ANNEXES (Continue)

ANNEX 4
SUB-REGIONAL MEETINGS REPORTS

REUNION SOUP-REGIONALE GROUPE ALGERIE

A - SITUATION DE L'AQUACULTURE DANS LES PAYS MEMBRES :

La réunion a débuté le 11 Mars 1991 au siège de MEDRAP par un bref exposé sur la situation de l'aquaculture dans chacun des pays membres de la Sous-Région.

ALGERIE:

L'aquaculture est actuellement assurée par l'Office National de Developpement et de Production Aquacole, placé sous la tutelle de l'Agence Nationale des Pêches sous l'autoritéadministrative du Ministre de l'Agruculture.

L'expérience acquise par l'ONDPA se situe essentiellement en matière d'élevage de poissons d'eau douce en système extensif dans les retenues collinaires, les lacs naturels et les barrages.

En eau saumâtre, son expérience est concentrée pour l'instant sur l'unique lagune saumâtre du lac Mellah. Des captures de poissons par engins fixes (bordigues) et mobiles (barques) ainsi que l'élevage de mollusques (moules, huîtres et palourdes) existent depuis plusieurs années.

L'ONDPA réalise une production annuelle de l'odre de 400 T/an dont 80 % de carpes-mulet. Il y a lieu de signaler que les opérations de repeuplement réalisées en 1985 et 1986 ont eu pour résultat. une production de l'ordre de 1.000 T de carpes.

En matière d'infrastructures de production d'alevins, l'ONDPA dispose :

-   d'une écloserie de poissons marins d'une capacité de 300.000 alevins/an;

-   de 2 écloseries de poissons d'eau douce d'une capacité de 4,5 Millions et de 10 Millions d'alevins (ISMAL).

Contraintes au développement :

Elles sont surtout d'ordre règlementaire : l'absence d'un cadre juridique entrave la promotion des activités aquacoles;

PORTUGAL:

L'aquaculture connaît un développement rapide au PORTUGAL grâce au concours financier de la CEE.

Il existe une activité traditionnelle de polyculture en système extensif. La mariculture est centrée principalement sur l'élevage de palourdes avec une production d'environ 7,000 tonnes.

En polyculture, les élevages sont réalisés à partir de captage d'alevins naturels et de naissins.

Plusieurs projets en monoculture de loups, daurades, soles, huîtres, crevettee japonaises, s'appuyant sur des écloseries, sont en cours de réalisation.

En eau douce, on signale la production intensive de truite arc-en-ciel, de l'ordre de 4,000 tonnes, d'anguille (100 Tonnes) et de cyprinidés destinés au repeuplement où l'on utilise aussi de la truite fario.

Les contraintes au développement :

Il est à signaler l'insuffisance de plans d'aménagement des zones côtières (en cours de réalisation), ainsi que la dégradation de l'environnement et le manque d'aliments.

TUNISIE :

La majeure partie de la production aquacole est issue des 4 projets opérationnels sur le loup principalement, la daurade et la palourde. 24 autres projets se trouvent à divers stades de réalisation.

La production actuelle est de 450 Tonnes. 750 Tonnes sont prévues pour 1991, 3.000 Tonnes pour l'objectif 1996 et 10.000 Tonnes pour l'an 2000.

Il est à signaler que 3 écloseries sont opérationnelles pour une capacité totale de 4,5 Millions d'alevins.

3 autres écloseries de palourdes seront opérationnelles au cours de l'année 1991.

Les contraintes principales :

elles concernent essentiellement :

-   le développement de la recherche;

-   la formation de cadres moyens;

-   l'élaboration de plans d'aménagement en rapport avec le développement du secteur.

Les priorités :

-   la diversification des espèces;

-   l'aquaculture en eau douce en particulier dans les barrages;

-   l'étude des interactions entre environnement et aquaculture;

-   la formation de cadres techniques de maîtrise.

MAROC :

L'aquaculture marine au Maroc se développe dans deux régions : Nador (Méditerrannée) et Oualidia (Atlantique) qui abritent repectivement :

à Nador

-   élevage d'huître plate 120 Tonnes /90;

-   élevage de daurades 170 Tonnes /90;

-   élevage de loup 60 Tonnes /90;

-   crevette japonaise en système semi-intensif.

à Oualidia

-   huître creuse 150 Tonnes /90.

Contraintes au développement :

-   Contraintes de nature technique et concernent les écloseries de daurades et l'élevage de crevettes en système intensif et semi-intensif.

-   Contraintes de nature juridique : régulation des concessions, occupation des terrains et protection des producteurs.

-   Manque de documentation technico-économique à mettre au service des secteurs publics et privés. Par ailleurs, la pisciculture en eau douce est prise en charge par le secteur de l'agriculture.

Priorités :

Un plan directeur de développement de l'aquaculture est en cours d'élaboration par l'lnstitut Scientifique des Pêches Maritimes à travers l'inventaire des potentialités et leur évaluation.

B - SEMINAIRE POUR LA CREATION DU RESEAU :

Le Coordinateur du Projet et les représentants de la FAO ont exposé les objectifs du séminaire ainsi que les modalités de son organisation. Le séminaire se déroulera en deux journées (24–25) Avril 1991), l'une consacrée à la description des différents systèmes de réseaux existants et la deuxième au débat entre les représentants des pays membres pour adopter les mécanismes adéquats des réseaux à mettre en place.

C - DEFINITION DES PRIORITES ET CONSTITUTION DES SOUS-RESEAUX

C.1 Sous-éseau Formation :

Un débat a concerné les aspects de la formation et les modalités relatives à l'organisation des cours et stages. Chaque pays a fait part de ses préoccupations dans ce domaine.

TUNISIE :

1. Pathologie (vu le développement rapide des projets industriels);

2. gestion des fermes aquacoles;

3. ingéniérie aquacole;

4. technologie de production d'aliments;

5. écloseries;

6. techniques d'alimentation;

7. aquaculture et environnement;

8. technologie des produits aquacoles.

PORTUGAL :

1. ingéniérie aquacole;

2. gestion des fermes.

ALGERIE :

1. l'aquaculture en eau douce est prioritaire, en particulier le lancement de des écloseries;

2. l'aménagement des plans d'eau;

3. la diversification des espèces;

4. les écloseries de poissons marins;

5. la gestion des fermes;

6. la conchyliculture.

MAROC :

1. les écloseries de daurades;

2. l'ingéniérie aquacole;

3. l'élevage de crevettes en système intensif;

4. aquaculture et environnement;

5. le contrôle de qualité des produits;

6. les marées rouges;

7. les aspects économiques dans les projets d'aquaculture;

8. l'évaluation des potentialités pour une planification du développement;

C.2 Sous-réseau Recherche :

Les priorités en matière de recherche se présentent comme suit :

ALGERIE :

1. l'introduction d'espèces performantes au plan socio-économique;

2. les technologies de transformation des produits et leur promotion au niveau du marché national;

3. l'utilisation des sous-produits de l'industrie agricole pour la fabrication d'aliments destinés à l'élevage;

4. la culture d'artémia en raison des potentialités existantes en matière de chotts et sebkhas.

MAROC :

1. L'optimisation de la gestion des écosystèmes lagunaires;

2. l'élaboration de logiciels appliqués à l'aquaculture (évaluation des capacités de charges, modèles bio-économiques…);

3. adaptation de techniques d'élevage de la coquille Saint-Jacques dans les zones sahariennes où existent des remontées d'eau froides.

PORTUGAL :

1. L'élevage en cages flottantes en haute mer;

2. la pathologie de la palourde;

3. l'amélioration de l'anguilliculture à partir des civelles;

4. les troubles nutritionnels de la daurade;

5. l'impact de l'environnement sur l'aquaculture;

6. la diversification des espèces.

TUNISIE:

1. la diversification des espèces;

2. l'élevage d'artémia;

3. les aspects liés à la pathologie;

4. l'identification et l'aménagement des pêcheries en eau douce.

C.3 Sous-réseau Vulgarisation :

Les participants ont exprimé leur préoccupation concernant le contenu de ce Sous-réseau. Aussi ont ils recommandé de mettre l'accent sur une collecte d'informations qui constituera l'ossature du Sous-réseau. A cet effet, une consultation s'avère nécessaire pour définir les outils, les thèmes et les techniques de vulgarisation. Le séminaire qui sera organisé à ce sujet, déterminera le contenu et le mode de fonctionnement du Sous-réseau de façon claire et définitive.

C.4 Sous-réseau Production :

Quatre thèmes prévus dans le Sous-réseau de la formation ont été retenus comme partie intégrante de ce Sous-réseau :

-   gestion d'entreprises aquacoles;

-   aspects technico-socio-économiques;

-   marketing;

-   ingéniérie.

Le séminaire qui sera consacré à ce Sous-réseau déterminera définitivement les actions à y inclure ainsi que les modes de fonctionnement et d'organisation.

D - AUTRES PRIORITES D'APPUI AUX SOUS-RESEAUX ;

- Qualité des produits :

Il a été recommandé d'entreprendre des études spécifiques permettant l'adoption de normes communes sur le contrôle de qualité, le transfert de juvéniles, l'introduction de nouvelles espèces, le traitement, le conditionnement et la distribution des produits aquacoles.

- Services information et consultation :

Il a été convenu par les participants d'accorder une place prépondérante à l'information qui constitue la pierre angulaire du système d'échanges entre les pays membres.

Le système de banque de données spécifiques à l'aquaculture élaboré par la FAO dans le cadre du projet latino-américain pourrait inspirer la création d'une banque de données spécifique à la région méditerranéenne.

La mise en place d'un tel système requiert l'intervention d'un consultant spécialiste en la matière et pourrait bénéficier de la collaboration des UNV qui seront rattachés aux sièges des Sous-centres régionaux.

E - AUTRES ACTIVITES SPECIFIQUES A LA SOUS-REGION :

Les participants ont examiné l'opportunité d'identifier des projets complémentaires à l'activité du projet MEDRAP II dans le cadre des priorités exprimées par les pays membres. Les idées des projets aprés une sélection finale qui sera effectuée par la Coordination du Projet seront présentée4s à des bailleurs de fonds potentiels. Parmi les sujets identifiés dignes d'intérét au niveau Sous-régional, il y a lieu de citer :

-   un projet pilote pour la culture d'artèmia (ALGERIE, MAROC, TUNISIE);

-   un projet d'aménagement des ressources d'alevins naturels destinés au repeuplement des plans d'eau (TUNISIE et PORTUGAL);

-   une étude technico-économique pour la production d'aliment (MAROC, ALGERIE, TUNISIE);

-   une étude des marchés nationaux des produits aquacoles (coordination du projet);

-   un projet pilote d'élevage an cages flottantes en haute mer (PORTUGAL).

F - ACCUEIL DES ACTIVITES REGIONALES ET SOUS-REGIONALES

PORTUGAL :

1. Organisation d'un cours sur la pathologie aquacole, la salubrité et l'hygiène des mollusques et la surveillance des marées rouges;

2. un cours sur la documentation.

MAROC :

1. Tenue probable d'un symposium relatif à l'interaction environnement/aquaculture qui pourrait avoir lieu en 1992/1993.

2. tenue de deux ateliers sur :

   -   la gestion des écosystèmes lagunaires et leur modélisation;

   -   l'adaptation d'élevage de la coquille Saint-Jacques.

TUNISIE :

1. Un atelier sur la diversification des espèces;

2. un atelier sur la maîtrise de l'élevage d'artémia;

3. un cours sur les aspects liés àla pathologie larvaire des poissons;

4. un atelier sur l'identification et l'aménagement de pêcheries en eau douce.

ALGERIE :

1. Un séminaire sur la planification du développement de l'aquaculture;

2. un séminaire sur les normes des produits aquacoles;

3. un séminaire sur l'aquaculture en eau douce.

G - AUTRES SUJETS EN RAPPORT AVEC LE PROJET

• Renforcement de la structure régionale du projet :

Les participants, aprés avoir discuté les activités du projet, ont recommandé une révision du plan de travail et le renforcement de la structure centrale de coordination.

Il a été signalé la nécessité de recruter pour les besoins du centre régional :

-   un expert en aquaculture;

-   un technicien en informatique.

Le Coordinateur National du PORTUGAL a émis le vœu que soit clarifié par le PNUD le statut de son pays (IPF) en particulier pour l'accés au budget du Projet.

1. Termes de référence des Volontaires des Nations Unies:

   Les participants ont examiné les termes de référence contenus dans le document du Projet concernant le Volontaire des Nations Unies.

   Il a été demandé de compléter les termes de référence par la connaîssance de l'Arabe et du Français, la capacité d'utilisation du micro-ordinateur ainsi qu'une bonne expérience en aquaculture.

   la Sous-région sera associée zà la sélection du candidat.

2. Indemnités en faveur des “Professionels Nationaux”.

   Les “Professionels Nationaux”étant à la charge des autorités gouvernementales concernées, (voir document du Projet, Paragraphe E) ne devraient pas recevoir d'indemnités.

   Les participants consideèrent cependant que l'octroi d'indemnités au profit des Coordinateurs Sous-régionaux, peut être envisagé à la condition, qu'elle ne soit pas contraire à la règlementation en vigueur dans les pays concernés.

CYPRUS SUBREGIONAL MEETING

A - STATUS OF AQUACFULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN MEMBER COUNTRIES:

1. CYPRUS:

   CYPRUS delegation distributed the summary statement on the present status of aquaculture developments.

   Priorities indicated were ranked as per list given :

   -   Training :

   1. environmental impact of aquaculture;

   2. hatchery developments;

   3. planning of aquaculture development;

   4. fish diseases;

   5. aquaculture engineering;

   6. nutrition

   7. fish farm management.

   -   Physical inputs :

   1. quality control of seed-standards;

   2. improving the quality/efficiency of fish food/pumping systems.

   -   Advisory and information services :

   1. culture of new species;

   2. market on seed and table size marine fish species;

   3. information on open sea cage culture, environmental impact of marine aquaculture, aquaculture engineering;

   4. developments in hatchery techniques etc… like offseason spawning, quality improvement of larval food.

2. LEBANON :

   In presenting their observations on the status of aquaculture development, priorities and general points on project design, LEABANON indicated that trout culture exists but is not expanding due to socio/political conditions of the Bekaa Valley. Their interest is centered on marine species for which they need general training as main priority. This would come through a UNDP/FAO project which compensates for their lack of participation in MEDRAP I. Interest was expressed in having MEDRAP complement the activities of their national project. Appreciation for the mechanism set under MEDPOL was expressed as one of the possible models for networking to be considered.

   In relation to the priorities for training, became the different status of development, LEBANON proposed the following order:

   1. planning of aquaculture development;

   2. fish farm management;

   3. aquaculture engineering;

   4. environmental impact of aquaculture;

   5. nutrition;

   6. fish diseases;

   7. hatchery developments.

B - GENERAL POINTS FOR PROJECT DESIGN:

1. Elements missing in design:

   -   environmental impact of aquaculture (assessment and control);

   -   planning of aquaculture development (not covered now in the region due to the lack of funding for AQUAMED);

   -   socioeconomics;

   -   legislation.

   These three points are interrelated and could be grouped into a general item on planning.

2. Networking :

   The project document does not refer specifically to the mechanism to be put i place for networking, and does not indicate topics for subnetwoks on research, extension and production.

3. Training :

   For training the following comments were given on the project document:

   -   duration of courses is too long. It is recommended to shorten it to a maximum of two weeks (may not apply for training on the job, if included);

   -   the mechanism for selection of participants in training courses is not specified. Preferably small groups of the same level of expertise should be selected. Participation of private sector should be envisaged, if approved by Governments;

   -   regarding training topics, a list of priority areas (see above) was discussed;

   -   regarding training language, homogenous groups should de formed. Assistance of UN volunteers in translation work could be desirable and their selection should give importance to language skills;

   -   reports of training courses are to be distributed rapidly. It would be desirable to recover the material of MEDRAP I so that list of available training materials are sent to Sub-regional Coordinators, which in turn would pass it on to National Coordinators for selection;

   -   a point was raised on translation of documentation not envisaged in project document. A mechanism should be thought out.

4. Activities :

   For activities 2.1.2 to 2.1.7 of the project document, the following comments were offered:

   2.1.2 Activity 2 aquaculture engineering :

   Short courses of about one week each, are preferable. Topics should refer to sea cages technology, design of land-based farms, fish farm effluents treatment systems, design of fish farm outfalls, energy aspects, etc…

   2.1.3 Activity 3 fish feed technology:

   This item should cover nutrition aspects, feed formulae, food preparation techniques.

   2.1.4 Activity 4 Feeding technology:

   Should include feeding methods and techniques and impact of food on cost of fish production. Some of the courses should be suitable for farm technicians (middle level). Types of food in the market (globally).

   2.1.5 Activity 5 Fish disease : Prevention and control :

   Very important subject. Short courses, on different topics each time.

   2.1.6 Activity 6 Aquaculture products technology :

   To include study visits to fish farms, aquaculture fairs, other geographical regions.

   2.1.7 Activity 7 Water management :

   To include water monitoring methods and quality standards for a- fish rearing and b- the impact on environment, as well as c- the utilization of treated sewage effluents in aquaculture.

   Activities 2.1.8 and 2.1.9 are indicated as priority topics, and 2.1.10 for CYPRUS is not so interesting. Point 2.1.11 and 2.2 are already covered by the comment on preparation of training materials and distribution (2.2.1 corresponds to 2.1.4/2.2.2 to 2.1.8 and 2.2.3 to 2.1.9)

5. Physical inputs and Quality control :

   For strengthening of physical inputs (immediate objective 3), the following principal activities were suggested :

   -   quality control of seed (standards, code of practice):

   -   improvement of quality and efficiency of diets (information on performance and availability of products in the market).

6. Information and Advisory services :

   For information and advisory services (immediate objective 3 of project document) for CYPRUS main points to deal with would de :

   -   culture potential of new species (diversification);

   -   market information on seed and table size marine fish species;

   -   new rearing technologies like off-shore cages and others, also from outside the region;

   -   establishment of linkages with other UNDP/FAO projects and commissions like EIFAC.

   It was agreed that the final proposal for activities to be executed by the project would be prepared by the project Coordinator as a synthesis of the deliberations of the 4 sub-regional groups. The participating countries pointed out of the necessity of recruiting a technical expert for the duration of the project, or at least for the first year of operation, to assist the Regional Coordinator in setting up the various programmes.

C- NETWORK ORGANIZATION

- Modalities of network organization were briefly outlined in connection with the discussion on structure of the project. They would have different financial implications for the countries and a decision needs to be reached at the NSC meeting as it would be desirable to maintain the same structures when MEDRAP becomes an autonomous organization.

In relation to the relevance of the sub-networks proposed in the project document. The main interest for LEBANON is in those on training and research (the other two are not considered appropriate for their needs at their present stage of development).

CYPRUS indicated interest in three subnetworks : training, research, and production. Extension is not considered necessary or appropriate. The production network has to find a mechanism to incentivate private sector participation, (by training and diffusion of relevant economic and production oriented information). The research network should be based on topics of national interest so that collaborative research could be organized between institutions dealing with similar topics (costs could be partly covered through the network but local funding would be needed, on long term perspective).

- The different networks could contemplate different types of arrangements for proper functionning (eg : production could be more oriented to information exchange than research, which could be mainly involved in exchange of scientists and collaborative research programmes).

The extension and production networks could be initially supported through an information network that compiles and distributes technical information useful for extension purposes and which also collects, analyzes and distributes economic information useful for products.

In discussing the seminar on networking, it was indicated that EEC and EIFAC have organized inventories of institutions involved in aquaculture research and training for which it would be desirable to have this information at the planned seminar on networking.

D - RESEARCH AND STRDIES

The meeting pointed out that although the project document indicates the need to establish a research network, it does not indicate either the mechanism to be adopted or the main topics to be investigated.

LEBANON suggested the adoption of the following guideline principle for studies and research : although the project could deal with research items of subregional or national interest, priority to the utilisation of funds should be given to regional activities.

Four proposals for specific studies were submitted by CYPRUS for consideration. The subjects to be covered are :

1. experimental culture of new species in order to maximize the efficiency (economic) of facilities available and to diversify production with the objective of enlarging market opportunities;

2. aquaculture effluent treatment. Both code of practice, norms and technology have to be developed in this area. The subject is of particular relevance in intensive operation and requires prompt action;

3. offseason spawning. This study is directly related to the first as a mechanism to extend the productive period of hatcheries and to tap additional market opportunities;

4. development of a National Aquaculture Plan. A specific study is required in order to design a development framework for aquaculture in the country as this is a new field of fisheries.

   The first three proposals were endorsed by LEBANON as having subregional value. In addition, the Lebanese delegation produced another proposal to set up the required infrastructure to monitor environmental parameters, required for site selection of aquaculture facilities in their country.

   As LEBANON did not participate in MEDRAP 1, the meeting of the subregion recommends that special attention be paid to their very special needs, particularly in respect monitoring of water parameters.

E- HOSTING OF SUBREGIONAL AND REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

CYPRUS offered to host the following activities :

1. a course on environmental impact of aquaculture along similar lines of the courses being organized in 1991 in PORTUGAL by Stirling University (UK), subject to government approval.

2. training of 2 Lebanese technicians on the job, for fattening of marine species, in relation with the activities of the UNDP project in LEBANON to be started soon. The modalities of this training will be arranged at a later stage.

3. a meeting on the organization of the research subnetwork, subject to government approval and further negociations.

E- OTHER MATERS

1. Terms of reference of UN Volunteers : The meeting examined terms of reference of UN Volunteers included in the project document. It was agreed that each subregion would indicate specific TORS for their UN Volunteer. For CYPRUS subregion, the TORS indicated in page 23 of the project document were considered as generally adequate. However, knowledge of computer use would be desirable and special emphasis was also put on the need to have a bilingual UNV with English as first and French/Arabic as second language. Preference for candidates from the subregion or the Mediterranean was expressed. The forms requesting the recruitment of the UNVs would be forwarded by the FAO Project Coordinator before the NSC meeting.

2. Questionnaires on aquaculture capabilities and needs. It was agreed that the replies to the questionnaire would be sent directly to the Project Coordinator, by the end of March, due to limited amount of time available, with copies to the Subregional Coordinator. The normal channel for documentation, would, however, be through the Subregional Coordination.

3. Equipment for the subregional centre. Equipment requirements for the CYPRUS subregional centre were indicated as : a computer, a slide projector and a camera.

4. Compensation for national professionals. The meeting noted that the project document is unclear in respect to whether subregional coordinators and/or national professionals should receive a compensation for services rendered to MEDRAP II. The view of CYPRUS was that only subregional coordinators should receive a salary incentive and that a fair formula should be found to take into account the cost of living and the salary scales of the various countries. It was suggested that a compensation as a percentage of the local salary could be a feasible solution.

5. Incentives for participation of private sector. In order to incentivate cooperation with the private sector the subregional center could take care of the exchange of information of interest to producers and of the organization of visits to the various countries of the subregion.

LIBYA SUBREGIONAL MEETING

A • Status of aquaculture development in member countries.

All the countries of the subregion submitted written statements which are attached as appendixes. The main development priorities indicated for each country are as follows :

EGYPT : - Coastal aquaculture (both hatcheries and rearing facilities)

LIBYA : - After an initial stage in which attention was focused on inland aquaculture (stocking and reservoirs) the emphasis for aquaculture development has shifted to coastal aquaculture development.

MALTA : - From the beginning the main priority has been the development of intensive systems for commercial marine fish aquaculture.

B • Seminar on Networking.

A short presentation was given on the need for defining the type of network organization to be adopted by MEDRAP II for its present phase with UNDP funding as well as for its future operation as an autonomous intergovernmental organization. To facilitate the decision of the countries, as the project document does not contemplate any mechanism for the organization of the various subnetworks, a special seminar will be organized inviting speakers from organizations with experience in aquaculture networks of different nature.

C. Definition of priorities and establishment of the subnetworks.

The four subnetworks foreseen in the project document : training, research, extension and production, were discussed by the countries of the subregion. As the project document contemplates activities which are mainly related to the training subnetwork, the views of the countries were requested to determine what they would consider priority activities for the four subnetworks to be included in a general workplan for the project. The possibility of adopting different operational mechanisms for the four subnetworks was also discussed, in particular for the research subnetwork. the countries noted the need to modify the workplan, taking into account the disappearance of the AQUAMED project which was supposed to complement MEDRAP activities to ensure a suitable development of aquaculture in the region.

C.1 Training subnetwork

MALTA : the representative prioritaized training requirements, both short and long term, as follows :

Short term :

Long term

3 to 4 month assignements for technicians at other institutions.

It is imperative that the target audience be well defined for each training. Carefull selection of participants by national coordinators is essential in order to maximize the benefits from such exercise.

EGYPT :

The Coordinator listed the training requirements in the following order :

1. Shrimp rearing technology;

2. Marine fish species aquaculture (reproduction and fattening);

3. Fish feeding technology (including organic fertilization) of ponds;

4. Fry recruitment from the wild;

5. Fish pathology;

6. Marine farm management.

7. Coastal lagoon management.

The average duration of the training courses was recommended to be 3 or 4 weeks maximum.

LIBYA : The representative started by pointing out that their priorities may differ slightly from those of other countries which had participated in MEDRAP 1. Their priorities were listed as follows :

1. Marine hatchery management;

2. Fish pathology;

3. Aquaculture engineering.

C.2 Research subnetwork

The MALTA representative pointed out that at the meeting held in CYPRUS the countries had agreed on a proposal to consider setting up lead centres for advisory and support services in a number of themes which require considerable resources and which no one country could afford to establish on its own. The proposal was included as appendix IV of the proceedings of the CYPRUS workshop within the framework of the extension subnetwork of MEDRAP II. It is pertinent to give this proposal further consideration.

In addition to research priorities, the participants discussed the various forms in which research activities could be carried out.

Consultants would be involved in proposing the various linkages amongst institutions working mainly on the information provided by the countries through the questionnaire distributed by the project coordination.

These linkages could contemplate various levels of complexity starting from the simplest form, which would be the creation of a data base on research (to be up-dated periodically by the project) to the higher level of complexity which would involve the elaboration of concerted research projects among several institutions.

Intermediate stages could be the organization of workshops to make the point on the status of research on very specific item, and the exchange of visits between laboratories for Scientists involved in the same type of research.

Another point highlighted by the meeting was the need to broaden the spectrum of research by including also technical and social research topics relevant to aquaculture development.

As to the priorities they are as follows :

MALTA :

-   Broodstock management and fry production;

-   engineering with special reference to fish fattening;

-   documentation and information;

-   shrimp farming.

EGYPT : The same priorities as MALTA.

LIBYA : Live food for hatcheries especially artemia.

C.3 Extension subnetwork

The participants have been invited to define the nature and the content of this subnetwork because it has not been clarified in the project.

It was put in evidence by the participants that in the Mediterranean region aquaculture extension cannot be only viewed in the usual context of rural agriculture extension due to the highly diverse situation of development of aquaculture in the various countries

Aquaculture extension approaches could cover from the education of the public to promote consumption of products to traditional rural extension as it is the case of countries with a large number of producers like EGYPT. This would imply the need to develop diverse extension tools going from production of audio-visual material to printed hand outs.

In EGYPT they have a specialized center in extension : ABASSA Centre.

This centre uses visual aids, elaborates programmes and documentation for aquaculturists. It also runs a pilot farm for demonstration and issues pamphlets about aquaculture.

In MALTA television and radio programmes are broadcast to educate people. They issue pamphlets and make periodical visits to aquaculture farms. They also offer advice to farmers who visit the center.

In LIBYA they have an aquarium where they make demonstrations for visitors.

Importance of adequate extension techniques was highlighted and a workshop on the subject was proposed to be included in the workplan.

C.4 Production Sub-Network

In discussing this item, participants noted that the ultimate nature of the project is to provide a harmonic development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean region. For this reason the production sub-network becomes the top of the organizational pyramid of the project, being supported by the three other sub-networks : training, research and extension. Accepting this evidence, the organization of the activities of the project becomes much clearer as they will be all aimed at the final top level network, which is production. At the base of the three sub-networks (training, research and extension), it is necessary to establish an information sub-network, which feeds the upper levels and receives feed-back information.

This sub-network is not specifically mentioned in the project document, although reference to it, in a diffused form, is made all through the description of project activities. Moreover, the equipment provided by the project is oriented to the support of this information sub-network and is supposed to be located at the crucial points where the information is collected.

For the production sub-network, project activities should be targeted at specific audiences. The participants identified five different groups to be involved:

1. planners, bankers, governmental employees dealing with authorizations or concessios/permits;

2. investors, in the process of starting large/middle scale aquaculture projects;

3. operators of large/middle scale projects, mainly oriented to the production of export commodities:

4. small producers in rural areas, or people involved in culture based fisheries or extensive aquaculture projects;

5. wholesaler community, which is involved in the identification and processing of new projects.

Project activities should be targeted to them specifically. Many of the activities which are relevant for improvement of aquaculture production were already discussed in the other three sub-networks (training, research and extension), but the participants selected specific action to be promoted through studies and advisory services, like preparation of guidelines for aquaculture development planning, preparation of written material on economic and financial analysis of projects, market surveys for species and processed products, introduction of new production technologies and improvement of fishing practices for extensive and culture based fisheries.

Given the importance of assuring the participation of the private sector in this sub-network, the participants recognized the need to identify the necessary intensives to be applied at regional level. Examples given included visits to other facilities, seminars to discuss specific production problems, provision of economic information (data and prices, cost, market trends), participation of technician of private farms in specific short-term training courses to introduce improved technologies or, longer-term at other facilities to acquire the necessary skills.

Given the interest expressed by the countries in the diversification of production and in acquiring techniques in the region which could allow a reduction of production costs, exchanges of information with Asian countries and its diffusion in the region, was proposed.

The convenience of making use of the services of other projects like INFOSAMAK, which could take in charge specific market research on behalf of MEDRAP, was also highlighted.

D • Other priorities in support of subnetworks.

The participants examined the outputs and activities listed under Immediate Objectives 3 of the project document. The main purpose was to judge their relevance and to examine the possibility of utilizing the resources allocated to them for other activities of higher interest to the region.

D.1 Strengthening of Physical Inputs and Product Quality.

It was suggested that funds allocated for visits to fairs and exhibitions (output 3.1) could be saved by organizing other events like workshops or seminars side by side with the holding of the fairs.

The output 3.2 of the project document was interpreted by the participants as the adoption of standards and codes of practice to improve the quality of aquaculture products in general and to help in minimizing the negative impacts of the activity. Reference was made to protocols established by ICES/EIFAC/FAO on introduction of species, on quality control of aquaculture products, water quality criteria for farm effluents, etc. Their review an adoption by the region would facilitate an easier integration in foreign markets and would reduce negative impacts related to an unregulated development of aquaculture.

D.2 Information and advisory services.

Making reference to the previous discussion held in this and in the other sub-regional groups, the importance of information services was stressed by the participants.

In order to design information services in support1 of the activities planned, a discussion was held on the data base being established in the context of the Latin America Regional Aquaculture Project, implemented by FAO. The discussion centered on the applicability of the architecture of the software to the Mediterranean Region.

EGYPT indicated that the informatization of their fishery sector is being started in collaboration with MEXICO. This exercise will provide an excellent opportunity to insert the aquaculture sub-sector into the data base being created.

For MALTA, fisheries data, provided through the central market are already being processed.

LIBYA indicated the lack of computerized information system on fisheries. although plans exist to develop it.

The participants discussed the away in which the analysis of needs, in terms of both software and hardware, should be dealt with in MEDRAP II. It was noted that the system should build upon existing national structure and, then, assistance by specialized counsultants would be required to assess needs. The minimum level would imply visits to the four sub-regional centres and to the project regional centre.

It does not appear feasible to initiate this activity before the first meeting of the Network Steering Committee.

E • Other activities specific to the Sub-region

Each of the three participating countries submitted a project poposal. These proposals are attached to the present report.

MALATA :

Submitted two proposals :

-   one about the creation of regional centres for advisory and supporting services.

The objective is to help countries cooperate in a certain activity of common interest but which no one can afford to do on its own. This proposal was formulated by all participating countries at the CYPRUS meeting in 1989.

-   the second project is an intensive short course on aquaculture pathology.

This project can be included in the training activities.

EGYPT :

A project for a pilot Marine Fish Farm.

LIBYA :

An aquaculture project for rearing shrimp and fish. This project was presented as a common project for the three countries of the Sub-region. A long discussion followed about the relevance of these projects. The emphasis has been put on giving a particular interest to the projects which have a regional or sub-regional interest. MEDRAP will help raising funds for these proposals from potential donors in order to implement them.

F • Hosting of sub-regional activities :

MALTA offered to host :

-   a workshop on pathology for 15 participants in autumn 1991 or spring 1992;

-   a workshop on nursery techniques of tilapia cultured in seawater (1992);

-   a workshop on social and economic aspects of aquaculture.

EGYPT offered to host

-   the production sub-network seminar at ABASSA centre in December 1991;

-   a seminar on extension techniques at ABASSA centre in 1992;

-   a workshop on fresh water aquaculture (the topic will be defined later) in 1992.

LIBYA offered to host :

-   a seminar on planning and management aspects of aquaculture in 1992;

-   a training course in fish farm management in 1993.

G • Other related matters :

1. terms of reference of U N Volunteers.

   The TORS indicated in the project document (page 23) were considered adequate. However, knowledge of computer utilization would be highly desirable.

   A mastery of the English language is necessary. The knowledge of Arabic as a second language will be of a great help.

   Preference for candidates from the sub-region or from the Mediterranean area was expressed.

2. Incentive payments for the different project professionals.

   There has been a consensus that no allowances should be provided for either national professionals or national coordinators since they are fully supported by their respective governments.

   However an allowance could be given to the sub-regional coordinator regarding the special effort he is supposed to make and the role he has to play in the follow up of the sub-regional activities.

   Funds saved on line 17 of the budget could be used for such activities as simultaneous translation, publications, etc…

3. The questionnaire on aquaculture capabilities and needs which has been sent to the National Coordinators must be filled in and sent directly to the Project Coordinator (with a copy to the sub-regional coordinator) by the end of March and in no way later than the first week of April.

4. Strengthening of the regional centre of the project.

   The importance of the activities of the project, as they came out from the discussion made, the strengthening of the regional centre of Tunis by at least a specialist appear as something urgent.

   However, according to the project document, the Tunisian Government should nominate professional staff to assist the Project Coordinator.

YUGOSLAVIA SUb-RREGIONAL MEETING.

A - SUMMARY OF THE YUGOSLAV AQUACULTURE STATE OF ART:

Shellfish :

Coastal aquaculture with shellfish production, has been practiced traditionally since the pre-Roman times. New techniques have been applied for the production of mainly mussels and oysters. Current production is about 2,000 t, the leading producers being located at Mali Ston Bay, Sibeniz area, Limski kanal and Portoroz. Shellfish production is done by a number of small farmers all along the coast in sheltered areas. The production is based on wild spat. Market value is decreasing due to the public concern about pollution of coastal zones. There is critical improving rearing technology for oysterproduction, and by processing shellfish to improve, marketability of the product .

Marine Finfish culture.

Experimental work in mariculture started in the early 1970's in several Marine Research Centres along the eastern Adriatic coast (Split, Dubrovnik, Rovini, Zadar). These activities included plancton production, artificial spawning and rearing at early development stages of marine fishes and cage culture. Both experimental and pilot scale results encouraged the governmental enterprises to set into commercial exploitation of mariculture.

The first industrial marine hatchery in Zadar began operations in 1984, Present production exceeds 3 Million fingerlings/y. Another two hatcheries, are functional in meantime: Rovinj with a production capacity of 500,000 fingerlings/y and a pilot scale hatchery at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries with 300,000 fingerlings/y.

Commercial production is around 500 T/year and is obtained from cage culture systems. It is composed of both large scale and small scale operations concentrated in Mali Stan Bay, Morina Bay (Split),Sibenik area, Zadar, Rovinj and Portoroz. Sea bass (D.Labrax) is the dominant species in industrial mariculture with 90% of total production.In addition to this species, gilthead sea bream (S.Auratus), sheepshead sea bream (Puntazzo puntazzo and red sea bream (Pagrus major) are cultured. Very recently interest is directed to Dentex dentex, Which is possible to reproduce under hatchery conditions; potential for mariculture is to be evaluated in the near future.

Pacific salmon O.Kisutch) is farmed at pilot scale in the estuary of Kika river (Sibenik area) with the assistance of a UNDP/FAO project. The project experienced problems due to high summer temmperature and a new location has been selected to complete the rearing cycle sea water.

An eel farm with a capacity of 200 T (70 ha of raceways) has been constructed, Unfortunately, due to the difficulties caused by the low winter temperature (a wrong site was selected ) production results have been rather disappointing.

Planned production

The National Aquaculture Development Plan foresees a production of 5000 T by 1995 from mariculture . The plan includes an expansion of existing hatchery output, and an expansion of cage culture sites with the policy to encourage small private farming (family scale )and cooperatives on island areas. This is supposed to rely on a strong central support to provide fingerlings, feed, technical assistance and marketing of the final products.

Actions to be undertaken

In order to have hatchery operational all year round, and to overcome possible problems caused by saturating markets with a single species (sea bass), research activities are now concentrating on the controlled production of new species, on lowering the cost of production by the simplification of production techniques, based on the experience we already have with in shore cage production. There is a tendency to move large ongrowing facilities from sheltered bays to more open waters by employing offshore cage culture systems.

Freshwater aquaculture :

The freshwater aquaculture is restricted to carp and trout culture. Carp is produced inland by employing rather extensive production technology, which is in average about 300 Kg/ha. The yearly production is fluctuating around 15–20,000 T/y. No significant expansion of the carp production is expected due to the saturation of the markets. trout, is produced in both freshwater and brackish waters. Total production is about 5,000 T. Increase in production is not expected due to both the low market value and shortage of favourable sites.

Conslusion:

It seems that fish culture efforts is YUGOSLAVIA are going to be shifted towards mariculture favorizing fish such as sea bass and some sea bream species.

The priorities which are identified as needing to be addressed immediately are as follow:

As for shellfish the action will be directed towards 1)- marketability of the product; 2)ecological aspedt by avoiding conflict with other users; 3)-technology ; 4)-management.

B - NETWOUKING SEMINAR

The organization of the seminar on networking, planned for 24–25 April, was introduced to the participants. This presentation included the five networks identified by the previous subregional meetings (information, research, training, extension and production) and the hierarchy amongst them as well as thei interrelationship. No major questions on the seminar were raised by the Yugoslavian delegation.

C- DEFINITION OF PRIORITIES AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SUB-NETWORKS

C.1 Training subnetwork.

Due to the relatively advanced level of the production sector, the main characteristic of the training activities requested by YUGOSLAVIA is that they should be practice-oriented, not theoretical, short term and highly specialized training .

YUGOLAVIA priority subjects for training were indicated in the following order:

1. fry production for bass and bream, as this seems to be the most important limiting factor for expansion of production;

2. feed development and formulation for sea bass and sea bream based on utilization of local ingredients, as well as feeding at the various stages of development of sea bass and sea bream (larvae, juvenile, adult). The feeding of freshwater species was not considered as an urgent priority;

3. fish pathology oriented to prevention, diagnosis and control, at technician level;

4. practical training through stages for technicians (abroad ) on cage culture in marine fish species.

YUGOSLAVIA agreed to combine training activities with visits to fairs and study tours, Courses' duration, as envisaged in project document were judged to be too long.

C.2 Research subnetwork.

YUGOSLAVIA priorities for research are as follows :

-   The interrelationship between aquaculture and environment . This topic could be coordinated with the activities of the PAP/RAC. This research should be oriented to the definition of practical guidelines/ protocols to be used by technicians to first recognize parameter levels which may indicate unstable rearing conditions.

-   The present location of cages, is applied research on offshore cage culture and monitoring of oceanographic data in relation with offshore cage culture technology.

-   Reproductive physiology of sea bass/sea bream for extension of the active period of hatcheries.

-   Diversification of aquaculture production and research on new species rearing technologies such as Dentex dentex, Puntazzo puntazzo, Diplodus sargus, Pagrus major, for which initial trials have already been completed.

-   Genetics of Sparidae oriented to the production of hybrids and triploids and, monosex production of seabass.

General interest on research in nutrition and pathology of sea bass/sea bream was expressed.Readiness to cooperate with all other interested instituions of MEDRAP 2 countries was also indicated. The linkages with other groups of the region will determined at the network planned for late 91 and will be adopted and incorporated into the Work Programme for 92 in the course of the second Network Steering Committee.

C.3 Extension subnetwork

YUGOSLAVIA explained the present arrangements to provide extension to producers. No official institution is incorporating extension work in its terms of reference. However, extension tasks are performed by associations of producers (voluntary) which work rather efficiently in the freshwater sector and take care also of input supply and export of production.

In the marine sector a much smaller association exists, included in a larger Marine Fisheries Association. The research institutes get involved in provision of advise on a voluntary basis of through the provision of specific project contracts. Due to the small size of the marine culture industry, activities of the subnetwork could be oriented to identifying the needs in extension in the future At present, activities related to the development of guidelines, and to the collation and preparation of extension materials and audiovisuals would be sufficient to cover present needs.

C.4 Information subnetwork

The discussion on this item concentrated on the need to establish a tool for provision of relevant information to the four subnetwork identified in the project document. The establishment of a computerized data base system, originally based at the Project Regional and Subregional centres was favourably judged by YUGOSLAVIA, which also indicated the possibility of introducing into this data base the information on aquaculture collected for the Mediterranean by PAP/RAC.

C.5 Production subnetwork

This subnetwork was identified as the top level of the organizational stucture of MEDRAP 2, whose final objective is to favour the development of aquaculture production in participating and associated countries. There was a clear understanding that activities in this subnetwork should be in addition to those of the extension, research and information subnetworks which are also production related. Activities would be targeted at individuals dealing with development planning of aquaculture, investors and banking institutions and operators who have to improve the economic efficiency of their facilities as well as small farmers and processing operators concerned with the development and marketing of new products. It was also indicated by YUGOSLAVIA that aspects related to existing regulations affecting the industry (such as transport and sanitary standards regulations) should be part of the activities of this subnetwork. Doubts were expressed about the effective participation of private sector unless sufficient incentives were planned by the project. According to YUGOSLAVIA the participation of private sector should be chanelled and coordinated by the National Coordinator. A condition for participation would be that those benefiting from the project should also allow access into their facilities to other producers selected by the project.

D- OTHER ACTIVITIES SPECIFIC TO THE SUB-REGION

The project poposed by the Yugoslavian representative concerns “Environmental aspects and Aquaculture” with a special emphasis on site selection for cage culture.

It was proposed that this project be coordinated with PAP/RAC activities. The project proposal is attached to this report.

The Yugoslavian representation also expressed interest in participating in project activities related to Artemia cultivation. These could be developed in collaboration with the Artemia Reference Center at Ghent University in BELGIUM.

As BULGARIA is known to have some expertise in this field it would be useful to associate them in this project.

E- HOSTING OF REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL ACTIVITES

E.1 The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split has been proposed as the most suitable place to host training activities on technical aspects of hatchery management (Phytoplankton and Zooplankton cultivation; fish larvae and fingerlinga rearing and all shellfish rearing technologies.

This course would be addressed to the diversification of cultivated species (Dentex dentex, Diplodus volgaris, Pagus major).

The period suggested for this course is April – May 1992.

In addition, production centres of Zadar (Cenmar) and Rovinj (Mali Mirna) could host practical training activities.

The second course proposed by the Yugoslavian representative is about “Environmental aspects of aquaculture and site selection”. This course could be organized in Split in collaboration with PAP/RAC.

The period proposed for this course is autumn.

The terms of reference of the two suggested courses will be telefaxed as soon as possible to the regional centre.

E.2 The Turkish National Coordinator offers, in a telefaxed message, to host two training courses in extension about:

-   fry fishing;

-   feeding techniques.

He also agreed, in a telephone conversation to host the seminar on extension tentatively planned form 5 to 8 November 1991 for 20 to 30 participants.

F (a)- Terms of reference of UN Volunteers

YUGOSLAVIA agreed with the terms of reference expressed in the project document. However, some additional qualifications are desirable:

-   knowledge of Mediterranean aquaculture;

-   experience in computer utilization;

-   knowledge of French language.

The participation of sub-regional coordinators in the selection of UNV candidates has been stressed.

(b)- Follow-up of the questionnaire on aquaculture activities

The questionnaire will be soon sent to the countries of the sub-region which have not received it. This questionnaire has to be filled in and sent back urgently to The Project Coordinator with a copy to the Sub-Regional Coordinator.

Needless to say that the answers to this questionnaire are essential to the work of the consultants during the next six months: preparation of the detailed work plan.

(c)- Other questions

The convenience to link the MEDRAP Project to PAP/RAC programmes on environmental aspects of aquaculture has been expressed:

-   funds for common activities should be used jointly, independently of prject budget origin (RAB or RER);

-   the Yugoslavian representative agreed with the necessity of supporting the establishment of information units at the regional and sub-regional level as well as recieving technical advice and software for the organisation of national information systems;

-   the allowance to be accorded to the National Professionals as it is expressed in the Project document has been judged unacceptable;

-   this allowance should either be utilized for the sub regional coordinators only or at the subregional and national coordinators, The issue will have to be discussed with Yugoslavian authorities;

-   eventual savings on this budget line should be reoriented to the support of basic activities such as publication, simultaneous translation or some other activities not budgeted in the project;

-   the Yugoslavian delegation agreed on the necessity to strengthen the regional Project Coordination centre with a specialist in aquaculture who will assure the role of a regional coordinator's deputy

-   a new activity should also be included to cover the setting up of a permanent and autonomous regional network system which is the ultimate objective of the project.