Promoting responsible practices and attitudes in aquaculture development
Most aquaculture production is in developing countries in Asia where it is an important source of nutrition and income, especially for poor people in rural communities. Production, processing and sale of fish helps improve nutritional health, is a source of protein, provides income and increases food security. Exports of high - value species are an important source of foreign currency. Hence, there is a general trend worldwide toward more intensive aquaculture systems for high - value species. These systems are often set up in sensitive coastal areas where they can increase the risk of environmental damage.
Government agencies need to work with stakeholders to develop standards for responsible aquaculture, help farmers set up fish farmer groups and producer associations and support cooperation between private sector, government agencies, research institutions and other food producer groups.
Benefits of association and self - regulation
There are definite benefits to membership in producer organizations and developing voluntary codes of practice and guidelines:
Aquaculturists are in a better position to defend their interests and to negotiate with competing interests for rights and privileges.
Codes of practice and standard guidelines help improve the public image of aquaculture.
There is more common understanding and agreement among aquaculturists on what steps can be taken to make sure development is sustainable.
Roles and responsibilities of people, interest groups and institutions can be negotiated and made clear.
Associations can work effectively with other sectors for best use of resources that should be shared with aquaculture and fisheries.
Participation in research, training, extension and capacity building at farm level
Individuals and agencies in rural areas usually do not have enough resources (technical, financial, educational, training, etc.). Aquaculturists should look to government, local aquaculture agencies, farmers in local communities, development agencies, foundations and the private sector for help in mobilizing resources. Researchers can help to improve sustainable aquafarming methods. Fish farmers and people in local communities should be involved in setting research goals and objectives and discussing the results with researchers.
Labeling inputs used in aquaculture
Governments have a key role to play in making sure that inputs such as equipment, feeds and chemicals are properly labeled. Important information and instructions on using these inputs should be made available in local languages and in a form understandable to people unable to read text.
Record keeping
Aquaculturists need to keep records on many aspects of their operation. In addition to their value as a management tool, records are useful in cases of outbreaks of disease and accidents and can help farmers defend aquaculture operations against claims of poor management or careless actions.
Stress management and fish health maintenance
A good quality environment is the first and best method of controlling infectious diseases because it reduces the stress on the organism under culture. Stress is caused by changes in the physical, chemical, biological or microbial quality of the environment, the feed used and the space available. Stress can be reduced by using suitable stocking densities and providing good conditions. Farmers, extension workers and fish health experts can cooperate to increase awareness and knowledge of how to manage and maintain a healthy environment.
Interactions with predatory wildlife
Birds and aquatic mammals that eat fish and other cultured organisms can damage fish stocks, nets and other equipment and transfer diseases. Farmers should try every practical method available to keep predators away from their stocks. Killing should be considered a last resort.
Environmental management for enhancement of fishery yields
In many countries there are under - used water bodies that have potential for fish production. When planning to farm fish in these water bodies, planners need to consider existing rights for using these water bodies and possible affects on the environment and local communities in addition to financial costs and benefits. Local stakeholders should be involved in planning and management, especially in plans for rehabilitation or recreational uses of aquatic environments.
Selection and use of feeds and additives
Responsible use of feeds and feed additives contributes to efficient production because there is less waste and less impact on the environment. Feed manufacturers and suppliers have a responsibility to provide suitable feeds and to help farmers use these feeds for best results. The use of locally available feeds should be encouraged. Responsible use of feed additives, including antibiotics and growth hormones requires extra care.
Selection and use of manures and fertilizers, use of drugs, antibiotics or other chemicals to control disease
Responsible use of human and animal manures can contribute to safe and efficient recycling of nutrients in semi - intensive and extensive pond - based farming systems. Care must be taken to make sure the product does not become contaminated with pathogens, parasites, heavy metals, antibiotics or other substances harmful to consumers.
Fish farmers should have a suitable range of tested and approved materials to treat aquatic diseases and training guidelines for their use. If possible, a veterinarian or qualified person should supervise the use of these materials. The government should strictly control or prohibit the use of drugs that have not been certified. Farmers should avoid using antibiotics for prevention of diseases so fish do not build up drug resistance.
Governments can help develop practical guidelines and regulations on the use of chemicals and describe in detail how they will be enforced. Fishfarmers, researchers and manufacturers of drugs and agricultural chemicals can cooperate to test and license chemicals for use in aquaculture. These groups should also be involved in making policy, laws and regulations on the production, distribution and use of chemicals that are known to be harmful to human health and the environment.
