Section 2. Summary of the Survey Returns

Section 2. Summary of the Survey Returns

Bangladesh

I. Background

Aquaculture is a traditional and age old practice in Bangladesh. Almost all the households possess a small- to medium-size dug out earth pond. In addition, most of the villages have relatively big size community ponds. Other types of culture systems used are pen and cage culture, paddy cum fish culture and culture-based fisheries in lakes and seasonal water bodies.

Aquaculture has been given importance in Bangladesh because of its potential for export earnings, generation of employment for the rural sector and its contribution to the supply of animal protein for the population. Bangladeshis are rice and fish eating people. Fish is an essential daily food item for the people and as such demand for fish is increasing with the increase of population. In the early sixties, the per capita annual fish consumption was 12 kg per person, which however has come down to 9.0 kg in spite of significant growth in the fisheries sector. Aquaculture sector is expected to contribute to the reduction in gap between demand and supply of fishery products. In addition to domestic demand, export market is equally important for the country to ease the balance of payment. Presently, high valued shrimp from coastal aquaculture is the main export earning commodity.

Key species cultured include catla, rohu, mrigala, kalbashu, other carps, catfishes, minnows, tilapia, prawn and shrimp, freshwater clam, mullet, and perches. Commonly used culture systems are pond, pen and cage culture in fresh- and brackishwaters, and paddy cum fish culture.

Aquaculture production in 1994-95 was 330,000 tons from 292,378 ha of production area, contributing 1.3% to the GNP. It was estimated that about 500,000 people are directly employed in the aquaculture sector.

II. National Aquaculture Development Plan

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is responsible for the development and implementation of the national aquaculture development plan.

II. 1 Objectives and Priorities of the National Aquaculture Development Plan

Aquaculture development objectives	Aquaculture development priorities
To increase fish production To ensure availability of an adequate animal protein supply to the people To generate foreign exchange earnings through export To alleviate poverty through creation of job opportunities for the rural people	Shrimp farming and brackishwater aquaculture Inland freshwater pond aquaculture Human resource development in the aquaculture sector Strengthening of fisheries extension services Infrastructure development for aquaculture and fisheries Entrepreneur development in aquaculture Export of aquaculture products, mainly shrimp

II. 2 Process followed in formulating the aquaculture development plans and priorities

In formulating national aquaculture development plans, the Department of Fisheries, MOFL follows consultative and participatory processes that seek the active involvement of the agencies and organizations in both public and private sectors, NGOs, research organizations, and fish and shrimp farmers’ associations. Main criteria used are sustainability and impacts on poverty alleviation.

II. 3 Implementation of the National Aquaculture Development Plans

Strategies for the implementation of the national aquaculture development plan are:

Formulation and implementation of aquaculture development projects
Extension and technology transfer

Action plans and objectives of the national aquaculture development plan

No information was provided.

Changes and emerging issues resulting from implementation of the aquaculture development plan

No information was provided.

II. 4 Issues and Needs in Formulating and Implementing National Aquaculture Development Plans

Category	Issues	Constraints	Required actions
Administrative and institutional aspect	Poor coordination among related agencies and programmes	Lack of coordination	Improved interagency collaboration
Legal aspects	Conflicts with other sectors, e.g., industry, water and land	Overlapping of jurisdictions	Interagency collaboration.
Information	No established databases for aquaculture Inadequate information exchange system Weak extension	Inefficient human resource development programme Lack of facilities and manpower for extension	Establishment of aquaculture databases Strengthening information exchange systems Development and implementation of extension projects Assistance of regional organizations
Human resources	Underutilization and non-utilization of skilled manpower	Skilled manpower not placed at the right places	Proper placement of manpower
Technical aspects	Scarcity of quality fish feed Lack of local feed ingredients	Required feed factories have not yet been developed	Lifting of ban on feed ingredient importation and reduction of tax
Physical and environmental aspects	None
Socio-economic aspects	Availability of production credit:	Complex procedures in obtaining credit and lack of collateral	Changes in the credit system, i.e., simplified procedures and removal of collateral system

III. National Aquaculture Development Research

III. 1 Role, Objectives and Priorities of National Aquaculture Research

The key functions of the aquaculture research sector are to assist the government in planning, executing and implementing the national development plan for the sustainable development of fisheries resources and to provide technical support to entrepreneurs, farmers and other interested parties. The objectives of the aquaculture development research sector are:

To increase fish production through generating improved aquaculture technologies.
To undertake research (mainly applied and/or adaptive) for the development and optimum utilization of living aquatic resources.
To evolve methods of import substitution and cost reduction, and improve processing of fishery products for domestic consumption and export purposes.
To identify new production opportunities and develop them into usable levels.
To develop skilled manpower in various fisheries disciplines and improve farmers’ knowledge.
To develop sustainable aquaculture technologies and fisheries management practices for both scientific exchange and extension purposes.
To make arrangements for training and seminar-workshops (international and national levels) for planners, scientists, extension workers, entrepreneurs and farmers.

The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) is the organization responsible for the planning and coordinating of the national aquaculture development research.

Aquaculture research priorities and action plans/programs for the year 1996-2000

All programmes are implemented by FRI and academic research institutions participate in implementation. The target beneficiaries of the programmes are fishfarmers and entrepreneurs.

Priority Research Areas

Research Programs

Expected outputs

Technology testing and packaging for country wide adoption

All Bangladesh coordinated adaptive research project on fish culture and seed production in different agroclimatic & physiographic regions of the country
Pilot scale adaptive research for mass seed production of M. rosenbergii in backyard hatchery and its polyculture with fish
Pilot scale demonstration of fish culture in pens

Dissemination of aquaculture technologies
Adequate supply of prawn seed
Suitable prawn-fish polyculture system

Stock improvement, productivity and management

Collection, screening and evaluation of germplasm of important fish and their stock improvement and conservation of endangered species; intensive and semi-intensive culture practice for perennial and seasonal water bodies
Development of cost effective feeds for broodstock/fingerling of carps and catfish
Productivity enhancement and maintenance of soil and water quality in ponds
Relationship between environmental factors and fish disease epidemic
Productivity enhancement under integrated livestock-fish-crop farming system and to evolve suitable models of integrated farming systems
Credit system and its impact on fisheries sector: economic evaluation of credit programmes for freshwater aquaculture development

Identification of strains and species of carp
Breeding and culture technologies of endangered species, genetic improvement of cultured species
Cost-effective feed
Baseline information on basic nutrients/elements in ponds, and on environmental factors in relation to fish diseases
Suitable models of integrated aquaculture farming
Information on sociodemographic characteristics of loan applicants

Priority Research Areas	Research Programs	Expected outputs
Broodstock management, mass seed production and culture of brackishwater shrimp and finfish; Estuarine ecology, biodiversity and monitoring of manmade changes	Soil, water and productivity of gher fishery Transportation of shrimp fry and their nursery management Broodstock management and mass seed production of shrimp Mono and polyculture of shrimp, prawn and fish Development of shrimp diet from locally available ingredients Population variation studies on wild stock of P. monodon and M. rosenbergii Shrimp farming on mangrove and estuarine environment	Improved fisheries management, including estuarine environment , coastal mangroves and ecological system Improved collection and transportation techniques of shrimp fry Culture technologies for mono and polyculture Cost-efficient feeds
Productivity assessment, stock assessment, mariculture; product development, socio-economic assessment	Breeding, seed production and culture of sea bass and mullet Technology development for effective utilization of by-catches of shrimp trawling Development of improved methods for handling, transportation and preservation of hilsa fish and shrimps Catch monitoring, assessment of stock and productivity of marine fishery resources of Bangladesh An economic study of production and marketing of small scale marine fisheries in Bangladesh	Supply of live food for future aquaculture experiments and a bank of pure cultures of such organisms Package of technologies for broodstock raising and management of seabass and mullet Product development for bycatch/less attractive fish species with limited commercial value Storage technologies for hilsa and shrimp Information for development of industries for postharvest handling, and marketing Comprehensive data on coastal fisheries development Information on important stocks as well as on potential fishery development economic analysis of small-scale marine fisheries, including marketing channels

III. 2 Processes and Criteria Used in Formulating Aquaculture Research Plan and Priorities

Process	Criteria	Participants
Consultative approach in identifying problems Review of previous plans and research outputs Formulation and screening of new plans Approval of development plans	National development needs Government objectives Recommendations of national workshops and scientists Field-level problems Available resources (funding, manpower and infrastructure)	FRI, MOFL (Planning) DOF and NGOs (identification of problems) BARC (coordination) Planning Commission (monitoring and evaluation) Universities (research linkages)

III. 3 National Aquaculture Research Capacity

List of key aquaculture research organizations

Key aquaculture research organizations	Affiliation	Area of competence
Fisheries Research Institute	Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock	Genetics and breeding Seed production and culture of carp, catfish, shrimp and important indigenous endangered species Nursery management of cultured species Fish and shrimp nutrition Disease and environmental pollution management Pond productivity management Integrated farming systems Fisheries product development and quality control Mariculture of important finfish, crustaceans, mussels Fisheries economics
Bangladesh Agriculture University	Ministry of Education	Basic research such as culture, nutrition, disease, and soil and water quality

Adequacy of research capacity in meeting the national aquaculture development needs

Priority research needs	Adequacy
Quality seed production; low cost feed development; pond productivity management; disease control	4*
Floodplain stocking; ecological characterization of floodplain; biodiversity maintenance and conservation methods; bio-dynamics of important fish and prawn species	4
Fish culture in irrigation and flood control project areas using pens	4
Mass production of prawn and shrimp juveniles	3
Water quality management in brackishwater aquaculture	3
Genetic improvement and conservation of fish resources	3
By-catch utilization, product development and quality control	2
Stock assessment of inland open water and marine fisheries resources	4

*On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 was least adequate, 5 was highly adequate

Number of research personnel by areas of specialization

Specialization	Ph. D.	M Sc.	B. Sc.	Res. Asst.	Total
Biological sciences	8	66		50	124
Physical and engineering sciences				17	17
Social science
Economics		1			1
Legal specialists
Others		5	50	87	142
Total	8	72	50	154	284

III. 4 Programs of the Key Aquaculture Research Institutions

List of the programs of the Fisheries Research Institute

Programmes	Objectives	Duration From/To
Productivity management of soil and water of ponds and floodplains	To find out techniques of enhancing primary production for increased fish production	1990-
Stock assessment and management techniques of riverine fish	To formulate improved management for inland freshwater fisheries development and improvement of the socio-economic conditions of fishermen	1996-
Stock and habitat improvement of commercially important fish species	To protect the biodiversity of fish fauna and MSY of fish through high-yielding fish species	1995-
Brackishwater resource management, culture biodiversity, etc.	To increase export earnings through increased shrimp production	1994-
Mariculture and stock assessment of marine fishery resources		1994-

III. 5 Dissemination and Utilization of Research Outputs

Target groups	Methods used to transfer research outputs
Policy planners	Research reports; Discussion and review meetings
Administrators and managers	Research reports; Discussion and review meetings
Fishfarming community	Extension materials; On-farm demonstration
Private sector and supporting industries	Training; Seminar-workshop
Research community	Information exchange (scientific reports)
Extension community	Training; Inter-institutional meetings
General public	Extension materials; mass media

III. 6 Issues and Needs in Planning and Implementing National Aquaculture

Development Research Programmes

Category	Issues	Constraints	Required Actions
Administrative and institutional aspects	Limited authority Inadequate inter-agency coordination		Give research institutes broader autonomy Strengthen inter-agency linkage
Legal aspects
Information	Lack of appropriate information exchange & sharing methods Weak extension mechanisms	Lack of data/information bases No current information on scientific developments in all fisheries disciplines Weak extension system	Strengthen library and documentation centre of FRI Improve linkage between research and extension Strengthen exchange of information at regional and international levels
Human resources and research competence	Insufficient skilled manpower	Lack of expertise in planning and conducting multi-dimensional and disciplinary quality research	Staff recruitment Advanced training and development
Research facilities	Inadequate infrastructure and laboratory facilities		Improve and develop research facilities, particularly in marine and brackishwater stations
Research environment	Low priority given to aquaculture research Low level of funding		Increase public and government awareness on importance of aquaculture research Improve funding level

It was suggested that research priorities be given to:

Fish/shrimp disease diagnostic service
Fish nutrition and feed technology
Aquatic pollution and its effects on fish
Fish breeding and genetics.

IV. List of On-Going Projects of the Aquaculture Development Agency

Projects	Duration from/to	Target beneficiaries	Expected outputs	Participat’g organiz.	Budget
Second Aquaculture Development Project	1987-1996	Fishfarmers	Stocking of floodplains Extension of carp and shrimp technologies to farmers Infrastructure development	DOF Commercial banks	138.28 Tkm US$ 38.31 (ADB)
Oxbow Lake fisheries and development management project	1988-1996	Fishermen	Development of Oxbow Lake Improvement of life of farmers near Oxbow Lake, involving them in lake management and catching of fish	DOF BARC	14.56 Tkm US$ 7.16 m (IFAD)
Third Fisheries project	1990-1996	Fishermen Fishfarmers	Stocking of floodplains with fingerlings Improvement of socio-economic conditions of fishermen Extension of fish and shrimp culture technologies	DOF Water Development Board FRI	315.37 m US$ 92.3m (IDA) US$ 11.3 (ODA) US$ 4.45 (UNDP)
Aquaculture (under Project Mymensingh)	1993-2000	Fishfarmers	Extension of pond aquaculture technologies Financial assistance to farmers Training for farmers	DOF Commercial banks NGOs	Tkm. 9.5 m US$ 3574.8 m (DANIDA)
Aquaculture projects in Patuakhali - Barguna	1994-2001	Fishermen Fishfarmers	Extension of semi-intensive technologies Development of model for effective fishing	DOF	Tkm. 9.36m US$ 5.8m (DANIDA)
Aquaculture extension in Bogna district	1995-1998	Farmers (marginal)	Development of aquaculture in government ponds Improvement of socio-economic conditions of marginal farmers	DOF	Tkm. 33.0 m
Carp and shrimp culture extension project in greater Nakhali	1994-2001	Fish farmers	Extension of semi-intensive culture technologies on mixed shrimp-carp culture to farmers Improvement of socio-economic condition of rural population	DOF Commercial banks NGO	Tkm 7.0 m US$ 9.3 m (DANIDA)
Thana-level aquaculture	1994-1999	Fishfarmers	Development of sustainable aquaculture extension Extension of pond technologies	DOF	Tkm 7.5 m

Projects		Duration from/to	Target beneficiaries	Expected outputs	Participat’g organiz.	Budget
Food-assisted aquaculture development project		1994-2000	Fishfarmers	Development of waterbodies for fish culture improvement of socio-economic conditions of rural population	DOF NGOs	Tkm. 20.0 m US$ 6.0 (EEC)
Shrimp landing and service centre		1994-1996	Shrimp farmers Sellers	Improvement of quality of post-landing shrimp	DOF	Tkm. 95.0 m
Stocking fingerlings in open waters and floodplains	1994-2000			Augmentation of fish production Improvement of socio-economic conditions of farmers	DOF		Tkm. 288.5 m
Infrastructure development for shrimp farming in the private sector	1995-2000		Entrepreneurs Shrimp farmers Hatchery operators	Production of shrimp seed Employment of coastal population Increase in fish production	DOF		Tkm. 590.2 m
Northwest aquaculture development project	1995-1999			Extension of aquaculture technologies Improve socio-economic conditions of landless and marginal population	DOF NGOs		Tkm. 27.5 m US$ 163.3 m (ODA)
Fishery training and extension	1991-1996		DOF staff NGOs Fishfarmers	Human resource development in aquaculture and fisheries management	DOF		Tkm. 7.0 m US$ 1.9 m
Integrated fish culture in FAD/FCDI projects	1992-1997		Marginal farmers	Fish culture in irrigated project areas Involvement of marginal farmers in aquaculture	DOF DOL		Tkm. 117.6 m US$ 7.5 m
Fisheries research program development project	1995-1996			Appropriate aquaculture technologies Farm demonstrations	DOF		Tkm. 37.0 m
Integrated aquaculture (duckweed) project	1993-1997		Fishfarmers	Duckweed-based aquaculture system Extension of technology	DOF MOFL		TKM. 1.5 m US$ 1.6 m
Fisheries development in Kaplai lake	1995-2000		Fishermen	Management system of Kaplai lake Increased carp production in Kaplai lake	DOF		Tkm. 187.6 m
Marine Fisheries Academy	1994-1998		Technical personnel	Manpower development in trawling industry	DOF		Tkm. 33.1 m
Shrimp culture project (completion)	1994-1996		Shrimp farmers	Demonstration of technologies	DOF		Tkm. 110.0 m

V. List of On-going Projects of Main Aquaculture Research Organizations

Projects	Duration From/To	Target beneficiaries	Expected outputs		Participat’g organiz.	Budget
Fish breeding and genetics	1993-1998	Farmers Scientists	Increased fish production		FRI/ BAU/ DU	Tkm 1.272 m
Fish disease	1995-1998	Farmers Managers	Sustainable aquaculture		FRI/ BAU/ DU	Tkm 0.6 m
Fish nutrition	1993-1998	Farmers Feed industry			FRI/ BAU	Tkm 1 m
Breeding of Pangasius	1993-1998	Fishermen Farmers	Increased production		FRI/ BAU	Tkm 0.561 m
Effect of pesticide on fish	1993-1998	Managers Farmers	Baseline information		FRI/ DAE	Tkm 0.388 m
Improved extensive shrimp culture	1995-1998		Increased production		FRI/ BAU/ DOF	Tkm 0.9 m
Mariculture	1995-1998	Farmers Planners	MSY of marine resources	FRI/ MOFL / DOF			Tkm 0.9 m
Biological management of floodplain	1993-1998	Fishermen Farmers Managers	Increased fish production	FRI / DOF/ WB			Tkm 1.2 m US$ 0.073 m

VI. List of the Research Organizations Responding to this Survey

Fisheries Research Institute

China

I. Background

China has a long history and tradition of aquaculture. Since 1980s, aquaculture has been considered by the government as an increasingly important sub-sector of agriculture that provides nutritional and economic benefits to the country with the world’s largest and still growing population.

The current national aquaculture development plan is largely based on supply of fish food for domestic consumption and development of export market. Although a steady increase in total fishery production has made China the world’s largest fish producer since 1990 (12.37 million mt), the average per capita consumption of fish food remains low, at about 11 kg per year. With the population expected to reach 1,300 million by the turn of the century, one of the key concerns of China is food security. Aquaculture is expected to contribute more to the national food security by increasing fish food production. At present, distribution of fish in terms of both production and consumption are not even within the country, i.e., availability of fish food in land-locked provinces and remote rural areas is low. Aquaculture development potentials in the inland provinces are considered to be high and efforts are being made to promote aquaculture in these areas.

In spite of a large production, China has a relatively small share of the world export market at present. To expand its share in the international market, China plans to strengthen and develop its capacity for culture of export oriented commodities. The guidelines for aquaculture and fisheries development and management take into consideration the rational use of resources, and aim to improve the quality of fishery products.

In 1994, aquaculture production in China was 11,350,000 tons from a production area of 5,102,510 ha. Aquaculture contributed 1.07% to GNP (equivalent to 55.9 billion Yuan) and directly employed 2,661,344 people during the year.

II. National Aquaculture Development Plan

II. 1 Objectives and Priorities of the National Aquaculture Development Plan

Aquaculture Development Objectives	Aquaculture Development Priorities
To increase fish production	To improve productivity of aquaculture farms through (a) improvement of existing culture technology; (b) up-grade farmers skills; and (c) genetic improvement of cultured species, (d) improved water management and disease prevention capability To explore new sites (unutilized land or water bodies) for aquaculture To promote fish culture in paddy fields To strengthen aquaculture supporting industry (feeds, processing)
To conserve and enhance resources for culture-based capture fisheries	To formulate fishery legislation & regulations on a scientific basis To enhance resources by releasing hatchery-produced seeds
To increase production of high-quality or high-value species	To introduce new species for culture To develop or refine the techniques for the culture of new species (hatchery techniques, feeds and feeding, grow-out culture)

(Table continues)

Aquaculture Development Objectives	Aquaculture Development Priorities
To protect fisheries and aquaculture	To develop and enforce legislation and regulations in the areas of water pollution control
To restore coastal shrimp farming	To improve water quality standards and water management skills of farmers To develop measures to control shrimp disease problems

II. 2 Process followed in formulating the aquaculture development plans and priorities

Processes	Criteria	Participants
Consultation at national, provincial, municipal levels	National development priorities	Bureau of Fisheries at the national, provincial and municipal levels Research institutions and Universities Extension agencies and departments at the national, provincial, municipal, county and town levels

II. 3 Implementation of the National Aquaculture Development Plans

The strategies towards the implementation of the national aquaculture development plan take into account the simultaneous development of aquaculture, fishing and processing, with emphasis on one or the other depending on local conditions. The strategies currently adopted include:

Extension of intensive inland pond culture technology in the regions where aquaculture is less developed
Development of culture-based fisheries and fishery resource enhancement in medium- large inland open waters (lakes, canals, reservoirs, etc.)
Development of coastal aquaculture, particularly coastal pond culture, culture on mud flats and in off-shore shallow water; and intensive culture of high value marine species
Genetic restoration or improvement of popular, commonly cultured species
Development of feeds and the feed industry
Strengthening capacities for management and prevention of aquaculture diseases
Improvement of postharvest handling and processing technologies

Action plans and objectives of the national aquaculture development plan

No information was provided.

Changes and emerging issues resulting from implementation of the aquaculture development plan

Action plans	Changes resulting from actions	Emerging issues	New actions introduced
Mass seed production and larval rearing	Improved production
Disease control and health management	Increased outputs & economic benefits
Improvement of aquaculture production facilities	same as above	Lack of funds
Propagation	same as above
Environmental protection	Aquaculture sustainability	Need for more extension

II. 4 Issues and Needs in Formulating and Implementing National Aquaculture Development Plans

Category	Issues	Constraints	Required actions
Administrative and institutional aspects	Gaps (weak linkages) between research, extension and production Inadequate support given to aquaculture Lack of enforcement of environmental law
Legal aspects	Lack of regulations on siting and management
Information	Ineffective technology transfer
Human resources	Lack of skilled farm workers
Technical aspects	Technology for disease control, breeding and seed production,
Physical and environment aspects	Pollution and other environmental factors affecting aquaculture
Socio-economic aspects	Inadequate supporting industries

III. National Aquaculture Development Research

III. 1 Objectives and Priorities of the National Aquaculture Research (from the presentation at the workshop on 21-23 May 1997)

Breeding technologies and mass seed production of target species
Gemplasm improvement and genetic resource conservation
Fish disease control and prevention, and health management
Technologies for full utilization of water resources
Fish nutrition and feed development, including feed sources
Postharvest process and comprehensive utilization of aquaculture products

III. 2 Processes and Criteria Used in Formulating Aquaculture Research Plan and Priorities

No information was provided.

III. 3 National Aquaculture Research Capacity

China is a country with a long history of aquaculture. Along with the rapid development of the aquaculture industry, a rather complete aquaculture research system has been established through nearly a half-century of efforts of government. The system is large, comprising national research institutions under the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, fisheries universities and colleges and provincial research institutions. The Chinese aquaculture research system maintains 5,000-6,000 scientific professionals. Some of the research institutions are equipped with advanced equipment and facilities. Generally, the Chinese aquaculture research system is capable of undertaking all aspects of aquaculture research. The aquaculture research system has made significant contributions to the increase in national aquaculture production. Chinese researchers are undertaking advanced research, even leading roles, in many aspects of aquaculture research. However, due to the constraints such as inadequate funding, lack of nation-wide coordination and difficulties in management mechanisms, the potential of the Chinese aquaculture research system has not been fully developed.

List of key aquaculture research organizations

1. Organizations under the Chinese Academy of Fisheries Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture

Yellow Sea Fisheries Institute
East China Sea Fisheries Institute
South China Sea Fisheries Institute
Pearl River Fisheries Institute
Yangtze River Fisheries Institute
Heilongjiang Fisheries Institute
Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute
Freshwater Fishery Research Centre, Wuxi
Fisheries Machinery & Instrument Research Institute
Fisheries Engineering Research Institute
Fisheries Economics Institute

2. Organizations Under the Chinese Academy of Science

Hydrobiology Institute
Qingdao Oceanology Institute
South China Sea Oceanology Institute

3. Key Universities and Colleges

Shanghai Fisheries University
Dalian Fisheries College
Zhejiang Fisheries College
Xiamen Fisheries College
Zanjiang Fisheries College

4. Organization under the Ministry of Water and Hydro-Power

Reservoir Fisheries Institute

III. 4 Programs of the Key Aquaculture Research Institutions

The three research organizations (see item VI) responding to the survey indicated that the objectives of their research programmes are:

To advance the fishery scientific knowledge and offer practical aquaculture service for the country.
To set up basic theory and research technological methods of aquaculture towards the solution of problems in practical aquaculture production.
To resolve key problems in basic and applied fields which obstruct mariculture development if China.
To extend and apply new and advanced technology towards increasing mariculture production.
To carry out basic and applied research on freshwater fisheries.

The above objectives would be in most respects similar to those of the other institutions under the CAFS, differing only in some special areas or commodity orientation.

List of the research programmes of the three aquaculture research organizations

Priority research areas	Objectives	Duration From/To
Biotechnology of fisheries	To develop fish growth hormones and study fish gene transfer	1995
Biotechnology of marine algae	To develop alga with high-quality colloids and good growth	2000 ?
Carrying capacity of culture sites	To determine the carrying capacity of culture sites	1993-
Cloning of fish interferon gene	To study cloning of fish interferon gene	2000 ?
Domestic artemia resources	To provide quality artemia	2000 ?
Fish disease and control	To study fish diseases and their prevention	1995
Fish disease: Studies on epidemics in high-value commercial fish	To develop practical preventive measures to epizootics	2000 ?
Fish diseases: Detection techniques of shrimp disease	To establish the pathogen-detecting technology, diagnosis technology, care and prevention of disease	1996
Fish germplasm resources	To preserve fish germplasm resources in laboratories and ecological bank	1995
Fishery resources and environments	To study fisheries resources and environmental problems
Genetic breeding	To develop fast-growing and disease-resistant species	1996-
Mariculture ecology	To optimize the culture models	1996-
Special species in aquaculture	To conduct artificial culture and propagation of Chinese turtle	1995

Number of research personnel of the three research organizations by area of specialization

Specialization	Ph D.	M Sc.	B Sc.	Res. Assist.	Total
Biological sciences	45	53	84	44	226
Physical and engineering sciences	12	8	20	32	72
Social sciences
Economics
Legal studies
Other
Total	57	61	104	76	298

III. 5 Dissemination and Utilization of Research Outputs

The three research organizations indicated that their research outputs are disseminated through direct contacts with clients; technical supervision or guidance (provided to farmers); or training courses.

III. 6 Issues and Needs in Planning and Implementing National Aquaculture

Research

Category	Issues	Constraints	Required Actions
Administrative and institutional aspects	Lack of coordination among related institutions and programmes Inadequate support and inputs to research	Lack of funds for research Exchange channels are impeded
Legal aspects
Information	Lack of mechanisms for disseminating research outputs Inadequate information exchange system and information exchange Weak technology transfer	Insufficient methods and efforts in information dissemination Lack of technical documents in English	Strengthen extension and information dissemination capacity Improve communication linkages, e.g., internet
Human resources and research competence	Lack of skilled researchers	Lack of training opportunities	Provide training for research staff
Research facilities	Lack of a high-standard laboratory and outdated facilities Lack of research materials (e.g., artemia)	Difficulty in obtaining funds	Identify or generate funding sources Provide more funds for research materials
Research environment	Lack of research budgets Poor linkage between basic research and applied or field-oriented research Poor linkage between research sector and production sector Difficulties in balancing direct economic benefits and long-term social benefits Outdated research approaches Lack of international cooperation	Limited funds for research	Increase budget for research programs Improve and strengthen coordination among related institutions and sectors Enhance international cooperation

Other suggestions:

Faster transfer of scientific research results
Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of aquaculture research
Collaboration with scientists on the national and international levels (1) to pave the way for bigger research programs and (2) attract younger scientists.
Establish an information system on crustacean culture techniques in the Asia-Pacific; and establish a system of communication with those involved in artemia resources development in the USA
Establish regional and national specimen, pathogen and gene pools.

IV. List of On-Going Projects of the Aquaculture development agency

Projects	Duration From/To	Expected outputs	Implementing organizations	Budget
Shrimp disease control	1996-1997	Improved yield	Luan Nan Fisheries Bureau FAO	US$ 0.245m
	1997	Improved yield	Coastal provincial fisheries bureaus World Bank	US$ 45.0m
	1995	Improved yield	Ministry of Agriculture Coastal provincial fisheries bureau	Yuan 30.0m
Aquaculture development program	1997-2000	Increased output	ADB Fisheries bureau (Liaoning, Shandong, Hebei, Dalian and Qingdao)	US$ 70.0m
	1997	Increased output	World Bank Coastal provincial fisheries bureau	US$ 65.0m
	1999-2003	Increased output	Japanese govt. Fisheries bureau (along the Yellow River area)	US$ 54.0m
	1997	Increased output	Korean govt. Some Provincial fisheries bureaus	US$ 10.0m
Introduction of seed	1997	Increased output	Australian govt. Some provincial fisheries bureaus	US$ 4.97m
Fish and crab culture in paddy fields	1993-2000	Increased output	Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries bureaus in Jiangsu, Chongging, Sechuan, Hubei and Yunnan	Yuan 10.0m/ yr
Small cage culture	1992-2000	Increased output	Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries bureaus in Shanxi, Henan, Gai su, Neimeng, Ningxia, Chongging	Yuan 10.0m / yr.
White bait propagation	1993-2000	Increased output	Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries bureaus in Heilongjiang, Yunan, Qinghai, Jilin, Xinjiang, Guizhou, Beijing Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute

V. List of On-going projects of the three Aquaculture research organizations

Projects	Duration From/To	Expected outputs	Participating organiz.	Budget (Yuan)
Biotechnology of algae	1993-96	High quality algae	SFU	0.060m
Fish genetics resource	1991-96	Fish genetic pool	SFU	0.050m
Comprehensive inland aquaculture	1991-96	Increased fish production	SFU	0.030m
Studies on shrimp health	1991-96	Effective control of epidemics	SFU	0.150m
Black carp nutrition	1991-96	Knowledge on black carp nutrition	SFU	0.100m
Phyco-ecology and bioenergetics of several fish species	1991-96	Knowledge on energy metabolism of several fish species	SFU	0.070m
Domestic artemia resources	1996-00	High quality artemia	SFU	0.200m
Evaluation of generically improved tilapia in Asia	1995-96	Knowledge on the genetic character of tilapia	SFU	0.050m
Yangtze River carp genetic diversity	1994-95	Knowledge on the genetic character of carp	SFU	0.050m
Selection of herbivorous carp	1986-95	High quality herbivorous carp	SFU	0.06m
Larvae development of blood clam	1994-98	Knowledge on the biological features of larvae development	YSFRI	0.1m
Large scale mariculture in Bohai Sea	1996-00	Increased output	YSFRI	1.0m
Carrying capacity in bay system	1996-00	Optimal culture models	YSFRI	1.0m
Triploidy of scallop	1996-00	Breeding of seedlings; culture technology	YSFRI	1.0m
Fish culture	1996-00	Culture of marine fish in cage or indoor tanks	YSFRI	0.50m
Ecological culture of prawn	1996-00	Lower production costs; increased profit	YSFRI	0.50m
Classification of HHNBS	1996-98	Identification of new virus, HHNBS	YSFRI	0.090m
Control of disease epidemics of shrimp	1993-95	Determination of the pathogen and establishment of diagnosis technology, transmission routes and control	YSFRI	0.350m
Carrying capacity of Sanggoa Bay	1993-96	Optimal culture models	YSFRI	O.30m US$0.030m
Sino-USA Marine Living Research Cooperation Panel Program		Knowledge on SPF P. chinensis	YSFRI Univ. of Arizona
Fish germplasm resources	1991-00	Better fish species for culture	YRIF Sponsor	0.70m US$ 0.020m
Fish biotechnology	1995-98	Methods of biotechnology in aquaculture	YRIF FAO	0.30m US$ 0.01m
Fish disease and control	1995-00	Control of fish disease	YRIF	0.30m
Fish nutrition	1995-98	Improved fish feed	YRIF	0.20m
Fishery resources and environment	1995-00	Conservation of fishery resources	YRIF	0.50m
Aquaculture techniques	1995-00	Increased fish production	YRIF	0.20m
Special species of aquaculture	1995-00	Culture techniques of the Chinese turtle	YRIF	1.0m
Study of labeling techniques by remote sensing on Chinese sturgeon	1995-98	Fish resources conservation	YRIF	US$ 0.2m
Comparison of species quality of farmed and wild silver carp by molecular biology method	1994-96	Selection of improved fish	YSFRI FAO	US 0.01m

VI. List of the Research Organizations Responding to this Survey

Yangtze River Institute of Fisheries (YRIF)
Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (YSFRI)
Shanghai Fisheries University (SFU)