PROJECTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES...

Mario Pedini, Mohamed Hadj Ali Salem¹, D. Bartley, M. Martinez and Z. Shehadeh

Fishery Resources Division

SIPAM Regional Centre (Tunisia)¹

Mediterranean Aquaculture Network News

Technical meeting in Salerno, Italy

The second SIPAM meeting for 1997 took place in Salerno, Italy, from 29 October to 1 November. The meeting was combined with an ICRAM meeting of the project "Aquaculture Observatory for the Mediterranean".  Ten SIPAM National Co-ordinators attended the meeting (Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Turkey) as well as the Regional Co-ordinator and the Aquaculturist of the Regional Centre. Mrss. Coppola and Pedini from FAO Fisheries Department (FIRM and FIRI respectively) and representatives of the Italian Institutes ICRAM and IREPA also participated. The meeting had three objectives: to verify the use by the countries of the new SIPAM WINDOWS Software version, to reviewe the situation of the databases with regard to data entry, and to discuss possibilities and modalities to place SIPAM on the INTERNET.

As announced in FAN Number 13, the WINDOWS version of SIPAM software was developed on the basis of the current SIPAM DOS version with the assistance of the Institute of Marine Biology of Crete (IMBC), Greece and with financial support of the French trust fund GCP/REM/055 FRA. The first issue of the WINDOWS version was distributed to the SIPAM National Co-ordinators for comments during Bari meeting last March 1997. The new version is satisfactory and seems to be working without any major problems. The meeting decided that SIPAM for WINDOWS will not be immediately transformed into a 32 bit version. Some modification were agreed to improve the software functionality and reporting capabilities. The group proposed that the next SIPAM technical meeting be held preferably within the eight next months, subject to the identification of a host.. In the meantime, the Regional Centre jointly with IMBC and FAO Rome will work to modify the software to include comments and suggestions of the national coordinators.

SIPAM will be on INTERNET in 1998. A prototype home page prepared by FAO and displayed on the FAO WEB site for test and comments by National Co-ordinators was presented and discussed. The INTERNET version of SIPAM should have a potential to show interested readers part of the functions of the systems but not the entire data base.

Regional data base

Soon after the holding of the meeting at Salerno, the second release of the SIPAM regional database, REG001, containing more than 3,000 data cleared by the National Centres in the 12 participating countries, was distributed via E-mail to the National Co-ordinators. Data are related to aquaculture production statistics, directories (experts, production centres, suppliers), research and development programmes, laws and regulations, national reports, etc. It was proposed that the TECAM group on pathology should meet soon to redesign the pathology database.. The next issue of the regional data base, REG002, will be ready at the beginning of 1998.

Missions to SIPAM member Countries

The network is entering a phase in which National SIPAM networks have to be established, by linking secondary national users to the SIPAM Centres in the countries. The SIPAM Regional Co-ordinator visited France in June 1997 and Egypt in September 1997 as scheduled, and Turkey will be visited in December 1997. Concerning missions to expand SIPAM, preliminary contacts were established with Algeria and Bulgaria, and it should be possible to assist them to establish their SIPAM National Centres in 1998.

Co-operation with other Networks

SIPAM is working in close co-operation with the other active Mediterranean Aquaculture Networks under the aegis of the GFCM, especially SELAM and TECAM. In the near future, a meeting of the specialised Group on Pathology of TECAM will be organized to design the SIPAM Pathology database. With regard to SELAM, a joint meeting SIPAM - SELAM- FEAP (Federation of European Aquaculture Producers) is planned to be organised early in 1998 to discuss the design of the marketing data base.

TECAM/SELAM Networks

TECAM and SELAM Coordination Committee and future programme

The agreement between CIHEAM and FAO, besides entrusting the co-ordination of the TECAM and SELAM networks to CIHEAM, calls for the establishment of a Coordination Committee whose function is to assist in the setting of activities and work plans and their prioritization. The Coordination Committee meets on a biennial basis in Zaragoza, Spain, and consists of the co-ordinating institution (Instituto Agronomico Mediterraneo de Zaragoza IAMZ), two experts from each network, selected by rotation, and the Technical Secretary of the GFCM Aquaculture Committee. The experts invited to attend the second session of the Coordination Committee were Prof. Carmelo Agius, from Malta and Prof. S. Cataudella from Italy for the TECAM network and Mr. Hedi Gazbar from Tunisia and Mr. S. Ioakimides from Greece (who could not attend) for the SELAM network. The meeting was also attended by the assistant co-ordinators, Mr. I.Arnal, from Spain and Mr. P. Paquotte from France.

The meeting reviewed the activities carried out since the first meeting of the Coordination Committee, and discussed priorities for the work to be carried out in the coming biennium, based on proposal from past meetings, the requirements for activities expressed by the GFCM Aquaculture Committee, and opportunities for financial assistance to carry out the activities. In order to provide a better focus and to avoid an excessive dispersion of effort it was decided to provide a general framework to serve as a screen for the selection of activities to be retained for funding. A holistic approach was considered necessary to promote aquaculture development in the region and thus activities leading to sustainable and responsible development of aquaculture (in line with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries), would take priority. The activities which have been prioritized for the various subgroups are indicated below.

Nutrition group: The first activity for this subgroup would be the organization of a Workshop on Aquaculture Feed Manufacturing Practices, in conjunction with the forthcoming "II Conference-Show of Mixed-Feed Manufactures of the Mediterranean" being organized in Reus, Spain, 25-27 March 1998. This workshop aims to review trends and outlooks in commercial aquafeed manufacture, including production and usage, within the Mediterranean region; to review exisiting guidelines/codes and legislation for aquafeed manufacture within the region and elsewhere, and to draft technical guidelines for good aquaculture feed manufacturing practice for use by aquafeed manufacturers within the Mediterranean region. The workshop is jointly organized by the CIHEAM-IAMZ, and the Fisheries Department of FAO. Among the guest speakers are: Albert Tacon (FAO), Andrés Martin (ProAqua, Spain), Al Fattah El-Sayed (Univ. of Alexandria, Egypt) and Q.D. Stephen-Hassard (Montana, USA). The workshop caters for

a maximum of 25 professionals with a university degree directly engaged in aqua/animal feed manufacture within the public (government) and private sectors. Preference will be given to candidates presenting a contribution. Those interested in the workshop may obtain information from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza at the address below. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 February 1998.

Information can be Obtained from Bernardo Basurco at IAMZ:

Reproduction : Although there is no formal group dealing with this subject, it was considered appropriate to organize an Advanced Course on Mediterranean Aquaculture: New Techniques for Marine Hatcheries. The course will take place in Mazarrón, Spain, from 23 February to 6 March 1998. The course aims to meet the needs of Mediterranean

aquaculture professionals who wish to receive updated and integrated scientific and technological knowledge on the different disciplines involved in successful and responsible hatchery management. The course is included within the activities of the Network on Technology of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (TECAM) co-ordinated by CIHEAM-IAMZ. The course is jointly organized by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (CIHEAM-IAMZ), and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) with the collaboration of the Fisheries Department of the FAO.

The lectures will be given by qualified lecturers from research centres, universities, private sector and government departments in different countries. Guest lecturers are: E. Abellán (IEO, Spain); C. Aguilera (TINAMENOR, Spain); J. Bonfills (SIAM, France); M. Carrillo (CSIC, Spain); W. Knibb (IOLR, Israel); D. Chourrout (INRA, France); S. de Dominis (Maricultura Italia, Italy); P. Divanach (IMBC, Greece); A. García-Alcázar (IEO, Spain); A. García-Gómez (IEO, Spain); M.S. Izquierdo (ULPGC, Spain); P. Lavens (Univ. de Gent, Belgium); E. Mañanos (CSIC, Spain); J.C. Navarro (CSIC, Spain); R. Prickett (Marine Farm Technology, U.K.) and S. Zanuy (CSIC, Spain). The following topics will be covered: reproduction, breeding and genetics, larval rearing, disease prevention and control, hatchery design and engineering and quality control. Formal lectures are complemented by round table discussions, practical demonstrations, technical visit and a participants' seminar.

The course caters for a maximum of 25 professionals with a university degree who are already directly involved in the subject matter of the course. Those interested in the course may obtain information from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza at the address above in the nutrition section. The submission of applications is 10 January 1998.

Genetics group: Within the programme of this group, the following activities were suggested: (i) a survey of industry's needs in the areas of genetics and breeding, (ii) a workshop on establishment of selective breeding programmes (utilizing additive genetic variance) for seabass and seabream (1998)., (iii) an International Symposium on Aquaculture Genetics in Mediterranean Aquaculture species (1999).

Marketing group: The design and implementation of a database on marketing, which has been already been started by a joint group of TECAM and SIPAM will need to be revived seeking the participation of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP).

Aquaculture planning group: A Workshop on Aquaculture Planning in Mediterranean Countries is scheduled to be held in Tangier, Morocco 12-14 March 1998. The workshop aims to analyse the evolution of aquaculture planning and development in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin; to identify the most pressing needs in strategic planning with a view to sustainable and responsible development of the sector; and to determine the role of regional co-operation in

the planning process of aquaculture development in the region. The workshop is jointly organized by CIHEAM-IAMZ, the Fisheries Department of the FAO, and the Institut National de la Recherche Halieutique (INRH) of Morocco.

It will be divided into the following sessions: general context; supranational and international guidelines for planning; specific issues (case studies); the planning process; and planning and regional co-operation. The lectures will be given by lecturers from research centres, universities and government departments in different countries. Among the guest speakers are: A. Abouhala (MAROST, Morocco); C. Agius, (NAC, Malta); R. Bates (EU, DG-XIV); C. Breuil (FAO); J. Catanzano (IFREMER, France); S. Cataudella (Univ. of Rome, Italy); J. Duret (CEMAGREF, France); P. Ferlin (IFREMER, France); H. Gazbar (Min.Agriculture, Tunisia); C. Hough (FEAP, Belgium); S. Iaokimides (ABG, Greece); H. Kilic (Min. of Agriculture, Turkey); A. Orbi (INRH, Morocco); P. Paquotte (IFREMER, France); M. Pedini (FAO) and D. Stephanou (Min. of Agriculture, Cyprus).

There is a limited number of places in this workshop due to the highly interactive nature of the activity. Those interested in the workshop may obtain information from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza at the address indicated above in the nutrition section. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 February 1998.

A Workshop on Production Cost Analysis has also been included in the programme for 1999. Holotypes will be determined for the various production methods according to standard guidelines. This workshop could be the starting point for a collaborative research programme in economic modelling. In addition to this activity a Workshop/ Seminar on Integrated Mediterranean Aquaculture Production Systems has been offered by IFREMER, to take place in Nantes.

Advanced Course on Mediterranean Off-shore Mariculture.

The above course took place in Zaragoza, Spain 20-24 October 1997. The course reviewed the definition of off-shore mariculture, present trends at global level of production and technology, and described the experience in off-shore mariculture in Malta and Ireland before entering specific subjects such as site evaluation , mooring systems, cage and net types, and support equipment (such as workboats and ancillary equipment). Videos of current operations were also included in the programme as well as discussions on operation of off-shore facilities. A presentation of mollusc production off-shore and discussions on the economics of off-shore mariculture and on the potential for this form of aquaculture production in the Mediterranean were also included in the course. Lecturers for the course came from Malta, Ireland, Spain, France and UK.

Guatemala

A multidisciplinary mission in the framework of the FIMLAP programme was sent to Guatemala on the basis of a request made by the Vice-President of the country in November 1996. The mission had to analyse the aquaculture sector taking into account institutions, production infrastructure, existing or completed projects, development plans and programmes. The mission reviewed the situation of shrimp and prawn culture, tilapia culture at commercial level and small scale rural aquaculture. Shrimp culture is the more important sub-sector, from the economic viewpoint, with a total of about 2 000 ha under production and with potential for expansion to about 5 000 ha. In 1994, the estimated production from about 2 100 ha was over 3100 mt — a very acceptable productivy of 1.47 mt/ha, similar to what was achieved in Costa Rica and better than in the rest of the Central American countries. The sector has recently suffered high losses due to the the Taura disease.

The recommendations of the mission included a reconsideration of the government's role in aquaculture development in order to adapt to changes in policy and macro-economic orientation. Areas under the responsibility of the government need to be clearly identified, even if the execution of some related tasks will be delegated. Areas of particular concern should be the role of the NGOs, decentralization of aquaculture development, especially rural aquaculture, research management and environmental management, which is of particular concern in the case of shrimp culture.

The mission also recommended examination of the potential for species diversification, which may require external assistance, and the privatization of seed production for finfish, now in the hands of the Government. Private fingerling producers could also take care of extension practices. In the case of rural aquaculture, clear criteria for the selection of target groups are a must as in some cases aquaculture may not be the best activity to which farmers should invest their scarce resources. A medium level rural aquaculture, practiced by farmers with more economic resources has a good potential for development in Guatemala and should be supported.

Alcom

By the end of 1997, the present phase of ALCOM will be completed. As our readers will remember, ALCOM has been funded from Swedish SIDA and Belgian BADC funds. As a result of the last project evaluation, the Belgian Government has indicated interest in continuing the funding of ALCOM activities and a new project document has been prepared and is being negotiated with the donor and with SADC, the designated

executing agency. Implementation of the project will be carried out with the assistance of the FAO. The new project will take a two pronged approach: practical and applied field work through pilot projects at the farmer level linked to institutional strengthening and capacity building at national and regional levels.

At the farmer level, three interrelated pilot project areas cover the spectrum of smallholder water resource activities: Surface Water Bodies (SWB), determining enhanced techniques for reservoir use and water management, including increased fish production; Aquatic Farming Systems (AFS), developing means to integrate ponds into small-scale farming systems for water storage and food production, including water harvesting techniques in small-scale irrigation schemes; and Extension and Outreach (EXT), identifying methods for establishing effective communication channels with farmers and feedback (monitoring) within the local institutional framework.

At the national level, contact agencies are identified which reflect the inter-departmental management of water and water-related issues. Field activities will be implemented by National Professional Officers with appropriate technical skills. At the regional level, programme staff backstop field operations from the programme's Harare offices, co-ordinating pilot projects and integrating results into regional and national databases. As programme operations become functional within regional agencies, project staff will be gradually reduced to insure an efficient transition to regional operations.

Zambia

Zambia is embarking in an ambitious programme for the development of the entire agricultural sector with the assistance of the UNDP. The project entitled "Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Security" (ARDFS) has a UNDP contribution of US $ 12.6 million, and includes a component for aquaculture development at national scale. The aquaculture component will have a duration of 5 years and a UNDP contribution of US $ 1.23 million. The main strategy of the new project in which a participation of the FAO to provide assistance is being negotiated at present, is: (a) to develop appropriate fingerling production and feeding technologies as well as improved farming practices; (b) to build capacity in the MAFF aquaculture extension staff at the field level to effectively transfer technologies to small holder resource-poor farmers; and (c) to empower smallholder, resource poor farmers to undertake aquaculture enterprises. The project also aims at developing the capacity of NGOs and CBOs, to ensure wider adoption and sustainability.

Seventh session of the working party on aquaculture of the commission for inland fisheries for latin america (Copescal), santo domingo, dominican republic, 11-14 november, 1997

Experts from 8 countries attended the meeting. The Technical Secretary informed on progress of planned intersessional activities: Technical Consultation on Nutrition and Health Management in Latin-American Aquaculture (La Havana, Cuba, 4-8 November, 1996), 1st International Workshop on the Cultivation and Biotechnology of Marine Algae (one chapter; Cumaná, Venezuela, 2-5 December 1996), TCDC from Cuba to Mexico on small water bodies, and preparatory meetings for an agreement with PRADEPESCA on rural aquaculture activities.

Participants were also informed about other COPESCAL meetings as well as other events closely related to this Working Group's interests: other TCDC activities, Special Programme on Food Security, Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing (Article 9. on Aquaculture Development), on going TCP projects, pipeline projects, technical meetings in other regions of interest to Latin America, and recent publications.

A special session was dedicated to discuss the status and future of the aquaculture information system (SIPAL) which is to be reactivated in the region. The SIPAL system started with AQUILA II project, and when the project was concluded the system was not sufficiently consolidated and was discontinued. Most of the software and experience gained was used to implement the Mediterranean system (SIPAM). The FAO is now trying to reactivate the system in Latin America, based on the successful results achieved in the Mediterranean, and to link it to other regions.

Several background papers were presented and discussed by the participants on thematic subjects covering most of the aquaculture activities in the region: rural aquaculture, tilapia, macroalgae, nutrition, pathology, salmon, shrimp, molluscs, small water bodies, information systems. A meeting report and a supplement including these papers will be published in 1998.

The future of this Working Group was discussed at length. The Technical Secretary informed the Group about the decision taken by the 29th Sesion of the FAO Conference to abolish most of the Working Groups, in favor of ad hoc meetings, subject to the approval of the Regional Bodies. The decision will be confirmed or modified by the Commission in Brazil during its next meeting in May 1998. The participants agreed that the new orientation was in line with the recent development of this Working Group whereby the thematic sub-groups or networks have been consolidated and ad hoc meetings on specific themes will be called after approval of the Conference decision by the

Commission. A strategy of the new approach, which has already been applied by the Working Group, is the association with public and private institutions which share areas of interest with COPESCAL.

Special programme on food security (Nepal)

In seven areas of the Nawal Parasi district, there are groups of women interested in learning to farm fish more effectively in village ponds. Raising fish will provide an important source of protein to the local community, as well as generate income which could then be used to fund local development works. In its first year of operation, the Special Programme in Nepal (SPIN) has been supporting these women groups to ensure that the aquaculture activities get off to a good start, and to lay the foundation for long-term success. This is done using a two-pronged approach: providing the women with necessary start-up materials (i.e. fish seeds, feed and fertilizer) for semi-intensive polyculture of Chinese and Indian major carps (six to seven species), while at the same time providing training before and after fingerlings stocking to teach the women how to manage the aquaculture activities on their own in the future. The programme covers 1.73 hectares of water area.

Activities conducted in June-July 1997 included: (I) delivery of fish seed to the 7 women's groups, (ii) provision of a mix of 45% rice bran, 45% mustard oil cake, 10% fish meal feed to the women, who brought the feed from DADO (District Agriculture Development Office) to their villages, (iii) basic fish farming training to a total of 34 women, 5 from each of 6 groups, and 4 from Shanti Women's Group, (iv) provision of fertilizers such as DAP and urea for the women, who picked it up and brought to their villages, along with a bucket and mug for mixing fertilizers. All feeds and fertilizers were provided in sufficient amount for a one month period.

The activities planned for the following two months (August and September 1997) included: (i) one-day tour of Bhairahawa Fisheries Development Center, integrated with training on fish seed production, (ii) water quality analysis of women's fish ponds using HACH kit, (iii) growth check on all 7 ponds to determine to which rate feed should be increased, (iv) to provide feeds and fertilizers for 2 additional months, (v) regular field visits to discuss farmers' problems and progress, and (vi) data tabulation and report writing.

The only difficulty encountered so far is that some of the ponds do not have properly constructed inlets and outlets, which could be a problem during high water levels. Repairing inlets and outlets is difficult when water is in the pond, and must be done during the cold season when the ponds are dry.

This programme has been very encouraging. Women have shown a very high level of motivation and dedication to the programme. Attendance at the first training given at the District Agriculture Development Office was excellent, and subsequent field visits have shown that the women have learned the fundamentals of pond management presented at that training (such as feed formulation and feeding and pond fertilization) and are carrying them out effectively

meeting of fao/naca/who study group on food safety issues associated with products from aquaculture

The joint working group met at the headquarters of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific (NACA)in Bangkok, Thailand from 22 to 26 July 1997. The meeting was attended by more than forty experts from various disciplines including food hygiene and food safety assurance, fish inspection and quality control, veterinary sanitation, and aquaculture. During the first two days numerous interesting presentations were given on important aspects such as :

• global aquaculture production and food supply, occurrence of human pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture use of waste waters in aquaculture

• biological and chemical contamination of aquaculture products

• use of veterinary drugs, water and soil treatment chemicals; development of antibiotic resistance

• integrated aquaculture systems and food safety epidemiology and control of fish-borne parasites

• application of HACCP principles for the control of food-borne trematodes

• applications of HACCP in aquaculture

• post-harvest handling of aquaculture products and potential food safety hazards

• on-farm and post-harvest food quality assurance (including hazard control) in shrimp and salmon culture (Thailand, Norway)

• Codex Alimentarius principles of risk analysis, including risk assessment, risk management and risk communication.

Two working groups were formed to discuss both biological and chemical hazards in aquaculture, as well as possible control strategies related to these hazards.

The meeting provided a very good opportunity for exchange of views and information among the experts presenting considerations on food safety and aquaculture production. Intensive discussions were held on actual and perceived hazards, on hazard identification methods, on needs for

additional research and general information, and on opportunities and limitations for hazard control measures. It became evident that more work is needed on epidemiological aspects and diseases. Chemical hazards of aquaculture products were also discussed and it was noted that further efforts may be directed towards identification of patterns/levels of product contamination and human toxicology of contaminants (including aspects of probability/severity of exposure to contaminants among consumers of aquaculture products). It also appeared that there is considerable scope for awareness raising on food safety hazards in aquaculture, consumer education, and capacity building, especially with regard to identification of feasible control methods and their implementation. Food safety issues in aquaculture are likely to attract increasing interest, and future work may include efforts to enhance and facilitate collaboration among experts and institutions concerned with food safety, fish quality control, aquaculture and environmental protection.

The meeting proceedings, including technical information and recommendations, will be published by WHO.

Islamic Republic of Iran

At the request of Shilat, the Iranian Fisheries Company, Drs Devin Bartley and Krishen Rana undertook a mission to northern provinces in Iran to advise on and evaluate genetic resource management in aquaculture and stock enhancement projects in the Caspian Sea. Shilat is involved in a massive restocking effort to maintain several important fisheries in the Caspian Sea. According to Shilat information, 190 million fingerlings of sturgeon, Acipenseridae, mahi sephid, Rutilus frisii kutum, and Caspian trout, Salmo trutta caspius, perch, Lucioperca lucioperca, and bream, Abramis brama, where stocked in 1996. This figure does not include the stocking of other inland water bodies, e.g. reservoirs, with Chinese carps.

Aquaculture production has increased substantially over the past five years, due in part to recommendations made by an earlier FAO-TCP mission. The Government is now seeking advice on how to continue development while conserving aquatic resources. The present mission visited several Shilat and private hatcheries and grow out facilities for sturgeon, mahi sephid, Chinese carps, rainbow trout, and the endemic Caspian trout. In addition, the mission included visits to research laboratories of the Iranian Fisheries Research and Training Organization, Center of Animal Breeding (Ministry of Jihad) and the National Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Ministry of Education). The mission concluded with a one day seminar on genetic resources and, reproductive broodstock management, gamete management, use of low temperature biology in aquaculture and genebanks, and hatchery enhancement. There is a strong desire and an increasing human capacity in Iran to utilize modern methods and biotechnology to increase production and manage their important fishery resources. Plans for cooperative projects are presently being formulated.