The Superintendencia de Desenvolvimento de Pesca (SUDEPE) in Brazil has proposed the development of the Experimental Biology and Pisciculture Station in Pirassununga in the State of Sao Paulo as a regional centre for aquaculture research and training in Latin America. Preliminary enquiries regarding the existing facilities at the Station indicated the need for detailed investigations by a small team of specialists, particularly to prepare plans and estimates for the development of additional facilities for a regional centre or even for expanded activities on a national level. The mission was organized through joint financing by the FAO/UNDP Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme (ADCP), the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Government of Brazil. The main mission consisted of Dr. Francisco A. Pagán Font, Fishery Resources Officer (Aquaculture) in the Department of Fisheries, FAO and Mr. Paul E. Osborn, Aquaculture Consultant, ADCP. Dr. T. V. R. Pillay, Programme Leader, ADCP and Mr. Constantino Tapias, Regional Fisheries Officer for Latin America joined the mission during the last five days of its work to review the findings and later discussed follow-up action with SUDEPE officials in Brasilia.
