A training course on Small-scale Prawn-hatchery Operations and Management was organized by the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department with NACA support. Thirteen NACA-funded trainees participated in the training course out of a total of 39 trainees. The course was held for 7 weeks during 4 August to 25 September 1986. The details of the course time-table including lecture topics and practical sessions are shown in Appendix 17.
BFAR-FAO/NACA Shrimp Hatchery Project (TCP/PHI/6651) for strengthening of the Philippine National Aquaculture Center (PNAC), stationed at Calape, Bohol is linked with RLCP. According to the agreement, SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department as the Regional Lead Centre in the Philippines will provide technical assistance and training of the PNAC technicians. During 7–9 April, 1987 Messrs. Antonio Villaluz and Elmer Sumbing of SEAFDEC visited the proposed center and gave their recommendations (dated 25 April 1986) based on their observations and attached a list of life support systems and other equipments needed to complete the hatchery and make it operationalized. Subsequently, Mr. Villaluz visited two more times and gave his advice and recommendations (dated 13 Nov. 1986 and 16 March 1987) for the modifications and completion of the Shrimp Hatchery.
At the request of the NACA Project Coordinator, the Consultant visited Cebu-Calape, Bohol during 6–9 April 1987. He observed that the 2.9 ha grow-out pond area has been prepared and are now ready for stocking with shrimp fry. As regards the shrimp hatchery, the modifications, construction and installation of the seawater component as recommended by Mr. Villaluz, have been completed. As for the aeration component, the roots blower could not be procured as yet. The purchase order was being made through FAO, Rome. However, some details of the specifications of the roots blower were missing. The consultant on his return obtained the specifications from Mr. Villaluz and communicated the same to Dr. Grieb, FAO Representative for onward transmission to Rome. The hatchery will be operational as soon as the roots blower is procured and installed.
Two Indonesian junior scientists joined RLCP at Tigbauan in late February, 1986 to participate in the programme. They attended the lectures on Principles of Aquaculture (mostly delivered by the consultant) along with the participants of the 6th training course and also under went as internship training for 2–3 weeks each with the Nutrition and Feed Development Section and Pathology Section. Then they started their research at the Leganes Research Station under the guidance of a SEAFDEC researcher. The consultant was supervising their programme and activities now and then and providing them with their stipends and expenses for internal travels, etc. They completed their one year training and left in late February 1987 after submitting their reports.
