and Thoothukkudy, India is gratefully acknowledged.

PATSSA project has increased fish consumption by the poor

RDRS Bangladesh recently submitted a report on our funded project – Poverty Alleviation through Small Scale Aquaculture (PATSSA) – that you can read by clicking here.

Families involved in this project have significantly increased their fish consumption. A rural poor farming family cannot afford to eat fish very often but those that have participated in the PATSSA project now consume an average of 33.4 kg per year. In addition, neighbors not involved in the project are now purchasing fish during the harvest periods, an option that did not exist previously. 

To all who have supported this work, our sincere thanks!

Fish harvesting time