The Workshop examined in some detail the need and role of aquaculture in each of the participating countries, in the light of the rate of increase of population, animal protein consumption rates, meat and capture fishery production and distribution and marketing arrangements. All the countries are in need of aquaculture development to fill the animal protein gap. Additionally, in most countries it would serve major socio-economic needs of rural areas and would form a significant sector in integrated rural development programmes. Possibilities also exist in some countries for saving and earning foreign exchange through development of the industry.
Detailed site surveys to determine the extent of cultivable areas have yet to be undertaken in most of the countries. However, rough assessments of the type and area of available sites can be made to provide the basis for development planning. The necessary surveys for selection of sites should receive high priority in national plans. Early demarcation of sites for aquaculture may prevent these areas being used for other purposes or being exposed to environmental degradation. It may then also be easier to bring about a coordinated or integrated use of adjacent areas, in order to facilitate the protection of aquaculture installations.
As mentioned earlier there are a number of culture systems that can be used for large-scale production programmes. Some of them are based on non-indigenous species like tilapia, carp and trout. Some of the countries have regulations against the introduction of exotic species. However, based on an analysis of experience in other countries of the region, it should be possible to make decisions on the advisability of introducing selected species. The possible effects of such introductions on the indigenous biota and environment have to be given full consideration. In this context the need for accelerated studies on cultivable indigenous species was stressed.
Experimental work is underway to test the suitability of some of the indigenous species for culture. Pilot-scale culture of selected species has to be undertaken on a priority basis to test the technical and economic feasibility of such systems and to compare the results with the results of some of the existing systems. The need for accelerated research to develop new systems of culture suited to local conditions and adaptive research to test the suitability of technologies imported from other regions, was emphasized during the discussions.
In conclusion, the Workshop recognized that planning has in many cases to be based on incomplete data or acceptable assumptions. Periodic revisions of plans will be necessary to make necessary adjustments in the light of experience gained, additional data obtained and progress of pilot-scale and experimental studies.
