In thismonth’sissue ► ► ► F FAO Aquaculture Newsletter Aquaculture FAO Fish Farming HighontheGlobalFood Global Conference on Aquaculture Aquaculture on Conference Global System Agendain2020 Fish-Farming Groups inGhana Use ofSocial MediabyYouth +20 Millennium A 9 37 N ii ► ►

Shrimp Farming Shrimp Microbial Management in Intensive for Better Approaches Ecological 40 Aquaculture and why do they Matter? What are “Farmed Types” in

April 2020 43 o N 61 EDITORIAL ©FAO/M. HASAN ©FAO/M. ©FAO Fish farming high on the global food system agenda in 2020

Dear reader, States of America, the Balkan and Sub-Committee on Aquaculture Caucasus countries, and Southern (COFI-SCA 11) to be held in Mexico irst of all, let me start with a Africa, among others. The thematic in 2021. The guidance received from heartfelt “Thank you” to all who F articles are both rich and diverse, FAO Members at the COFI-SCA provided feedback on the 60th covering topics ranging from 10 in Trondheim was clear, direct edition of FAN. It is reassuring to aquaculture in desert and arid lands, and explicit: Fish has a great role know how much you appreciate and integrated rice-fish systems, new to play in ending hunger, securing how useful you find the information developments in alternative feed food supplies and promoting good provided in FAN, and your feedback ingredients, dimensions of legal/ health and dietary practices, and serves as an important incentive policy/governance improvements, therefore FAO should emphasize for all contributors and the editorial and tracking of farmed types even more the contribution of team to continue our work for you. of aquatic genetic resources sustainable aquaculture to food We hope you will also find this security and nutrition, poverty This edition is being published edition interesting and stimulating. alleviation and human development. during the interim period of three In addition to the regular sections important intergovernmental events: This emphasis has already begun, from the desks of our statistician the 10th Session of the Committee notably with the FAO International and fish health specialist, this issue on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability contains highlights of FAO work on Aquaculture (COFI-SCA 10), last November, where FAO’s around the world, particularly which was held in Trondheim, senior management reinforced the articles that present work in Norway, in August 2019; the 34th interlinkage and interdependence countries and (sub-)regions where Session of COFI to be held in FAO between fisheries and aquaculture, sustainable aquaculture has great headquarters in July 2020; and and their collective relevance for scope for further development, the 11th Session of the COFI sustainable development. Looking including the Maghreb, the United

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this in this information product. Except where otherwise indicated, material information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, provided that appropriate acknowledgement of FAO as the source and city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement of users’ views, frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of products or services is not implied in any way. manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. commercial use rights should be made via: www.fao.org/contact-us/licencerequest or addressed to [email protected] The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of FAO. FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be purchased through © FAO, 2020 [email protected]. FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material ii COVER PHOTOS: (clockwise from top) Salmon cage production in Ocean Farm 1 (Norway), ©FAO/A. Stankus; producing farm-made fish feeds using locally available raw materials in Kyrgyzstan, ©FAO/V. Ushakov; Clarias catfish, (United States of America), ©FAO/I. Nurzia Humburg. forward, 2020 will be a “super aquaculture sector is booming, year” for fisheries and aquaculture, which is all the more reason to strive EDITORIAL with a series of high-impact events, to implement good governance and in the hopeful assumption that appropriate management strategies the corona virus pandemic will to ensure the sustainability of its the world, and indeed we will take improve soon. Starting with the expansion, and guide its direction the opportunity to join our friends UN Ocean Conference (Lisbon, towards maximum contribution and colleagues of the Network of Portugal, June) – and followed by to the targets of the Sustainable Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific the celebration of 25 years of the Development Goals (SDGs). To to celebrate its 30th anniversary, Code of Conduct for Responsible this end, FAO has been asked taking a moment to look back Fisheries during COFI 34 (Rome, Italy, to facilitate the development on the major achievements in the July), the Our Ocean Conference of guidelines for sustainable region, even as we look to the (Palau, August), the Conference of aquaculture through a process of horizon at the future of aquaculture. the Parties of the Convention on regional and expert consultations And with the China Fisheries and Biological Diversity (Kunming, China, and, at the same time, to develop Seafood Expo (Qingdao, October) October), World Aquaculture 2020 a global sustainable aquaculture scheduled back to back with the (Singapore, December) and the programme towards the harmonized GCA, hopefully all stakeholders will Global Conference on Aquaculture implementation, partnership and see this as a great incentive to join 2020 (Shanghai, China, October) advancement of the sector. us in China in October this year. – this will be an exciting and busy With this momentum and with year, providing the opportunity Suffice to say, sustainable impeccable timing, the Global to highlight the significance of aquaculture, especially focusing on Conference on Aquaculture 2020 aquaculture on the global stage. food security and nutrition, is high (GCA 2020) will provide a space on FAO’s agenda. Stay tuned and FAO Members at COFI SCA 10 to join hands with representatives follow us on social media for the stressed that certain aspects of of governments, academia, the latest developments, and please do aquaculture development deserve private sector and civil society to watch out for the next issue of FAN, special attention: the promotion shape our collective vision for the scheduled for release just ahead of of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture, future of aquaculture. We hope you GCA 2020 when we look forward the sustainable development, will join us in Shanghai, China, as to sharing our thoughts with you on management and use of aquatic together we seek answers to the the accelerated implementation of genetic resources, the importance pivotal questions: How best can sustainable aquaculture. in preventing and managing aquatic aquaculture contribute to sustainable animal disease risks in aquaculture, development and help achieve the and the relevance of innovation SDGs? What will aquaculture look and supporting, upscaling and like in 2030? And most importantly, transferring new technology and How can we work together to Matthias Halwart practices to increase efficiency, make it happen? This GCA 2020 Head – Aquaculture Branch combat environmental degradation builds upon a long history of FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and adapt to climate change. The collaboration with partners around E-mail: [email protected] ©FAO

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 iii CONTENTS

■ Editorial Fish farming high on the global food system agenda in 2020 ii

©FAO-TANZANIA GLOBAL AQUACULTURE Sea cucumbers, a high-value product, offer livelihood generating opportunities for UPDATES 5 farmer cooperatives in Zanzibar, Tanzania

■ From the Statistician’s Desk Brief Overview of World Aquaculture European Inland Fisheries and ■ Sub-Saharan Africa Production – An Update with Latest Aquaculture Advisory Commission: Clam and Oyster Culture in Djibouti 35 Available 2018 Global Production Data 5 Report from the Thirtieth Session and International Symposium 22 Use of Social Media by Youth ■ From the Fish Health Fish-Farming Groups in Ghana 37 Specialist’s Desk Regional Workshop on Integrated Updates on Implementation of Agri-Aquaculture in Desert and Arid Updates for the Southern African GCP/GLO/979/NOR: Improving Lands 23 Development Community and Biosecurity Governance and Legal Southern Africa Region 39 Framework for Efficient and Report on the FAO Regional Workshop Sustainable Aquaculture Production 7 on Pond Aquaculture for the West Balkans and Caucasus Region 24 THEMATIC ARTICLES 40 ■ Meetings/events Global Conference on Aquaculture What are “Farmed Types” in Millennium + 20 9 AQUACULTURE UPDATES Aquaculture and why do they Matter? 40 BY REGION 25 FAO Continues its Efforts and Actions Ecological Approaches for Better on Progressive Management Pathway ■ Asia-Pacific Microbial Management in Intensive for Improving Aquaculture FAO Support within Aquaculture Shrimp Farming 43 Biosecurity (PMP/AB) 12 Development in Pakistan 25 Aquaculture in the United States of FAO Supports U.S. Congressional The International Symposium America 45 Briefings on Blue Growth, Aquaculture on Integrated Agro-Aquaculture Biosecurity and Antimicrobial Innovations and Social Impact: Aquaculture Feed Ingredients 47 Resistance (AMR) 14 Rice-Fish Farming 28 Aquaculture Governance in Africa: Focus sur le volet aquaculture The Third International Symposium on Towards Food Security and Poverty continentale de la cinquième édition Offshore Aquaculture, Shanghai, Alleviation 48 des Journées Maghrébines de China 29 l'Aquaculture Focusing on Freshwater Aquaculture The International Conference on Fishery OBITUARY 50 Sector at the Fifth Edition of the Science and Innovation, Shanghai, Maghreb Aquaculture Days 16 China 30 Remembering our Colleague, Michel M. J. Vincke, 1931–2019 50 Updates on Meetings Related to ■ Europe Aquatic Genetic Resources 18 Fish Feed Development in Central Asia – Ongoing Project Initiative 31 COLLEAGUES IN MOTION 51 Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture 20 ■ Near East and North Africa Strengthening Blue Communities in NEW PUBLICATIONS 53 the Mediterranean 33

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 59

iv FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 GLOBAL AQUACULTURE UPDATES ©FAO GLOBAL AQUACULTURE UPDATES • GLOBAL AQUACULTURE UPDATES • GLOBAL AQUACULTURE UPDATES

Brief Overview of World Aquaculture Production An Update with Latest Available 2018 Global Production Data

What was the total aquaculture aquaculture producer if seaweed Perhaps no individual or agency production in 2018? farming is not included. The is able to tell the exact number AO’s Global Aquaculture new data reveal that the world of aquatic species and hybrids FProduction Statistics Database, production of aquatic animals employed in aquaculture updated in March 2020, covers grew by 3.2 percent (2.5 million production in the world. 1950–2018 with production tonnes) in 2018, while the average Nonetheless, FAO’s global quantity and 1984–2018 with annual growth rate during 2001– aquaculture data provide both farmgate value. According to 2018 was 5.3 percent. Farmed qualitative and quantitative the new data, world aquaculture aquatic algae fell by 0.7 percent information in monitoring the output in 2018 was 114.5 million (227 000 tonnes). Asia contributed great diversity of aquatic species tonnes, including 82.1 million 85.6 percent to the increased used for aquaculture. In the new tonnes of aquatic animals, output of 2.5 million tonnes of global database1, which is updated 32.4 million tonnes of aquatic farmed aquatic animals in 2018. annually by FAO based on country algae and 26 000 tonnes of reporting, the total diversity of How many aquatic species are ornamental sea shells and pearls. aquaculture production, ever farmed in aquaculture? Compared with the data published recorded amounts to 622 “species This frequently asked question in 2019, the most pronounced items”. A species item is the is extremely difficult to answer. change in the new data is the smallest statistical unit, and this downward revision of the 2017 FIGURE 1 – World aquaculture production of major farmed species groups from major production of farmed aquatic types of aquaculture practices, 1990–2018 animals from 80.1 million tonnes 140 Aquac algae - all aquaculture (mostly seaweeds) to 79.6 million tonnes, resulting Other aquac animals - all aquaculture 120 mainly from the data revision for Crustaceans - inland aquaculture Crustaceans - marine & coastal aquaculture 100 Indonesia, the world’s third-largest Molluscs - all aquaculture (mostly marine) Finfish - marine & coastal aquaculture 80 Finfish - inland aquaculture

illion tonnes 60 M Written by: 40

Xiaowei Zhou 20

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 0 Department, Rome, Italy 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018 E-mail: [email protected] 1. www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/global-aquaculture-production/en

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 5 TABLE 1 – World aquaculture production of aquatic animals by region (1 000 tonnes, in live weight) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Africa 989 1 286 1 396 1 490 1 620 1 717 1 778 1 976 2 086 2 196 Americas 2 466 2 515 2 775 2 991 2 986 3 349 3 275 3 363 3 601 3 799 Asia 49 006 51 233 52 778 55 988 59 437 62 348 64 597 68 012 70 650 72 820 Europe 2 517 2 523 2 646 2 829 2 730 2 904 2 943 2 947 3 014 3 075 Oceania 179 188 194 183 177 187 179 205 210 205 World 55 157 57 744 59 789 63 480 66 952 70 506 72 771 76 504 79 561 82 095

list includes 466 individual species, But this is not the full picture. illuminate the additional diversity 7 interspecific hybrids of finfish, Between 200 and 300 other of farmed species. For more 92 genus level of species group, species, including some hybrids, information on ongoing initiatives 32 family level species groups and are known to have been farmed to capture information on farmed 25 species groups aggregated at in aquaculture in addition to the aquatic genetic resources below order or higher levels. said 466 species and 7 hybrids. the species level, see the article on Their absence from the FAO global pages 40-42. Unfortunately, counting the production statistics is due to number of “species items” is Data and statistics are essential different practical reasons, such as misused by many as the total part of FAO’s task, to support the difficulties faced in field data number of farmed aquatic stakeholders in the conservation, collection, the highly aggregated species. For example, in the FAO management and use of their species grouping in the standard database, in addition to European aquatic resources, and the list of species in national statistics seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and process is continually improving. system, and data confidentiality spotted seabass (D. punctatus), To that end, this figure and data according to national law. As there is also the production data table are presented for FAN part of FAO’s efforts to enhance of “Seabass nei [not elsewhere readers to have a quick glance at the resolution of our answer to included]” (Dicentrarchus spp.) world aquaculture. More detailed “How many species are farmed when the reporting government figures and data tables, along in aquaculture”, the first ever was not sure of the exact species with analysis, will be available in FROM THE STATISTICIAN’S DESK STATISTICIAN’S THE FROM Report of The State of the World’s produced. The result of “3” would the 2020 report of The State of Aquatic Genetic Resources be correct when counting the World Fisheries and Aquaculture for Food and Agriculture,2 number of species items. In reality, (SOFIA), to be published by following an in-depth, country- though, the genus Dicentrarchus summer 2020. driven reporting process, helped has only two species. ©FAO A wide range of wild and farmed aquatic products from rivers, ponds and rice fields form part of a healthy diet in Lao PDR

2. www.fao.org/3/CA5256EN/CA5256EN.pdf

6 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Updates on Implementation of GCP/GLO/979/NOR: FROM THE FISH HEALTH SPECIALIST’S DESK Improving Biosecurity Governance and Legal Framework for Efficient and Sustainable Aquaculture Production ©FAO/M. REANTASO Clockwise: Second Multi-stakeholder Consultation (PMP/AB2) hosted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (Paris, January 2019); risk-based surveillance round-table discussions hosted by the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (Oslo, April 2019); national seminar on aquaculture biosecurity hosted by MMAF (Jakarta, May 2019); small-scale intensive shrimp culture, field mission (Bali, May 2019)

nitiated in January 2019, this Progressive Management Pathway – improvement of health at the Iproject has two components, for Improving Aquaculture farm and national levels; namely, aquaculture biosecurity Biosecurity (PMP/AB). The Second – minimization of global spread of and aquaculture legislation. The Multi-stakeholder Consultation diseases; overall objective of this Norwegian (PMP/AB2), hosted by the World – optimization of socio-economic Agency for Development Organisation for Animal Health benefits from aquaculture; Cooperation -funded project (Paris, January 2019), discussed, – attraction of investment is to support countries in the elaborated upon and agreed on opportunities into aquaculture; sustainable development of their guidance (indicators, checklists, and aquaculture industry through tools) and action points needed – achievement of One Health improving systems and practices to roll out the PMP/AB. A third goals. follow-up meeting was held at in biosecurity, enhancing and In the context of PMP/AB, FAO headquarters in March 2019; enabling legal frameworks, aquaculture biosecurity refers to this meeting came up with a clear and promoting responsible “the cost-effective management definition of PMP/AB, expected and sustainable aquaculture of risks posed by infectious results and key considerations for practices. This article highlights agents to aquaculture through a each stage of the PMP/AB (see the accomplishments pertaining strategic approach at enterprise, FAN 58, pages 9–11). to the aquaculture biosecurity national and international levels component of the project. The PMP/AB refers to a pathway with shared public-private aimed at enhancing aquaculture responsibilities”. biosecurity capacity by building Risk-based surveillance for on existing frameworks, capacity aquatic animal diseases. A and appropriate tools using risk- Written by: round-table discussion (Oslo, based approaches through public- Melba G. Bondad-Reantaso Norway, April 2019) hosted private partnerships. PMP/AB is FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture by the Norwegian Veterinary expected to result in sustainable: Department, Rome, Italy Institute achieved the following: – reduction of burden of disease; E-mail: [email protected] (i) participants discussed, validated

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 7 and improved the FAO 12-point project leader of the Global partnerships. The Sub-Committee surveillance checklist; and (ii) they Burden of Animal Diseases also recognized the importance of discussed detailed plans for pilot (GBADs) programme, delivered developing an assessment tool on testing using a target disease a presentation, providing aquaculture health economics and Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei information about the programme emergency preparedness, aligning (EHP) (= hepatopancreatic and potential engagement and with the initiatives of GBADs that microsporidiosis) in Penaeus collaboration. FAO is now a could support decision-makers (at vannamei cultured in small- member of the GBAD network policy, production and service- scale intensive and traditional (www.animalhealthmetrics.org). provider levels) in ensuring polyculture (+ milkfish) systems The meeting concluded on the effective resource allocation in one district (Jembrana) in Bali, possibility of exploring case studies and creating an environment Indonesia. that will collect data and/or do for increased investment a cost-benefit analysis based on opportunities. A field mission conducted in historical data. Indonesia accomplished the As of October 2019, the project following: (i) the National Seminar Antimicrobial resistance has been extended until the on Aquaculture Biosecurity in aquaculture. Awareness- end of December 2020 with Governance organized by the raising activities on antimicrobial an increased budget allocation Ministry of Maritime Affairs and resistance were undertaken for for the aquaculture biosecurity Fisheries (MMAF). Dr Ir. Slamet Indian fish farmers during the component. Newly planned Soebjakto, Director-General of World Aquaculture Society Asia- activities for the end of 2019 and Aquaculture and Director of Pak Pacific Chapter conference held during 2020 include the following: Coco and a few other MMAF in Chennai, India, in June 2019. 1. Round-table discussions: officials were in attendance; Additional awareness-raising Moving forward through and (ii) round-table discussions activities for Indonesia will be lessons learned on response and field visits were organized held in 2020 (during a follow-up actions to aquatic animal to support the design and pilot workshop) and Viet Nam (during disease emergencies testing of an active surveillance a proposed training course (16–18 December 2019, FAO FROM TH FISH HEALTH SPECIALIST’S DESK SPECIALIST’S HEALTH FISH TH FROM for EHP, which provided detailed on aquatic epidemiology and headquarters, Rome). guidance to the local Indonesia surveillance for non-specialists and 2. Establishment and convening of team. Pilot testing commenced in for developing countries). the PMP/AB Technical Working August, and regular updates are Group and pilot testing of As a way forward, the 10th session being provided through real-time PMP in selected countries (first of the Committee on Fisheries messaging. The next activity will quarter 2020). Sub-Committee on Aquaculture be a surveillance data analysis 3. Organization of a (Trondheim, Norway, August 2019) workshop to be held in 2021. fisheries/aquaculture and welcomed the work by FAO on veterinary authorities Aquaculture health economics. the PMP/AB and requested further collaboration meeting in Africa, A second round-table discussion development of the PMP/AB and Asia, and Latin America and the (Oslo, Norway, April 2019) associated tools and mechanisms, Caribbean (throughout 2020). recognized the importance of such as governance, centres for the subject, limitations and collaboration, assessment tools, the way forward. During this surveillance checklists, biosecurity SEE ALSO event, Professor J. Rushton of action plans, risk analyses, and www.fao.org/north-america/news/ the University of Liverpool and guidance on public-private detail/en/c/1203328/ M. HASAN M. ©FAO/

8 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Global Conference on Aquaculture Millennium + 20 26–30 October 2020 | Shanghai, China

MESSAGE FROM THE GCA SECRETARIAT organizers. We are in regular contact with REGARDING THE CORONOVIRUS relevant health authorities and follow (COVID-19) OUTBREAK closely the guidance of the World Health As this issue of FAN is being published, many Organization. For the time being and until countries are facing the severe challenge further notice, the preparations for the

of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and GCA continue as planned but please make MEETINGS AND EVENTS wellbeing of all GCA 2020 participants is sure to regularly consult the website the first and foremost priority of the GCA www.aquaculture2020.org for updates.

of aquaculture to food system transformation can be significant. Yet, to realize the maximum contributions of the sector towards achieving the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, coordinated and accelerated actions are required. Recognizing the critical importance of aquaculture to close the

©FAO projected gap between supply An effective enabling environment, together with cold, deep water with and demand of fish, and the need strong currents, make salmon culture in Norway a model of successful intensive aquaculture to exchange and discuss reliable information to further enhance its contribution to sustainable eeding an expected global with essential micronutrients, development, FAO, at the request population of 9 billion by especially for mothers and F of its Members, is collaborating 2050 with nutritious food is children. Increasing production with the Network of Aquaculture a daunting challenge that is alone is not enough, however, Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) engaging hundreds of millions of and thus enhancing training and and the Ministry of Agriculture farmers, food processors, traders, capacity, and linking production and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the researchers, technical experts to regional and global markets People’s Republic of China, to and leaders the world over. Fish through value chain development organize the Global Conference and other aquatic products from is required. Addressing hazardous on Aquaculture Millennium + aquaculture can and will play a work in the sector and supporting 20 (GCA 2020), 26–30 October major role in meeting these dietary business opportunities for 2020, Shanghai, China. demands, while also meeting the everyone, including youth and food security needs of the poor. women, is essential to maximize Registration is free, and the Aquatic food is considered very the contribution of aquaculture procedure will be announced soon important for a nutritious, healthy to decent employment, on the GCA 2020 website: and balanced diet complete livelihood generation and poverty www.aquaculture2020.org eradication. Currently, aquaculture With the rapid, but uneven, employs at least 26 million workers development of aquaculture in in production alone, in addition recent decades, a need exists Written by: to millions of jobs generated in to review current practices and input supply chains, food/fish GCA 2020 Secretariat policies for a better understanding processing, distribution and trade E-mail: [email protected] of gaps and challenges that could and retail. Overall, the contribution

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 9 be addressed through enhanced – build consensus on priorities and aquaculture from a traditional investment, policy, technology, actions needed for advancing to a science-based economic innovation, partnership, education aquaculture as a globally activity. It promoted technical and knowledge. In addressing competitive and sustainable food cooperation among developing global challenges such as production sector. countries to expand aquaculture impacts of climate change, risks development. The main outputs of the to biodiversity or assurance of 2. The FAO/NACA Conference Conference are the following: economic viability and social on Aquaculture in the Third – The Shanghai Declaration will equity together, the actions Millennium (Bangkok, Thailand, highlight the principles and of all stakeholders will take a 2000)2 adopted The Bangkok strategic pathways to maximize coordinated and global effort in Declaration and Strategy on the contribution of sustainable order to enhance the contribution Aquaculture Development aquaculture in achieving the of aquaculture for food and Beyond 2000,3 which articulated Sustainable Development Goals. sustainable development to 17 strategic elements addressing – Regional reviews and a global benefit people and the planet. The the role of aquaculture in synthesis will provide information challenges are too big for any one alleviating poverty, enhancing on the status, trends and agency to handle, and will require food security, and maintaining emerging issues in aquaculture collaboration among strong the integrity and sustainability development globally and in the partners who can build synergies of natural resources and the regions. through their complementary environment. The Strategy – Conference Proceedings and strengths. suggested measures that technical documentation will incorporate aquaculture into the Conference objectives synthesize the information development programmes of Under the overall conference and debate from each of the the public and private sectors. theme “Aquaculture for Food thematic sessions. 3. The FAO/NACA Global and Sustainable Development”, The Shanghai Declaration is Conference on Aquaculture GCA 2020 aims to bring together expected to provide a roadmap Millennium +10 (Phuket, stakeholders from government, for the future development of Thailand, 2010)4 adopted The business, academia and civil society aquaculture, facilitate collaboration

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS Phuket Consensus: a to identify policy and technology among all concerned stakeholders re-affirmation of commitment innovations, investment and enable implementation to the Bangkok Declaration,5 opportunities and fruitful areas of recommended actions. All which recognized the continued of cooperation in aquaculture Conference outputs will be value and relevance of the that can drive its sustainable freely available and will provide Strategy and identified seven development. A key output information and advice to the FAO elements that require further from GCA 2020 – the Shanghai Committee on Fisheries (COFI) strengthening in order to Declaration – will highlight Sub-Committee on Aquaculture, enhance sustainable growth of the principles and strategic COFI itself, as well as NACA and the sector. pathways to optimize the role that other regional Networks and aquaculture will play in achieving Organization Commissions. the Sustainable Development The Conference Secretariat is made Goals, and the pledge of “Leaving Previous Global Conferences on up of FAO, MARA, and NACA. The no one behind”. Aquaculture Secretariat coordinates the overall GCA 2020 will be the fourth in implementation of the conference, Specifically, the GCA 2020 will: a series of development-oriented prepares communication materials – review the status, trends and conferences that have influenced and provides secretariat support to emerging issues in aquaculture global aquaculture development: the organizing committees. development; 1. The FAO Technical Conference – evaluate the progress of The GCA 2020 will be hosted by on Aquaculture (Kyoto, Japan, aquaculture development in the Bureau of Fisheries (MARA), 1976) developed The Kyoto light of previously recommended the Shanghai Municipal Agriculture Strategy for Aquaculture strategies and policies at the and Rural Affairs Commission, and Development1 and facilitated regional and global levels; the Shanghai Ocean University. the transformation of – identify needs, opportunities and 1. www.fao.org/3/AC863E/AC863E00.htm challenges in aquaculture and 2. www.fao.org/3/Y2815E/Y2815E00.htm its contributions to sustainable 3. www.fao.org/3/a-ad351e.pdf development; and 4. www.fao.org/3/i2734e/i2734e.pdf 5. www.fao.org/fishery/docs/DOCUMENT/aquaculture/aq2010/Phuket_Consensus_13-12-2010.pdf

10 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 The co-hosts include the Chinese Newsletter and will have Academy of Fishery Sciences, their names included in the the China Society of Fisheries, Conference Proceedings. China Fisheries Association, China In addition, FAO in Overseas Fisheries Association, collaboration with partners, China Aquatic Products Processing is preparing a global and Marketing Alliance, China synthesis of The State of Fishery Mutual Insurance World Aquaculture 2020, Association and the China Algae which will be presented Industry Association. on the first day following Programme the official opening and An International Programme keynote speeches. Six ©FAO Committee has been convened, regional reviews will Harvesting a local farmed type of carp in a which has identified nine themes be presented during Globally Important Agricultural Heritage MEETINGS AND EVENTS of current and future relevance plenary sessions. Systems (GIAHS) designated site in Qingtian County, Zhejiang province, P.R. China for the sector, to be developed There will be invited into thematic sessions of the guest lectures and achievements on sustainable Conference. one or more side events, which will aquaculture developments, with highlight key topics and emerging The working titles of the nine new technologies, products and issues. Technical presentations thematic sessions for the innovations in aquaculture from under the themes will include conference are: country and region partners. expert panel discussions 1. aquaculture systems; covering needs, opportunities The Local Organizing Committee 2. aquaculture innovation and and challenges for aquaculture. is arranging an optional field technical solutions; Delegates will have the opportunity trip to visit aquaculture facilities 3. transforming aquaculture to provide input on the key on 29 October. Alternatively, to achieve the Sustainable messages and recommendations participants may take advantage to Development Goals; of each theme. NACA’s 30th visit the China Fisheries & Seafood 4. aquaculture feed and feeding; anniversary will be celebrated Expo in the city of Qingdao from 5. sustainable management and during the Conference reception. 28-30 October. improvement of aquatic genetic An international exposition of the resources and seed supply; Opportunities for contributors and aquaculture industry, organized 6. biosecurity and aquatic animal sponsors are still available, and by Shanghai Ocean University health management; interested parties are invited to and NACA, will showcase 7. aquaculture policies, planning contact the organizers. and sectoral governance; Date Activity 8. social and human dimensions of Sunday, 25 October – Arrival and registration aquaculture; and 9. value chains and market access Monday, 26 October – Official opening – Invited keynote speeches and plenary presentations for aquaculture products. – Global synthesis and regional reviews A parallel poster session will – Evening: Conference reception showcase emerging research Tuesday, 27 October – Guest lectures – Parallel thematic presentations and panel relevant to the thematic areas discussions and provide opportunity for early Wednesday, 28 October – Conclusions and recommendations from panels career participants to interact – Student poster competition awards with the conference attendees. – Presentation of the Shanghai Declaration Posters submitted by youth will – Official closing automatically be entered into a Thursday, 29 October – Field trip to aquaculture facility (optional and at cost) poster competition. Winners will Friday, 30 October – Departure receive an opportunity to present Note: The poster session will be organized in parallel. a “lightening presentation” during a plenary session on the last day Find more information at the following: as an opportunity to present to E.mail: [email protected] a large audience. Winners will Website: www.aquaculture2020.org also be invited to prepare a brief Looking forward to seeing you in Shanghai! article for the FAO Aquaculture

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 11 FAO Continues its Efforts and Actions on Progressive Management Pathway for Improving Aquaculture Biosecurity (PMP/AB) ©FAO/H. BIN ©FAO/H. Clockwise from top left: First Multi-Stakeholder Consultation meeting (PMP/AB1) in Washington, DC, USA (April 2018);

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS Technical Working Group meeting (PMP/AB TWG1) in Rome, Italy (March 2019); another Technical Working Group meeting (PMP/AB TWG2) in Washington, DC, USA (July 2019); Aquaculture Biosecurity meeting in Qingdao, China (September 2019)

he Progressive Management Health (OIE) was followed by a applications, and a refinement TPathway for Improving third more technical meeting of guidance and other tools for Aquaculture Biosecurity (PMP/AB) held at FAO in Rome (March pilot testing of the PMP/AB. The was first introduced in FAN 58 2019) (see related article on active engagement of governance (April 2019) as a new initiative providing updates on the related authorities, producer sectors and represents a paradigm project: Improving Biosecurity and academia clearly indicates shift in dealing with the risk Governance and Legal Framework a collective aspiration towards of diseases in aquaculture. It for Efficient and Sustainable public and private sector co- has come a long way since the Aquaculture Production, pages management of biosecurity, risk first multistakeholder meeting 7-8). More recent PMP/AB ownership and strengthened hosted by the World Bank in related events included another partnerships which can pave the Washington, DC (April 2018). technical working group meeting way for long-term commitment to A second consultation, in Paris held at the FAO Liaison Office risk management. (January 2019), hosted by the in Washington, DC (July 2019) Each country has an entry point World Organisation for Animal and an aquaculture biosecurity for the PMP/AB using one of the meeting hosted by the Yellow below scenarios: Sea Fisheries Research Institute of – Scenario 1: Country with the Chinese Academy of Fishery Written by no aquaculture strategy or Sciences in Qingdao, China Hao Bin National Strategy on Aquatic (September 2019). E-mail: [email protected] Animal Health (NSAAH), but Melba G. Bondad-Reantaso All these events resulted in has ongoing aquaculture or has E-mail: [email protected] further consensus building, a initiated aquaculture activities. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture better understanding of the – Scenario 2: Country with Department, Rome, Italy concepts, principles, benefits and NSAAH or other strategies

12 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 from FAO projects or other (www.fao.org/3/na265en/ OIE standards and tools in the assistance projects; certain levels na265en.pdf). This agenda item application of the PMP/AB and of implementation – how can received the highest number of enhanced collaboration with these be used to fit the context interventions, a strong indication relevant international bodies; of the PMP/AB? of the attention from Members (vi) stressed the importance of – Scenario 3: Country with and the need, interest and microbiome studies and the advanced biosecurity strategies; commitment to look at this need for developing microbial what bottlenecks/lessons and subject seriously. management protocols as part good practices can be used? COFI-SCA 10 made a number of good aquaculture practices; Updated to fit the context of of decisions on PMP/AB, namely: (vii) requested the formation of the PMP/AB. (i) welcomed the PMP/AB an FAO Technical Working Group – Scenario 4: Countries sharing and further highlighted the to develop the PMP/AB and waterbodies or transboundary importance of improved associated tools and mechanism; watersheds; regions with aquaculture biosecurity in (viii) recognized the importance MEETINGS AND EVENTS regional biosecurity strategies – reducing disease burden, of developing assessment tools updated within the context of improving health at the farm and on aquaculture health economics the PMP. national levels, minimizing global (aligned with the Global Burden of Animal Diseases) and Equally important is the ongoing spread of diseases, optimizing emergency preparedness; and recognition by FAO statutory socio-economic benefits (ix) recommended improving the bodies of the importance of from aquaculture, attracting PMP/AB communication streams. aquaculture biosecurity as one investment opportunities, and of the biggest limiting factors achieving One Health goals; An essential step, as requested to sustainable aquaculture, (ii) recommended COFI to consider by COFI-SCA, is the formation of and of the need to put in place the development, as part of FAO’s a FAO Technical Working Group biosecurity systems in parallel to global aquaculture sustainability that will provide guidance in the any aquaculture development. The programme, of a multi-donor further development (including 33rd Session of the Committee assisted long-term component on associated PMP/AB tools) and on Fisheries (COFI) (July 2018) aquaculture biosecurity, including its implementation. Awareness- took note of the development of the five pillars (one of which is raising and consensus building on PMP/AB and the need to build the PMP/AB); (iii) encouraged the PMP/AB will be a continuous the capacity of FAO Member commitment on resource activity. The development of the Countries to better manage mobilization; (iv) urged the pilot abovementioned multi-donor biosecurity (FAN 59, October testing of the PMP/AB; assisted long-term component on 2018). The recently concluded (v) emphasized the need to aquaculture biosecurity will also 10th Session of the COFI Sub- take into consideration the commence this year. Committee on Aquaculture (COFI-SCA) had outstanding SEE ALSO outcomes related to its agenda on preventing and managing aquatic www.fao.org/fishery/nems/41063/en animal disease risks in aquaculture www.fao.org/north-america/news/detail/en/c/1203328/ www.fao.org/3/na265en/na265en.pdf ©FAO

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 13 FAO Supports U.S. Congressional Briefings on Blue Growth, Aquaculture Biosecurity and Antimicrobial Resistance ©FAO/M. REANTASO Clockwise: June 2017 U.S. Congressional briefing on Blue Growth: The Future of Fish as a Food Source; 2019 U.S. Congressional briefing on AMR in aquaculture with Senator Wicker of Mississippi State; debriefing (June 2017) with MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS FAOLOW and MSU officials and the FIAA officer

n recent years, the FAO Liaison Bank Stakeholder Consultation on scene regarding the growing IOffice for North America Progressive Management Pathway global threat of antimicrobial (FAOLOW) and the Aquaculture for Improving Aquaculture resistance (AMR) in the context Branch (FIAA), in collaboration Biosecurity. of aquaculture, its multifaceted negative effects on the economy, with Mississippi State University This year (2019), an important food safety, trade, public health (MSU), have organized U.S. topic was covered in this and the environment. Dr Mark Congressional briefings on various briefing – The Invisible Threat Lawrence, Director of the Feed aquaculture topics. In 2017, the of Antimicrobial Resistance. the Future Innovation Lab for topic was “Blue Growth: The Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker Fish, hosted by MSU, highlighted Future of Fish as a Food Source”, and the Representative of the that fish is the most traded food and in 2018, the topic was 3rd District of Mississippi Michael commodity in international trade “Aquaculture Biosecurity”. The Guest gave opening remarks and emphasized the importance latter event was carried out back- highlighting the importance of of building capacity for fish health to-back with the FAO/MSU/World aquaculture both in the United management internationally, States and internationally which will protect the global and applauded the ongoing industry and the United States Written by: partnership between FAO and alike. Mr Omar Elhassan, formerly Omar Elhassan MSU, now spanning six years, of FIAA, emphasized the vital role FAO Intern in strengthening capacities the aquatic medium plays in the Email: [email protected] to achieve better aquaculture environment and the capacity Melba G. Bondad-Reantaso systems globally. E-mail: [email protected] for AMR to spread far and wide. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture In July 2019, the U.S. Dr Richard Arthur, aquatic animal Department, Rome, Italy Congressional briefing set the health expert from Canada,

14 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 focused attention on trade and Congressional briefing by sector in terms of its sustainability rejections of fishery products due highlighting the multisectoral as a food source and the threats to levels of antibiotic residues and holistic approach required posed by biosecurity and AMR. that pose a risk to human health. for combating AMR and the They also stressed the need for Dr Larry Hanson, professor collaborative, collective actions global cooperation in mitigating at MSU, stressed the vitally being taken by FAO, the World its negative effects. Continued important fact that prevention Health Organization, and the engagement activities such as is better than cure and that the World Organisation for Animal these Congressional briefings are best way to provide healthy, Health. Special note was given to necessary to strengthen and foster nutritious, high-quality products the new AMR Multi-Partnership the sense of shared responsibility from aquaculture is through Trust Fund, launched in June among various stakeholders. sound management and good 2019, with an initial contribution The next planned U.S. biosecurity. Drs Patricia Gaunt, of USD 5 million from the Congressional briefing will be MSU Associate Professor, and Government of the Netherlands. MEETINGS AND EVENTS in 2020 on the topic “Response Hao Bin, FIAA, provided country- Attendees to the U.S. Actions to Aquatic Animal Disease level experiences of the United Congressional briefings were from Emergencies”. The findings of States and China, respectively, in both the House of Representatives the round-table discussions on tackling and mitigating AMR in and the Senate, as well as the same topic held in Rome in the aquaculture sector. The five other aquaculture stakeholders December 2019 will be presented. panelists then answered questions based in Washington, DC, from the audience, comprised and nearby states. of 40 attendees from academia, government and the private The Congressional briefings SEE ALSO sector. raised awareness and increased understanding of the various www.fao.org/north-america/news/ Mr Vimlendra Sharan, Director issues challenging the aquaculture detail/en/c/1203328/ of FAOLOW, closed the X. BANG X. ©FAO/ Seaweed culture (laver, Ulva sp.), China

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 15 Focus sur le volet aquaculture continentale de la cinquième édition des Journées Maghrébines de l'Aquaculture Focusing on Freshwater Aquaculture Sector at the Fifth Edition of the Maghreb Aquaculture Days

he fifth edition of the Maghreb Aquaculture consultants of FAO, as well as invited national and TDays was held in Ifrane, Morocco 2 to 4 July international experts. The main recommendations 2019 with the title "Freshwater aquaculture: status from the working groups and the plenary discussions and perspectives". This event is organized by the concerned the support of the capacity development of FAO sub regional office for North Africa with the investors / farmers through practical training sessions aims of strengthening collaboration and technical and exchanges / field visits between the countries; capacity of countries of the sub region in the field of promoting and increasing intra-regional trade and aquaculture. A total of 41 participants took part in cooperation between North African countries. this event, including representatives of the countries This cooperation will be implemented through the of the sub-region (Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco and establishment of a sub-regional network dedicated Tunisia with the exception of Libya), a representative to the development of freshwater aquaculture of the Arab Maghreb Union, technical officers and under the aegis of the Arab Maghreb Union.

a cinquième édition des LJournées Maghrébines de l'Aquaculture s'est tenue à Ifrane (Maroc), du 02 au 04 Juillet 2019 sur le thème "Aquaculture MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS continentale: situation et perspectives". Ces journées sont organisées par le bureau sous- régional de la FAO pour l’Afrique du Nord dans le cadre de son programme régulier, en vue de renforcer les capacités des pays ©FAO/V. CRESPI de la sous-région en matière de Photo de groupe des participants à l’atelier d’Ifrane, Maroc développement de l'aquaculture Group photo of participants at the Ifrane workshop, Morocco durable. Au total, 41 participants ont participé à cet événement, fonctionnaires et consultants de Il comprenait également une dont les représentants des pays la FAO ainsi que les conférenciers session de groupes de travail et de la sous-région (l'Algérie, la nationaux et internationaux une visite de terrain. Mauritanie, le Maroc et la Tunisie), invités. Cette édition a permis de une représentante de l’Union Le programme des journées discuter et identifier des du Maghreb Arabe (UMA), les comprenait 21 communications nouvelles opportunités pour le réparties dans les quatre sessions développement de l’aquaculture plénières suivantes : (i) contexte continentale dans les pays de la et état des lieux de l'aquaculture sous-région en se référant aux Written by: continentale dans la sous-région; systèmes d'élevage aquacole Esma Bounouh (ii) systèmes de production conçus pour une meilleure FAO National Consultant en aquaculture continentale; utilisation des ressources, à E-mail: [email protected] (iii) gestion des risques sanitaires l'instar des systèmes intégrés Valerio Crespi liés à l'aquaculture continentale et systèmes à circuit fermé qui E-mail: [email protected] et (iv) certification des produits prennent en considération la FAO Subregional Office for North aquacoles et promotion des préservation de l'environnement Africa, Tunis, Tunisia échanges commerciaux. et l’utilisation rationnelle des

16 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 ressources en eau. Les journées ont également souligné les contributions potentielles de l'aquaculture continentale à la sécurité alimentaire et à la nutrition à l’échelle du Maghreb et la nécessité d’apporter un soutien aux petits producteurs des zones rurales de la sous- région. Les journées ont reconnu l’importance croissante du développement d’une aquaculture continentale durable et ont souligné la nécessité d’identifier MEETINGS AND EVENTS et promouvoir des pratiques ©FAO/V. CRESPI Visite de la station piscicole de Ras El Ma, Maroc aquacoles optimales en vue Field visit at the aquaculture station of Ras El Ma, Morocco d'atteindre cet objectif. En outre, les pays ont Les principales recommandations coopération sera mise en œuvre recommandé que la FAO issues des groupes de travail à travers l’établissement d’un contribue à faciliter l’échange et des discussions en sessions réseau sous-régional dédié au de données et d'expertises, plénières ont concerné l'appui développement de l'aquaculture indispensable au développement à la formation professionnelle continentale sous l’égide de de l'aquaculture continentale, des investisseurs/aquaculteurs à l’Union du Maghreb Arabe. entre les pays du Maghreb, travers des sessions de formation en s’appuyant sur les réseaux pratiques et des échanges/visites SEE ALSO existants et/ ou en cours de entre les pays ; la promotion et l’amélioration des échanges FAO 2018 - FAN 58 (April) - Fourth formation et à fournir de edition of the sub-regional workshop l'appui dans les domaines de commerciaux intra-régionaux on aquaculture in the North African renforcement des capacités et de et de la coopération entre les countries. l'assistance technique. pays de l'Afrique du Nord. Cette www.fao.org/3/i9200en/I9200EN.pdf V. CRESPI ©FAO/ Bassin utilisé pour la reproduction du tilapia du Nil (Oreochromis niloticus) dans une ferme qui utilise l'eau d'aquaculture pour irriguer les terres agricoles comme une pratique intégrée, Égypte. Basin used for breeding Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on a farm that uses aquaculture water to irrigate agriculture lands as an integrated practice, Egypt

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 17 Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Updates on Meetings Related Advisory Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources and to Aquatic Genetic Resources Technologies (Working Group) convened for its third regular meeting. Priority areas of discussion were follow-up activities to the Report on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the Report), particularly the development of a Global Plan of Action (GPA) for

©FAO/FLICKR ACCOUNT ACCOUNT ©FAO/FLICKR aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) Expert workshop on The Development of a Global Information System for and the development of an Farmed Types of Aquatic Genetic Resources information system to collect data Expert Workshop on The The experts worked to: on farmed types of AqGR. Development of a Global – identify country stakeholders In response to the call of the Information System for Farmed who will benefit from the Commission on Genetic Resources Types of Aquatic Genetic information system; for Food and Agriculture, FAO Resources – determine an initial group of was requested to develop a GPA n July 2019, FAO held an expert key species that will be the for AqGR and to consult also with Iworkshop on The Development focus of the prototype registry; COFI and its relevant subsidiary of a Global Information System for – define the general structure bodies on this important task. Farmed Types of Aquatic Genetic of the registry and the future The Working Group agreed Resources. The workshop was the information system; and on the objectives and priority first, critical step in designing a – develop a nomenclature of areas of the GPA, emphasizing registry to collect information on farmed types, including criteria

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS that the GPA represents an aquatic genetic resources at the for their identification. opportunity to promote the level below the species, namely, The classification of farmed types development of AqGR through on farmed types (see pages 40-42 produced by the experts has been genetic improvement, an area of this issue). Development of a major output of the workshop where aquaculture still falls short the registry is occurring under a and will help to address the critical in contrast to terrestrial food project funded by the German lack of standardized nomenclature production sectors. Government. Under this project, and terminology for describing a prototype of the registry will be The Working Group reviewed aquatic genetic resources. released at the end of 2020 and and broadly supported the will represent the core component Third Session of the Committee recommendations of the expert of a future global information on Fisheries Advisory Working workshop on The Development system that will collect and make Group on Aquatic Genetic of a Global Information System available data from countries on Resources and Technologies for Farmed Types of Aquatic their farmed types and stocks to In August 2019, in Rome, Italy, Genetic Resources (see previous facilitate monitoring of the global the ten members of the FAO article) and recognized that this status of management of these resources.

Written by

Daniela Lucente FAO Consultant E-mail: [email protected] Graham Mair E-mail: [email protected] ©FAO/G. MAIR ©FAO/G. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Third Session of the Committee on Fisheries Advisory Working Group on Department, Rome, Italy Aquatic Genetic Resources and Technologies

18 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 information system will constitute characterizing an essential component for the aquatic genetic implementation of the future GPA. resources (AqGR) to support policy The meeting was also an development and opportunity to discuss FAO’s draft the importance strategic plan to strengthen its key of well-managed role in facilitating and promoting breeding the conservation, sustainable programmes to use and development of AqGR boost aquaculture worldwide. Among the priority ACCOUNT ©FAO/FLICKR production were actions identified within the draft The official launch of The State of the World's Aquatic among these key strategic plan were proactive Genetic Resources during COFI Sub-Committee on messages. The Aquaculture communication of the key findings value of networking of the Report, preparation of by incorporating genetics into MEETINGS AND EVENTS of stakeholders was recognized a set of guidelines for AqGR baseline data, models and as fundamental to challenges to management and the promotion monitoring programmes. Areas of sustainable management of AqGR of a standard terminology for training and discussion included in production and to conserve describing AqGR. genomics for monitoring control, wild relative AqGR. A prerequisite selective breeding in aquaculture, Information on the advisory role for an effective utilization of traceability, stock assessment and of the Working Group and on its AqGR is the appropriate and applications of environmental DNA members is available at www.fao. effective application of genetic analyses. org/aquatic-genetic-resources/ technologies and information. activities/awg/en. Also recognized was the need for Modern genetic and genomic COFI Sub-Committee on more young geneticists, especially technologies can provide high- Aquaculture: Side Event on The in the field of quantitative quality information at the species, Critical Role of Aquatic Genetic genetics, to engage in current population and individual levels, Resources in Aquaculture and future activities in developing helping scientists and policy- Development countries. makers to address essential issues on the management of aquatic Emphasizing the importance The Report and its In Brief genetic resources. The course of aquatic genetic resources to summary are available online at stressed that the identification of the development of sustainable www.fao.org/aquatic-genetic- clear questions and an adequate aquaculture, this side event was resources/home/en. held during the Tenth Session sampling design are essential Training by the International of the COFI Sub-Committee for effective application of these Council for the Exploration on Aquaculture in Trondheim, technologies. However, in both of the Sea on “Genetics in Norway, in August 2019. The capture fisheries and aquaculture Support of Fisheries and event officially launched the management, some factors still Aquaculture Management” Report of The State of the World’s prevent the use of genetics on a Aquatic Genetic Resources for 17–19 September 2019, regular basis. Constraining factors Food and Agriculture (the Report), University of Algarve, Portugal included: – lack of awareness of the full the first-ever report of its kind. In September 2019, FAO potential and possible benefits participated in a three-day Experts from FAO, WorldFish, of genetic technology; training course entitled Genetics the Indian Council of Agricultural – lack of a communication in Support of Fisheries and Research–National Bureau of strategy to build this awareness Aquaculture Management, Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR- including to consumers; and organized by the International NBFGR), and the State Secretary – the need for establishing long- Council for the Exploration of for the Norwegian Ministry of term databases for genetic the Sea (ICES) at the Centre of Trade, Industry and Fisheries data. formed the panel for this event. Marine Sciences of the University Key messages from the Report of Algarve, Portugal. The course FAO was invited to present its were presented by FAO, while was aimed at illustrating, through current work on aquatic genetic scientists from ICAR-NBFGR and lectures, practical case studies resources owing to its many WorldFish shared their experiences and group exercises, the broad synergies with the training topics. with regard to some of the spectrum of ways capture fisheries key messages. The necessity of and aquaculture can be improved

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 19 Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture

FIGURE 1 – Steps in the development of the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture

INPUTS GSA Case studies Pathways

Thematic modules

Existing guidelines

Case studies ©FAO ©FAO MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS s requested by its Members enabling aquaculture to effectively Development. Specifically, the Aduring the Ninth Session participate in the implementation Sub-Committee was invited to: of the Committee on Fisheries of the 2030 Agenda for i) reflect on the process Sub-Committee on Aquaculture Sustainable Development. towards the development and (COFI-SCA), FAO is currently Other target beneficiaries will implementation of GSA developing Guidelines for also include farmers, producer ii) advise on the methodology for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA - organizations, value-chain identifying the lessons learned former acronym SAG) to provide stakeholders, civil society from strategies and experiences practical guidance to government organizations (environment, of aquaculture developments authorities and policy-makers in social), consumers, financing worldwide by making use of their efforts of promoting the institutions and investors. For the answers to the biennial implementation of the Code of this, a series of successful and CCRF survey (while considering Conduct for Responsible Fisheries unsuccessful aquaculture case the confidentiality of the (CCRF) and engaging and studies will be analyzed and their answers to the CCRF survey); valuable lessons extracted. iii) provide recommendations on how to make the CCRF survey A roadmap and methodology for questionnaire more relevant for developing the GSA proposed reporting the implementation Written by: by an Expert Consultation, held of GSA and Sustainable Rodrigo Roubach in Rome in June 2019, was Development Goals; E-mail: [email protected] submitted to the Sub-Committee iv) support resource mobilization KwangSuk Oh on Aquaculture at its Tenth efforts to raise awareness on E-mail: [email protected] Session in Trondheim, Norway, GSA and strengthen related Ana Menezes in August 2019 during a Special programmes. E-mail: [email protected] Event on Better Management FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Practices and Guidelines for The special event was also an Department, Rome, Italy Sustainable Aquaculture opportunity for regional experts

20 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 to present the work in their opportunities that could be used also stressed the need to ensure respective regions, as well as as good case studies in the region that all regions are part of the their views and perspectives were suggested, each of which consultations; the importance towards the regional work for will need to be evaluated during a of defining what guidelines for the guidelines on sustainable regional GSA consultation. sustainable aquaculture are; aquaculture. In the Latin and the importance of bringing FAO Members provided some America and Caribbean Region, onboard existing guidelines, suggestions on various topics it was pointed out that leading specifically in the African region, such as: fish health and fish countries within the region where some guidelines have farming practices and the possess experience with the already been developed. Norwegian experience with issues presented. For example, its close cooperation between The GSA will build on lessons Colombia is a leader in public the authorities, academia learned. The proposed policy development for tilapia and the private sector in the methodology (Figure 1) is to production. The presentation from MEETINGS AND EVENTS development; Senegal called for use case studies and existing the African–Union Interafrican more cooperation among African guidelines to develop the GSA, Bureau for Animal Resources countries in order to allow for which will include pathways, brought to attention the greater growth of aquaculture in Africa; practical thematic modules intensification and expansion of and several case studies were also (including existing guidelines) and pond, tank and cage production proposed on Mexican or Brazilian case studies. The list of thematic systems in the region and shrimp. Guinea highlighted its modules was developed by the promotion of ecosystem health industry, which is based on the experts, and a gaps analysis has and integrity as best practices principles of agroecology and been completed on thematic areas for sound business, including IMTA, and proposed that FAO needing additional guidance. biodiversity, biosecurity, one complete a case study on this The expert consultation strongly health, climate-change resilience, topic. Kenya asked to target recommended that the timeline early warning and equitable socio- regional policies and strategies be accelerated. economic development. From the that call for empowerment European Inland Fisheries and The following steps and tentative of women and youth in the Aquaculture Advisory Commission deadlines are the following: aquaculture sector as possible presentation, two case studies (i) regional meetings to be held, case studies. The European Union were proposed: (i) European for example, in Africa, Asia, highlighted the importance Maritime and Fisheries Fund Latin America and Small Island it gives through its funding subsidies for the conservation and Developing States and drafting mechanism of several projects sustainable intensification of pond of the GSA (2019–2021); (ii) the that address different aspects of th aquaculture; and (ii) legislation 34 session of the Committee the sustainability of the sector. concerning feed and therefore on Fisheries (COFI) is informed Morocco emphasized that it can nutrient discharge for trout of the GSA process (July 2020); be a good case study for other aquaculture in Denmark. The (iii) GSA is submitted to the countries looking to develop th Network of Aquaculture Centres 11 session of the COFI Sub- marine aquaculture, as it has set in Asia-Pacific (NACA) highlighted Committee on Aquaculture in up a specific legal framework the advanced use of integrated Mexico for review and adoption for marine aquaculture, the multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) (2021); (iv) GSA is submitted result of an analysis of the legal in Asia and proposed it as a to COFI 35 for endorsement approaches other countries. case study due to its use as a (2022); (v) publication of bioremediation approach against Overall, the Sub-Committee on GSA (2022/2023); and excessive nutrients. A second case Aquaculture indicated its strong (vi) implementation, such study could be the coastal ocean support of the proposal to as capacity building (from longline and raft IMTA, since the convene regional consultations. It 2022/2023 onward). region produces oyster/scallop and kelp as well as abalone, SEE ALSO seaweed and sea cucumber. Marine ranching was also noted COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture: www.fao.org/cofi/aq/en as a possible case study. Along FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries available in support to Sustainable Aquaculture Development: these lines, a number of other www.fao.org/fishery/publications/technical-guidelines/en

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 21 European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission: Report from the Thirtieth Session and International Symposium

ish from inland rivers and lakes, including Ffreshwater aquaculture, has the potential to make significant contributions to healthy diets and sustainable food supplies in Europe. This was the main message of two important meetings of FAO’s European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC), which held its 30th Session in Dresden, Germany, 9–13 September 2019, in conjunction with an international symposium on food safety, certification, diadromous fish and

conservation conflicts. CHOMO FAO/V. © th A main outcome of the session was a new 30 Session of EIFAAC, 11-13 September 2019, communication strategy to better disseminate Dresden, Germany research findings and improve communication with regional policy-makers. The EIFAAC Symposium, – Identify deviations between risk assessment and for the first time, included the post-harvest risk management approaches in food safety for topics of food safety and certification. Some freshwater fish and fisheries products. recommendations formulated by participants were – Adopt surveys among anglers and other inland the following: waterbody stakeholders that are standardized – Need to collate knowledge on inland fish species on a European level to allow data comparisons. for effective, efficient and environmentally Angler surveys could include social and economic sustainable production while adhering to food queries to support evidence-based management safety standards equivalent to food safety decisions. programmes for marine species. – Better coordination in the assessment of fish

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS stocks between marine and inland waters, namely diadromous species. Where these result in management and conservation programmes, they need to be coordinated in a comprehensive way. FAO/V. CHOMO FAO/V. © Petri Heinimaa and Teppo Vehanen, Chairs of the

EIFAAC and the Technical and Scientific Committee CHOMO FAO/V. © Petri Heinimaa, Chair of 30th Session and Victoria Chomo, General Secretary of EIFAAC

Written by: Victoria Chomo SEE ALSO FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy E-mail: [email protected] EIFAAC website: www.fao.org/fishery/rfb/eifaac/en

22 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Regional Workshop on Integrated Agri-Aquaculture in Desert and Arid Lands

he workshop held Tin Cairo, Egypt, on 25–26 June 2019, was organized at the end of the project entitled “Integrated agri- aquaculture in desert and arid lands: learning from case studies from MEETINGS AND EVENTS Algeria, Egypt and Oman”, which was supported by the FAO Regional Initiative on FERSOY ©FAO/H. Water Scarcity and the Group photo of participants at the regional workshop in Cairo FAO Global Knowledge conventional water resources for (including best management Product on water. The objective the promotion and sustainable practices, practical manuals, of the project was to build broad development of integrated labelling and marketing of partnerships to support greater agriculture-aquaculture in desert IAA products, role of non- understanding in implementation and arid lands. governmental organizations, and use of non-conventional awareness campaign on IAA, The workshop identified a number water resources in integrated and establishment of small- of priorities to enhance regional agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) scale farmer associations for cooperation and to strengthen systems. marketing of products); the development of the subsector, – establish a network of centres The workshop was attended by summarized as follows: of excellence on IAA in the representatives from Algeria, – develop demonstration IAA Near East and North Africa Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, units/models using the best region in order to provide ad Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, environmentally friendly hoc trainings and technical Palestine, Saudi Arabia and technology (encompassing assistance; Sudan, particularly individuals smart use of water and natural – develop financial and economic from research institutions and resources); programmes to launch IAA relevant national ministries. The – develop demonstration IAA projects in the region, aiming primary objectives of the regional units/models based on the to gain financial and technical workshop were to share project use of rainwater resources support from the FAO Water outcomes with participants and in Darfur as a model for Scarcity Initiative, among others. to develop a provisional road map Sudan. Noting that Sudan is framework to serve as a guide characterized by limited water The project report, under for public institutions and the resources, extremely difficult preparation, will be published in private sector in the use of non- environmental conditions and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture the presence of many refugees; Circular publication series. – elaborate information to promote IAA farming systems Written by:

Haydar Fersoy FAO Regional Office for the Near SEE ALSO East and North Africa, Cairo, Egypt E-mail: [email protected] FAO Water Scarcity Initiative: Valerio Crespi www.fao.org/neareast/perspectives/water-scarcity/en FAO Subregional Office for North Every drop counts: www.fao.org/fao-stories/article/en/c/1111580 Africa, Tunis, Tunisia Sharing innovative, water-saving agri-aquaculture experiences across the E-mail: [email protected] Near East and North Africa: http://www.fao.org/blogs/blue-growth-blog

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 23 Report on the FAO Regional Workshop on Pond Aquaculture for the West Balkans and Caucasus Region

– Ornamental fish rearing and market information, with a visit to the top ornamental producer in Czechia. – Tour of carp pond farms in the south Bohemia region. Czech carp farming began in the 15th century, with most of the existing ponds established at that time. These ponds are large reservoirs constructed in the Middle Ages without the benefit of modern extraction equipment. Czech farmers rear carp using extensive methods, i.e. ©FAO/V. CHOMO ©FAO/V. without feed or with only locally produced cereals. Practical demonstration of milking eggs from live – The Ministry of Agriculture provided participants African catfish with posters of species important for Europe and nder growing pressure from environmental books produced by the USB faculty on “applied Uchanges and human activities, some inland fish hydrobiology”, “crayfish biology and culture” and habitats in Europe are degraded, stocks depleted, “fisheries in open waters”. and some traditional and locally adapted farmed This FAO workshop was a good example of types are close to disappearing. Pond aquaculture triangular cooperation in providing the best offers sustainable and low-cost solutions that can scientific knowledge from Western Europe on reconcile interests of fish farmers, tourism and the freshwater fish production to improve aquaculture recreational sector. Increasing pond aquaculture in production in the West Balkans and Caucasus region. Europe and the Caucasus offers a way to restock native fish species that may be preferred by sport fishers and local consumers. The FAO Regional

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS Office for Europe and Central Asia, jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, organized a regional workshop on pond aquaculture at the Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia (USB), from 30 September to 4 October 2019. Numerous faculty members and graduate students from the university provided technical and practical training during the five-day workshop on such topics as artificial reproduction, fish genetics and breeding,

production and feeding, and conservation of aquatic CHOMO ©FAO/V. genetic resources. There were 22 participants Theoretical lectures at Faculty of Water Protection, from several countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia Vodnany, Czech Republic and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and Viet Nam. Highlights of the workshop were: – Scientific aspects of fish breeding and rearing and hands-on exercise for freshwater aquaculture of Europe. – Hands-on exercise in milking eggs from live African catfish.

Written by: Victoria Chomo FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy ©FAO/V. CHOMO ©FAO/V. E-mail: [email protected] Workshop participant with a farm-raised sturgeon

24 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 AQUACULTURE UPDATES BY REGION ©FAO/M. HALWART AQUACULTURE UPDATES BY REGION • AQUACULTURE UPDATES BY REGION • AQUACULTURE UPDATES BY REGION

in post-harvest handling and FAO support within Aquaculture distribution; (ii) low and seasonal domestic fish consumption; and Development in Pakistan (iii) high production costs and a lack of economies of scale for existing fish farms. n the 1980s, the Pakistan aquaculture production is among IGovernment placed high the reasons that the per capita fish Encouraged by more successful importance on aquaculture consumption in Pakistan is about aquaculture development in development. In consequence, 10 percent of the world average. neighbouring countries (e.g. the country experienced strong Compared to the world average Bangladesh, India and Iran, Islamic development of inland aquaculture, of over 20 kg per year in 2019, Republic of), existing and potential particularly carp culture; however, fish consumption in the country farmers in Pakistan are eager to since the 1990s, aquaculture has remains the lowest in the world venture into aquaculture. However, become marginalized. In 2017, with only 1.9 kg per capita per year. these farmers are deterred by a for instance, total aquaculture lack of success stories, especially Pakistan has extensive resources production was only around in subsectors (e.g. shrimp farming) of fresh and brackish water, and 160 000 tonnes, a share that have yet to take off despite favourable agro-climatic conditions. representing only 0.14 percent of various efforts in the past. The However, multiple inefficiencies world aquaculture production, Government of Pakistan has and constraints in the fish value falling far short of its 2.6 percent recently reaffirmed the importance chain are seen as blocking issues of world population. Low of developing aquaculture in the for aquaculture development. country, evidenced by explicitly Three main constraints are: including aquaculture development (i) unsatisfactory sanitary conditions Written by:

Mina Dowlatchahi E-mail: [email protected] Mariam Zia Khan E-mail: [email protected] FAO Country Office for Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan Weimin Miao E-mail: [email protected] Junning Cai E-mail: [email protected] FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture ©FAO/J. CAI ©FAO/J. Department, Rome, Italy Carp and tilapia farm hatchery in Punjab, Pakistan

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 25 MEETINGSASIA AND AND THE EVENTS PACIFIC 26 immediatestart support to the In parallel, and in order to be operational in early 2020. progress, the project is to expected economic development. A work in (e.g. tourist consumption) and local regions for domestic niche markets (iii) trout farming in northern domestic fish consumption; and lakes and rivers) and increased natural water resources (reservoirs, focus on optimal utilization of aquaculture nationwide, with a a focus earnings;on export (ii) cage Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, with (including hatchery operations) in on three areas: (i) shrimp farming World Bank project will be focusing by the national government, the Development Board and approved developed by the National Fisheries development projects initially Built on three aquaculture project. Bank World the of models to facilitate the formulation develop economic and financial in Pakistan in October 2019 to the country; and (iii) a field mission aquaculture growth potential in public and private interventions and aquaculture to identify potential Pakistani of diagnosis chain value market opportunities, and a tilapia and trout) to identify export aquaculture commodities (shrimp, market assessment of key which includes an international Pakistani aquaculture sector”, opportunities for an expanded conduct the “assessment of market field mission in August 2019 to fisheries in Sindh Province; (ii) a the status of aquaculture and 2019 focusing on assessment of (i) a scoping mission in March development in Pakistan, including: World Bank project on aquaculture formulation of a multimillion Programme to backstop the FAO/World Bank Cooperative include three missions under the potential in aquaculture. Efforts Pakistan to unleash growth its FAO has been actively supporting programme. food security emergency in the newly approved national FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 No. 61 NEWSLETTER FAO AQUACULTURE on the development of a National focus, which respectively, projects, Cooperation Programme (TCP) the formulation of Technical two Fisheries Development Board in sector in Pakistan, FAO assisted the development of an aquaculture three sessions were followed fisheries development. The (iii) FAO-Pakistan initiatives for of aquaculture in Pakistan; and capture fisheries; (ii) development (i) global fisheries and marine technical sessions centred around: inputs and facilitated all three Symposium with key technical Department provided the National and the Fisheries and Aquaculture forOffice Asia and the Pacific fromOfficers the FAO Regional FAO Representative in Pakistan. Security and Research and the Minister for National Food was jointly opened by the Federal goal. The National Symposium to tackle the challenges to this commencing a discussion on how development in the country, and economic inclusive to fisheries contribution of aquaculture and of the potential sustainable the purposes of raising awareness was held on 8 October 2019 with andFood Livelihood in Pakistan Fisheries and Aquaculture for The National Symposium on approved. haveprojects two recently been Provinces (TCP/PAK/3710). The fish species in Punjab and Sindh the farming of shrimp, prawn and a feasibility study and piloting of sector (TCP/PAK/3709-C6), and for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Implementation Plan fisheries and aquaculture for food Starting with an overview on and legal/governance dimensions. environmental, economic, social and nutrition security, including the food and aquaculture and fisheries the complex pathways between discussion points centred around their suggestions and input. Key relevant stakeholders, put forward government counterparts and participants, including provincial by a robust discussion whereby ■ APRIL2020 presentations on global fisheries Technical delivered experts cause for concern. declining trend, which may be a on Pakistan’s fish stocks show a aquaculture development. Statistics water and natural resources use for standards for conservation of strengthened to meet international institutional capacities need to be inequitable gaps. Additionally, sector, and the need to close these a diverse and heterogeneous and fishing companies, etc.) in (fishing communities, smallholders contributions of various actors presence of inequitable roles and A key point raised was the discussions and interventions. level, and in wider development livelihood strategies at the national food security, in nutrition and include fish as a key element in covered, including the need to countries, relevant issues were security and livelihoods in Asian of Pakistan’s aquaculture sector. sector. aquaculture Pakistan’s of initiatives to theboost development corresponding government development in Pakistan and in Asia, challenges in aquaculture development trends of aquaculture Other topics included status and health. safety of the products and human technologies to ensure both the quality controls and processing post-harvest losses, and improving diversifying variety, addressing Developing aquaculture requires scale fishing communities. small- vulnerable, in livelihoods at the cost of undermining aquaculture must not come Furthermore, development of profitability need to be addressed. costs undermining the sector’s urgent attention, and the high of marine fisheries requires Measures Agreement. Overfishing non-ratification of the State Port the impact of the country’s Particular focus was placed on international fisheries instruments. for marine capture fisheries and challenges and the way forward Pakistan’s contribution, status, production and trade, covering The Government of Pakistan has launched a comprehensive 309 billion rupee “Agriculture Emergency Programme”, under which three of its thirteen development projects would be executed in fisheries, namely, projects on incubating shrimp farming, cage culture for fish species, and trout culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The financial allocation for the three development projects on fisheries is

13 billion rupees. MIAO ©FAO/W. Aijaz Ahmed Mahesar, Secretary, Livestock & Fisheries, Government of Sindh,

A presentation on aquatic animal addressing the symposium PACIFIC THE AND ASIA health management was delivered, focusing on preventive health been received by the Government Major findings from these activities care of aquatic animals, and the of Punjab for technical support include wide buy-in and agreement importance of maintaining a to develop the provincial fisheries on the importance of enabling the healthy environment to reduce and aquaculture policy to meet its further development of aquaculture the risk of disease outbreaks or Sustainable Development Goals within the sustainable food systems production losses and promoting targets. approach, including the following: healthy production systems. A – The need for improved legislation While continuing support of suggestion was made that utilizing and development of fisheries and the development of the World the FAO Code of Conduct for aquaculture policy at the federal Bank project for aquaculture Responsible Aquaculture and the and provincial levels. development in Pakistan, FAO Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, – The need for the establishment will explore the possibility of would ensure protection of natural of a statistical data collection providing more direct support biodiversity and the environment. system on fisheries to support to the future implementation of informed policy-making. A project inception workshop was the project through a technical – The need to strengthen fish conducted jointly by FAO-Pakistan assistance component with the handling and safety protocols and the Fisheries Development World Bank project. FAO will and procedures. Board of Pakistan to launch the provide full technical support to – The need to inform and promote two TCP projects the next day. the implementation of the two TCP rural communities on the The inception workshop was projects in Pakistan. The immediate potential for aquaculture for attended by representatives follow-up action will be to support livelihood development through from relevant national and the Fisheries Development Board export earnings. provincial fisheries authorities and in finalizing the implementation – The need for awareness-raising institutions participating in project details for the two TCP projects on the role of fish in healthy implementation. The workshop in consultation with the provincial diets, with an objective of raising introduced the objectives and fisheries development authorities the current low levels of fish result framework and planned and stakeholders, particularly the consumption. activities of the two TCP projects scope of project activities and to the key players in project coordinating mechanism. implementation, also discussing project outputs and the scope and SEE ALSO implementation arrangements of project activities. Not only did the WAPI factsheet on aquaculture growth potential in Pakistan: participants show high interest, but www.fao.org/3/ca5585en/ca5585en.pdf also Punjab Province proposed to Top 10 species groups in global, regional and national aquaculture 2017 – supplementary materials to the WAPI factsheet on “Top 10 species groups in serve as a pilot moving forward. All global, regional and national aquaculture 2017”: participating provinces expressed www.fao.org/3/ca5187en/ca5187en.pdf their willingness to develop WAPI factsheet on international market potential for shrimp export from provincial fisheries and aquaculture Pakistan: www.fao.org/3/ca7625en/ca7625en.pdf policy and update the respective WAPI factsheet on international market potential for tilapia export from Pakistan legislations in line with the federal Pakistan: www.fao.org/3/ca7626en/ca7626en.pdf policy on fisheries and aquaculture. WAPI factsheet on international market potential for trout export from Pakistan: www.fao.org/3/ca7627en/ca7627en.pdf Accordingly, a formal request has

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 27 The International Symposium on Integrated Agro-Aquaculture Innovations and Social Impact: Rice-Fish Farming

AO and Shanghai Ocean University organized the FInternational Symposium on Integrated Agro- Aquaculture Innovations and Social Impact: Rice-Fish Farming from 13 to 17 October 2019 in Shanghai, China. Over 120 people participated in the event, hailing from more than ten countries, including China, France, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic

Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka XINHUA ©FAO/Y. and Viet Nam, and international organizations Participants to the International Symposium discuss the such as WorldFish. This event continued a series social impact of integrated agriculture aquaculture of workshops on rice-fish systems, namely, the Special Session on Advancing Integrated Agriculture was organized to Zhejiang Province to visit a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) Aquaculture through Agroecology, held in 3 Montpellier, France (25–29 August 2018),1 and the site. GIAHS sites are internationally recognized as International Promotion Programme Workshop on outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that Social Impact of Rice-Fish Farming in Shanghai, China combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems (4–8 December 2018).2 and a valuable cultural heritage. Here, participants witnessed and interacted with farmers practicing The symposium themes included the relevance of traditional mulberry farming on fish-pond dykes, rice-fish systems to the agroecology movement, using the fertile pond mud to fertilize mulberries, and specifically in relation to the social dimension of rice- in turn using the crop residues as fish feed. A second fish farming, such as improved nutrition and benefits site showed the integration of rice and soft-shell to indigenous peoples. Regional reviews of rice-fish turtle culture. farming in Asia-Pacific and Africa and country case studies helped to illustrate the global picture, and The workshop identified several key conclusions specific topics covered policy, challenges, innovations and recommendations to advance rice-fish farming and extension. Also highlighted were technological development: innovations in the thematic areas of site and species – Raise awareness and understanding of rice and fish production systems and their potential contribution

ASIAAND THE PACIFIC selection, farming models and business management practices. Participants discussed and exchanged to the upscaling of agroecology initiatives. experiences related to their respective development – Support conducive policy and strategy to support MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS status and further investigated the trends and rice-fish farming to address the lack of good objectives of rice-fish farming worldwide. understanding of the merits and essence of this unique farming system. What set this symposium apart from other, similar – Provide an enabling environment, especially with symposia was its focus on the social dimension of regard to land management policy and use of rice-fish farming. These social elements included the terraced, lowland rice farming areas. impacts of rice-fish on nutrition and public health, – Increase understanding and engagement between on gender equity and women’s empowerment, key actors, especially technical extension officers, on youth employment, and the importance of traditional practitioners, the community, and the traditional rice-fish systems for indigenous peoples possible involvement of enterprises. and cultural heritage. To provide participants with – Document good stories and practices, which will a more informed perspective of the importance of help policy-makers and rice farmers to initiate, the social impact of rice-fish farming, a field trip adopt and advance rice-fish farming. ©FAO/Y. XINHUA ©FAO/Y. Participants visit the GIAHS site on mulberry-fish system ©FAO/Y. XINHUA ©FAO/Y. Rice-fish farming field Written by: 1. www.fao.org/3/CA2325EN/ca2325en.pdf Xinhua Yuan 2. www.fao.org/3/ca5223en/CA5223EN.pdf FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy 3. www.fao.org/giahs/giahsaroundtheworld/designated-sites/ E-mail: [email protected] asia-and-the-pacific/huzhou-mulberry-dyke-fish-pond-system/ detailed-information/en

28 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 The Third International Symposium on Offshore Aquaculture, Shanghai, China

he Third International Symposium on Offshore TAquaculture was organized by the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences and hosted by the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute on 18–22 October 2019. The event was attended by 180 participants from 12 countries – Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Finland, Germany, Israel,

Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Sierra Leone and XINHUA ©FAO/Y. the United States of America – as well as several Panel discussion during International Symposium on Offshore Aquaculture international organizations.

aquaculture to achieve its potential in the global PACIFIC THE AND ASIA food production sector. – Accelerate applied research in equipment design, automated management and mechanization, and investigate the integration of other sectors operating in offshore areas (e.g. wind energy, oil and gas extraction, and marine shipping). ©FAO/Y. XINHUA ©FAO/Y. Participants of the International Symposium on Offshore – Call for government support in policy Aquaculture development, licensing and permitting, and environmental monitoring and disaster relief. The symposium presented state-of-the-art research – Continue sharing knowledge and experience of and industry related to offshore aquaculture, successful cases and stories of offshore aquaculture and exchanged and showcased the experiences development, particularly those involving novel of the participants. Furthermore, the symposium cage structures, species, aquaculture models and identified bottlenecks and challenges for further business operations. expansion. After the opening ceremony, the – Encourage partnerships in research and participants participated in keynote speeches, cooperation towards the implementation of smart, thematic presentations from invited experts and green and sustainable offshore aquaculture. a field visit. A high-level dialogue session was also In recent years, offshore aquaculture has become a organized. Partnerships among governments, major issue for debate among various stakeholders, research institutes and the private sector were and has attracted significant attention from highly promoted during the symposium, using the governments, non-governmental organizations, example of the Blue Economy Cooperative Research research institutes, the industrial sector and Centre and the partnerships among Australia, China, investment partners. China has provided an Chile and Norway. excellent platform for exchange by organizing this The symposium called for ongoing exchange and international symposium on offshore aquaculture, discussion on offshore aquaculture developments, in the belief that open communication and including relevant innovative technologies, business exchange is essential for sustainable growth. models, opportunities and challenges, as well as opportunities for capacity building. There were requests for further collaboration and cooperation worldwide among key stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development of offshore aquaculture. Specific recommendations included the following: – Enhance understanding of and investment in offshore aquaculture, a possible space for

Written by:

Xinhua Yuan Discussing offshore aquaculture with Prof. Wang ©FAO/Y. XINHUA ©FAO/Y. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy Lumin (CAFS) at a farm producing large yellow croaker E-mail: [email protected] (Larimichthys crocea)

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 29 The International Conference on Fishery Science and Innovation, Shanghai, China ©FAO/Y. XINHUA ©FAO/Y. Participants of the International Conference on Fishery Science and Innovation

he International Conference on Fishery Science policy and consciousness – which is grounded in Tand Innovation was co-organized by the the practical realities of providing livelihoods and Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), the ensuring food security. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and FAO on – Recognizing the decades of experience from 24−25 September 2019 in Shanghai, China. The around the world in supporting fisheries reform event was attended by more than 180 participants efforts through sound science, economic from 10 countries, including Canada, China, Italy, pragmatism and novel partnerships. Japan, Kenya, United Kingdom and the United – Recognizing that placing high value on technical States of America, and international organizations proficiency and international experience such as the International Union for Conservation of can channel both into a country’s fisheries Nature. management system, providing the collaborative mindset needed to help adapt lessons learned for The conference discussed and outlined strategies the local context. under three major themes: conservation of – Recognizing the importance of research and biodiversity through innovations in science and innovations for environmental policy transitions, management; mitigation of impacts on biodiversity notably in pollution management, carbon and recovery of lost ecosystem functions;

ASIAAND THE PACIFIC emissions, and agricultural production and and rebuilding of ecosystems and recovery of environmental management practices. biodiversity.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS – Recognizing new attitudes towards sustainability During the opening ceremony, Professor Wang culminated in an incredibly ambitious fisheries Xiaohu, President of CAFS, Dr Manuel Barange, reform agenda and new approaches for investing Director of FIA/FAO, and Dr Douglas Rader, Chief in science, capacity building and forging new Oceans Scientist of EDF, welcomed participants, partnerships. opened the conference and made keynote speeches, respectively. The symposium called for increased dialogue and exchange on “green fisheries” and sustainable aquaculture towards their enhancement, with an aim to harmonize objectives relating to food production and environment conservation. There are requests for further collaboration and cooperation towards these objectives, such as the

following: XINHUA ©FAO/Y. – Recognizing that the success of fishery and FAO Director Manuel Barange discussed with Prof. Wang aquaculture depends on a strong environmental Xiaohu (CAFS) on collaboration ethic – encapsulated in the concept of “ecological civilization” that is increasingly permeating The meeting provided an opportunity for FAO and CAFS to further discuss and expand their collaboration through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding, relating to topics such as genetic resources, fishing technology, aquaculture, Written by: biosecurity, economics and information, taking Xinhua Yuan advantage of the Chinese experience in the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy transition towards science-based fishery and E-mail: [email protected] aquaculture governance.

30 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Fish Feed Development in Central Asia – Ongoing Project Initiative

his project stems from Tidentified priority areas for fisheries and aquaculture development in the Central Asia region, as discussed and identified by the members of the Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission (CACFish) during the Fifth Session (Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2016). One of these identified areas under the Second Regional Work Programme of CACFish was a request for the provision of technical advice on fish feed manufacturing. The identified need for improved fish EUROPE feeding practices was reinforced by FAO aquaculture experts from headquarters, the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and

the Subregional Office for Central Improved feed and feeding practices are expected to increase efficiency and OZDEMIR ©FAO/A. Asia. At the moment, the main productivity in carp farming aquafeed issues in Central Asia is the lack of formulated fish feed project beneficiary countries production. Trout and carp were in the region, since imported – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, identified as having the most feed is costly and thus does not Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and potential for improving livelihoods allow for a reasonable market Uzbekistan – would benefit from of smallholders in Central Asia price for local consumers. Thus, assistance on feeding practices and providing nutritious and importing formulated fish feed of aquaculture species with an affordable fish products in local is not an affordable solution for aim to improve efficiency and markets. increase overall fish production, smallholders in Central Asia. This project is funded under at a price affordable for domestic Specifically, it was noted that the FAO Regional Initiative consumers. In this regard, this smallholder fish farmers in the "Empowering Smallholders ongoing Regional Technical and Family Farms for Improved Cooperation Programme project Rural Livelihoods and Poverty focuses on commonly farmed and Reduction, and contributes to Written by: consumed fish species to address results under FAO’s strategic the needs of smallholders and Victoria Chomo framework. The project identified government extension agents E-mail: [email protected] three main outputs in order to in Central Asia for improved Rodrigo Roubach deliver its overarching objective: E-mail: [email protected] knowledge and materials for (i) assessment of current practices feeding fish. Among the topics FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture for fish feed in the Central Department, Rome, Italy covered are the possibility of Asia region; (ii) guidelines on using low-cost farm-made feeds Atilla Ozdemir good practices in fish feed for FAO Subregional Office for Central or regionally sourced materials, smallholders in Central Asia; and Asia, Ankara, Turkey raising farm productivity and (iii) knowledge of smallholders E-mail: [email protected] maintaining affordable costs of increased on good practices for

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 31 fish feed. Therefore, first the provide the opportunity to share The country visits were productive national surveys were developed lessons learned. in that firsthand evidence was so as to identify current practices gathered on fish feeding practices Using these initial findings, the of feeding carp and trout in the and feed mill availability in all content for a “Desk Study on participating countries. During three countries visited so far, as Good Practices in Fish Feeding 2019, the next phase of the well as the general situation and in Central Asia (Carp and Trout)” project consisted of farm visits structure of fish farming in those was identified, and the study to follow up on the surveys countries. The FAO technical will summarize the status of carp conducted under the first output. team also met with relevant and trout production in Central Follow-up activities will include stakeholders in private sector and Eastern Europe with special a national workshop to validate and government offices. A more regard to the general aquaculture the findings. Through inception complete picture of the sector development landscape in workshops, engagement with for each country visited should Central Asia, good practices and relevant government officials come through the structured guidelines for improved feeding and extension agents and on the questionnaire and will be part of practices and feed supply for ground work with farmers from country case studies of the final carp and trout culture, and will each country, all stakeholders desk study presented. delineate some pathways towards had the opportunity to discuss additional support of smallholder ideas on how to increase farm aquaculture farms. productivity and improve upon current practices. Field visits were SEE ALSO carried out to representative small-scale fish farms to identify Beveridge et al. 2013. Meeting the food and nutrition needs of the poor: the and document current feed role of fish and the opportunities and challenges emerging from the rise of practices while investigating aquaculture. Journal of Fish Biology, 83: 1067–1084. opportunities for improvements. Huntington, T.C. & Hasan, M.R. 2009. Fish as feed inputs for aquaculture – practices, sustainability and implications: a global synthesis. In M.R. Hasan & A questionnaire was used to M. Halwart, eds. Fish as feed inputs for aquaculture: practices, sustainability and implications, pp. 1–61. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper EUROPE collect more detailed information and will allow information No. 518. Rome, FAO. (also available at www.fao.org/3/i1140e/i1140e.pdf). Rana, K.J., Siriwardena, S. & Hasan, M.R. 2009. Impact of rising feed from each country to prepare ingredient prices on aquafeeds and aquaculture production. FAO Fisheries a case study that will facilitate and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 541. Rome, FAO. 63 pp. (also available comparison among countries and at www.fao.org/3/i1143e/i1143e.pdf). ©FAO/R. ROUBACH Carp pond in the Kyrgyz Republic

32 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Strengthening Blue Communities in the Mediterranean

iminishing production from Dcapture fisheries in the Mediterranean is increasingly NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA threatening livelihoods, food security, the economy and culture of fishing-dependent communities, a dire situation encompassing millions of people. These changes largely stem from years of unsustainable rates of exploitation, compounded by other anthropogenic stressors, including climate change. DEBREY ©FAO/H. Reversing these trends through The FAO Blue Hope project delegates including government representatives, FAO representatives, fishers and community leaders sustainable fisheries management is important, but just as vital is the livelihoods and economies and by beyond capture fishing, to other task of finding ways to sustain identifying financing to facilitate sectors, for social and economic and help grow these fishing- such a transition. security has become increasingly dependent communities. important. Algeria, Tunisia and Turkey are the FAO’s Blue Hope project seeks top three employers in the fishing The approach to FAO’s Blue to support such communities, sector among Mediterranean and Hope project is founded on two specifically in Algeria, Tunisia and Black Sea countries, accounting key premises, including that Turkey, by developing sustainable for 40 percent of the jobs in the intersectoral action will help to and inclusive multisectoral region, and all sharing rich cultures reduce conflicts and maximize investment plans that help fishing centred on the Mediterranean collective benefits and that communities diversify their Sea. In turn, the direct fishing investment planning can help employments these countries bring stakeholders together to provide support to hundreds of chart a vision for the future while thousands of dependents and facilitating the mobilization of Written by: constitute the backbone of their public and private sector finance Henry DeBey respective coastal communities. to help jumpstart that transition. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture With capture fisheries production To this end, and leveraging FAO’s Department, Rome, Italy stagnating, the need to look Blue Growth Initiative “theory E-mail: [email protected] Sofiane Mahjoub National Programme Staff (Blue Hope) FAO Subregional Office for North Africa, Tunis, Tunisia E-mail: [email protected] Zakia Mokrane National Programme Staff (Blue Hope) FAO Country Office, Algiers, Algeria E-mail: [email protected] Disa Vurdem National Programme Staff (Blue Hope) FAO Subregional Office for Central Asia, Ankara, Turkey E-mail: [email protected] DEBREY ©FAO/H. Akyaka, Turkey, one of the Blue Hope project communities

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 33 FIGURE 1 – The FAO Blue Hope TCP Logical Framework

©FAO ©FAO of change”, the multisectoral the project is also exploring While important work still needs investment plans are being possible synergies between the to be carried out, the Blue Hope

NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA NORTH AND EAST NEAR developed by leveraging and aquaculture and tourism sectors project is making progress in integrating existing FAO tools and (such as on-site oyster tastings) convening key stakeholders,

MEETINGS AND EVENTS AND MEETINGS international instruments along to help fishing communities add including marginalized groups, four primary axes, as indicated in value to and further diversify their women and youth, to develop Figure 1. livelihoods. While it remains to be investment plans that actually determined, the project will also respond to community needs, in The Blue Hope project is currently likely establish a number of pilot engaging potential public and at its halfway point. To date, projects to test the feasibility and private financial institutions, and in countries have identified priority profitability of aquaculture project fostering interregional exchanges areas for each strategic axis, and ideas. and collaboration. experts are being commissioned to explore and validate these priority areas. Next, bankable projects will be formulated. In Turkey, the project is exploring sea cucumber and grouper hatchery feasibility and profitability for stock enhancement. In Tunisia, interest lies in integrating tilapia farming with agriculture. In Algeria, experts are also exploring sea cucumber hatcheries for stock enhancement, while also looking to build fish feed plants by leveraging Turkish expertise in this domain. A visit by

Turkish fish feed factory owners DEBREY ©FAO/H. and staff to Algeria is planned for Suat Demirayak, owner and chef at Kordon Restaurant in Akyaka, Turkey prepares traditional fish dishes from the Gokova region early 2020. Where appropriate,

34 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Clam and Oyster Culture in Djibouti

could be imported to overcome that challenge. The culture of non-fed target species such as clams, oysters or seaweed could be interesting alternatives to fish and crustaceans. This was the idea when a Technical Cooperation Programme SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA intervention was proposed by the Fisheries Department in Djibouti, which started in March 2017 and ended in 2019. Clams and oysters occur naturally in Djiboutian waters; thus, in theory, ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP aquaculture could be just Coastal village in Djibouti a matter of collecting juveniles and placing jibouti, on the eastern coast but because costs were high and them in special culture beds. of the African continent, is operations were not profitable, D Accordingly, the project recruited not a particularly logical place the activity was abandoned. an international consultant with to initiate aquaculture activities, Although development of much experience in rearing either freshwater or marine, not mariculture in Djibouti is clams and oysters in Europe, least because of the small area feasible, there are a number of Mr Frédéric Paillère. He conducted of the country. The terrestrial constraints to its development, a number of fact-finding missions part of Djibouti mainly consists including the absence of fish feed to Djibouti, first to conduct a of porous volcanic rock, which manufacturing companies for fed reconnaissance study to find out is not very conducive to pond aquaculture. The feed, however, where clams and oysters could aquaculture. Naturally, one could use fibreglass or concrete tanks, but water supply is also a serious constraint. The maritime area of the country is limited and is mainly reserved for transport, capture fisheries and naval activities. Cage culture to rear groupers has been attempted,

Written by: Martinus Van der Knaap FAO Regional Office for Africa West Africa, Accra, Ghana E-mail: [email protected] Fozia Sahal Ismael FAO Country Office for Djibouti ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP E-mail: [email protected] Community members showing a juvenile clam from the aquaculture plot

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 35 be found naturally; second, to relevant materials, such as rakes lagoon seemed to be the right determine if it was possible to and graders, from Europe to environment for the clams and grow them under controlled Djibouti, which considerably oysters. It has been proposed to conditions; and third, to train improved clam collection, sorting conduct trials with giant clams youth groups to manage these and seeding. (Tridacna spp.) as well as with culture beds through providing different species of seaweed. Apart from clams, the project selected youth cooperatives with was supposed to grow oysters as The project duration was too all the tools necessary to grow, well. However, the few patches of short to conduct proper purging harvest and process clams and mangroves contained only limited activities nor to effectively oysters. quantities of oysters on their market the produce. A few After the fact-finding mission roots, which were also of very mouthwatering tryouts had been identified a number of accessible small size, likely due to the lack of organized to convince the fisheries sites where juvenile clams of the sufficient nutrients and feed in the authorities of the excellent taste species Ruditapes decussatus water. On some rocky patches, and quality of the cooked clams could be found, these sites the rock oyster, Crassostrea from the pristine waters of became the source for clam cucullata, was found but again Djibouti. Even H.E. Ismaël Omar collection by young men and only in small quantities. Guelleh, the President of Djibouti, women. tried them and greatly appreciated An interesting mangrove forest the product as well as the efforts Youth cooperatives seeded in the northern part of the by the youth of Obock. Main juvenile clams on clean sandy country, Godoria, ideally located drawbacks that the project faced stretches in the intertidal zones in a lagoon, appeared to be the were delays in recruiting the in 10 × 2 m “plots” at a density natural place for mangrove oysters international consultant and the of 200/m2. The plots were Dendostrea frons and Lopha unfortunate bad weather event. surrounded by fine meshed cristagalli. Small oysters were cloth of 60 cm width that was collected from the mangrove roots Culturing of unfed species placed in the sand down to a and placed in special pouches such as bivalves and seaweeds depth of 30 cm with a further made of wire mesh, which were has the potential in Djibouti to SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA SUB-SAHARAN 30 cm extending above the sand. then suspended between the substantially increase nutritious Metallic bars that were placed at roots. Growth performance was food without negatively impacting approximately 1 m distance from not spectacular, but the system the lagoon or ocean ecosystems. each other supported the mesh. worked. The ministry responsible for fisheries indicated it would The Fishermen’s Cooperative On sandy patches between continue the assistance to this of Obock was instrumental in mangroves, clams were seeded new sector. guiding the youth during the and their plots marked. The absence of the consultant, and the growth of clams was regularly checked. The youth were paid by the cooperative for clam collection assuming that one day the cooperative could market the harvest. The first production cycle was dramatically perturbed by bad weather, with high waves rolling onto the beach, destroying the clam beds. The tidal waves did not discourage the youngsters, who had to practically start again from scratch, which they did. The Obock cooperative and the FAO Country Office signed a Letter of Agreement, which allowed the youth to bring some ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP Members of the fishing cooperative transporting materials to the farming site

36 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Use of Social Media by Youth Fish-Farming Groups in Ghana

consisting of at least difficulties, the tanks were stocked 20 percent women. with fish. Various training Since remote communities had sessions included been selected for the project, fish-keeping and regular monitoring became bookkeeping, thereby difficult. The project faced ensuring that good challenging questions, such as aquaculture practices the following: Who was going to were matched with

supervise the young fish farmers SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP appropriate business who had limited experience in Youth catfish farmers constructing feed store development. keeping fish? How much feed ngaging youth in sustainable The project required a contribution should be used for an acceptable Eaquaculture value chains is the in-kind from the groups, for growth performance? What should urgent and critically important example, in digging the wells they do in the event of unexpected objective of an ongoing project for water supply of the tanks; fish diseases or mortality? in West Africa. One activity, indeed, they performed this To help answer these questions, catfish culture integrated with activity, which increased the the project established a social vegetable gardening in Nigeria, sense of project ownership. In media messaging group for was presented in the previous the Nigerian experience, the 1 the four communities. All the issue of FAN. Interestingly, fish project used fish tanks made of youth were familiar with social farmers in this country use the fibre reinforced plastic, but these media, and each appointed wastewater from the fish tanks to tanks were difficult to source in “spokesperson” communicated irrigate horticulture, with the fish Ghana. Instead, the commonly regularly on the progress made excrement acting as plant fertilizer. available black water tanks, with the fish rearing. For example, The result is an additional harvest which can be found on roofs when a catfish was found with a of tomatoes, beans and other practically everywhere in many skin disease, it was photographed vegetables, and more efficient use countries, were modified by one and posted for the entire group of water and resources, acting of the manufacturers into open as well as for the monitoring as an example of integrated fish tanks, with a special draining colleagues to see, discuss and aquaculture-agriculture. hole in the bottom. Large trucks advise. One picture almost distributed the water tanks A similar activity is being went viral, as the head of a fish implemented in some Debiso throughout the remote Debiso enclaves in the Western North enclaves, which Region of Ghana, where FAO is proved a challenge, supporting training of selected as the roads were youth groups in a project funded barely accessible by by the Africa Solidarity Trust truck. Locally recruited Fund (ASTF). Upon receiving the plumbers connected training, these groups went on the tanks to water to form registered associations supply tanks, which were provided by the project. Catfish fingerlings were Written by: provided from a Martinus Van der Knaap Ghanaian fish breeder, E-mail: [email protected] who was also a Abigail Kanyi beneficiary of the ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP same project, and, Ghanaian youth catfish farmers preparing access E-mail: [email protected] road to farm FAO Regional Office for Africa after some start-up West Africa, Accra, Ghana 1. Aquaculture integrated with horticulture takes northeast Nigeria by surprise. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter No. 60. 2019. Available at www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/CA5223EN.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 37 In a parallel Nigerian project, feed conversion ratio appeared quite high, definitely for a first production cycle by newly trained fish farmers; it was 1.1 kg of feed ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP for 1 kg of fresh Catfish stocking in full swing catfish. The appeared to stick out of the belly ASTF youth employment creation of another fish. project applied the same method in Western Ghana. There, the fish Most importantly, the groups reached about 1 kg in weight in had been taught how to keep about five months. Admittedly, the records of their findings, the starting size of the fish in Ghana average weights of fish samples,

was slightly larger than in Nigeria. ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP daily amounts of feed applied, The youthful fish farmers also wear Showing catfish to fellow catfish and other measurements. Instead farmer groups of typing up the information, uniforms, promoting the project: a simple picture of a datasheet ”FOR MORE FISH, CALL FAO FIRST” on solar pumps instead of was sufficient to share the data which helped to develop a sense petrol-driven pumps to increase among the others. Especially in of camaraderie and importance environmental sustainability, the beginning, it was important surrounding the project. encourage further technical skill to demonstrate growth in order development and reduce reliance to show that the method worked. In addition, a building is under on petrol supply. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA SUB-SAHARAN The groups reported regularly, construction, where several FAO – Instead of relying on information and made each other enthusiastic Thiaroye Technology smoking provided by the local villagers about their results. kilns are located. Constructed about the depth of the water close to the four communities for table, it is better to conduct their common use, the processing independent assessments to center increases the value and assure continuous water supply, conservation of the harvested fish. which in this case resulted in Lessons learned the recommendation to sink – Procuring live animals is not boreholes to assure water supply an easy task. The ASTF project throughout the year. suffered considerable fish – The combination of aquaculture mortality due to the standard and agriculture is an attractive FAO procurement rules and concept for youth farmers, regulations. In another of the especially in remote areas, with participating countries in the the added benefits of increased ASTF project, about 70 percent food availability and multiple mortality occurred when revenue streams. fingerlings were subjected to high temperature on the tarmac while in transit by air. – In Nigeria, there were heavy losses because, though the fingerlings were too small for safe transport, the timeline of the contract dictated premature

©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP shipment. Youth catfish farmers at work on – In a follow-up project, more ©FAO/M. VAN DER KNAAP water reservoirs and biofilter Feeding catfish in a plastic tank emphasis should be placed

38 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 ©FAO Updates for the to all aquaculture Southern African activities, is vital for the development and Development management of the Community and fisheries sector in the Southern Africa region SADC. In addition to

these best practices FAO/V. SCHMIDT guidelines, another tool, © ince 2018, FAO and the SADC Members in Harare marking the start of SSouthern African Development the Protocol on Fisheries implementation of monitoring tools for the SADC Community (SADC) have Implementation Protocol on Fisheries and SADC Best Practice developed and are implementing Monitoring Tool, was Aquaculture Management Guidelines joint work plans in several approved by the SADC Support from development areas promoting sustainable Ministers to help member states partners is important; however, development, including in the monitor the implementation of 1 these investments and planned aquaculture and fisheries sectors. the aforementioned protocol. actions that members are SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA Fish is the most affordable SADC members expect that these undertaking through their own source of dietary animal protein two tools, developed with the means and participation in this and therefore of overwhelming support of FAO, will reinforce and process are vital in achieving a importance for food and nutrition inform the implementation of their more sustainable management of security within SADC. programmes in aquaculture and the fisheries sectors. “The livelihoods of fishing fisheries. These two tools are now effectively communities in the SADC region A workshop was held in Harare, assisting the SADC Secretariat are among the most insecure Zimbabwe, on 13 November 2019 to comprehensively report back and vulnerable in the region. The which marked the start of the to its members on the status of growing population of the region is implementation of monitoring implementation of the SADC dependent on its fisheries resources tools for the SADC Protocol on Protocol on Fisheries, and also with an overall increasing tendency Fisheries and the Aquaculture report on the status and needs towards an over-exploited status Management Guidelines. The of aquaculture management and of marine and inland fisheries two tools will be used by member development in the region. This, in resources. Lack of management states to monitor progress and turn, is enabling the development actions have resulted in an actions towards implementation of better coordinated interventions, increasing tendency of depletion of of the regional Protocol on partnerships, and actions resources, but also in a tremendous Fisheries, which covers several towards sustainable fisheries waste of the value and income of subsectors, including aquaculture, and aquaculture development in these resources to this region. The management and protection of the region (both at the regional consequences are most devastating the aquatic environment, human and national levels). An example for the poorest communities of the resources development, trade is the German-funded project SADC region,” said Alain Onibon, and investment, and science and in which FAO and WorldFish FAO Subregional Coordinator for technology. supported SADC with the Platform Southern Africa. The Permanent Secretary of the for Genetics and Biodiversity In response, the SADC Ministers Ministry of Agriculture, Zimbabwe, Management in Aquaculture. This approved, in June 2019, Mr Ringson Chitsiko, said it was project was established partly with Best Practices Guidelines for vital to have a monitoring system the aim of leading and developing Aquaculture Management in the to detect needs and effectively a set of protocols to guide region, which were developed by implement the protocol, noting sustainable genetic improvement the SADC Technical Committee “Monitoring systems allow for research and development on Fisheries. The tool, which harmonised methodology used programmes in the African region, addresses key environmental and by each individual state and particularly the SADC region, social impacts issues common analyse their own operation and mainly with Malawi and Zambia. performance and detect and alert Together, FAO and other partners possible errors”. such as Germany, the African Centre of Excellence of Fisheries Written by: SADC members expect the two tools will reinforce and and Aquaculture, and Advance Vasco Schmidt inform better coordination and Africa are working with FAO in FAO Subregional Office for Southern supporting SADC interventions for Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe implementation of their programs 2020 and beyond. E-mail: [email protected] in aquaculture and fisheries. 1. www.sadc.int/documents-publications/show/801

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 39 THEMATIC ARTICLES /M. HASAN /M. FAO/ © THEMATIC ARTICLES • THEMATIC ARTICLES • THEMATIC ARTICLES • THEMATIC ARTICLES • THEMATIC ARTICLES What are “Farmed Types” in Aquaculture and why do they Matter?

AO launched the first-ever clear need to standardize and presented and used standardized FReport on The State of the harmonize this terminology, FAO terminology throughout the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources Report. Subsequently, FAO, in for Food and Agriculture (the August 2019, held an expert Report) in August 2019. One workshop on the development of the principal findings of of a registry of farmed types of this report is that very little AqGR (see article on pages 18-19 information is available on aquatic SZARVAS 15 of this issue). This registry will be genetic resources (AqGR) used the core component of a broader in aquaculture (or their wild information system for AqGR to relatives), below the level of the be developed in the near future. species. In this regard, the Report The objective of this article is to recommended to “establish and AMUR WILD present and explain the definitions strengthen national and global of farmed types and identify the characterization, monitoring and importance of using standardized information systems for AqGR”. definitions through a proposed The Report further concluded that information system for AqGR. there was a lack of standardization of terminology and nomenclature What is a “farmed type”? used to describe AqGR, which The term was coined in a 2016 1 generates confusion and TATA FAO workshop as a descriptor RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE AND IRRIGATION uncertainty. While identifying a © Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is A “farmed type” refers to one of the longest domesticated a farmed aquatic organism aquaculture species with a wide Written by: distribution and has a number of that could be a strain, distinct strains. These examples variety, hybrid, triploid, Graham Mair are held at the live gene bank monosex group, or other E-mail: [email protected] maintained at the Research Institute genetically altered form or Daniela Lucente for Fisheries, Aquaculture and FAO Consultant Irrigation (HAKI), Szarvas, Hungary wild type. E-mail: [email protected] 1. FAO. 2016. Report of the expert workshop on incorporating genetic diversity and indicators FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture into statistics and monitoring of farmed aquatic species and their wild relatives. FAO Department, Rome, Italy Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1173. Rome. (also available at www.fao.org/3/a-i6373e.pdf).

40 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 (Duarte, Marbá and each other). This distinctiveness FIGURE 1 2 Illustration of the domestication continuum and Holmer, 2007). Many permits these farmed types to the classification of three levels of associated are barely recognizable be classed as strains (for animals) farmed types compared to their wild or varieties (for plants). Given relatives. Domestication the early stage of domestication of aquatic species, with and genetic improvement in a few exceptions,3,4 aquaculture, the majority of started only around a farmed types for which the life hundred years ago and cycle has been closed in captivity most of our current are not yet differentiated to aquaculture species the point where they can be were domesticated in considered as strains or varieties. the past few decades. It is nevertheless important to As a result, most of record these farmed types if they our domesticated make an important contribution farmed types are largely to production. The expert THEMATIC ARTICLES indistinguishable from

FAO

© workshop coined and defined their wild relatives. the term “captive propagated” of farmed AqGR below the level One positive aspect of this recent to describe these “transitional” of species. All aquatic organisms domestication is that current farmed types that are no longer found in aquaculture should farmed types can still retain much wild sourced but have not yet be defined by their species and of the genetic variation present differentiated to the point that by one or more farmed types. in wild stocks. Also, the Report they can be described as strains Subsequent to the identification confirms that wild relatives of all or varieties. It is extremely useful of the specific farmed types by farmed species can still be found to note that all aquacultured experts in the 2019 workshop, it in nature, which is far from the organisms can be allocated to one was resolved to categorize these case for many of our terrestrial of the four primary farmed types further into primary and secondary agriculture species. The Report (see Figure 1 and Table 1). farmed types. Primary farmed also showed that some of our types describe the status of cultured species are still harvested Secondary farmed types domestication and improvement, directly from the wild (either as There is a range of genetic typically through selective wild collected seed or as offspring technologies that can be applied breeding as the core technology, of wild caught broodstock). The to many aquatic organisms and along a domestication continuum. expert workshop defined such that can be used to add value In addition, there is a range of farmed types as “wild sourced”. to a domestication or selective genetic technologies that can be breeding programme. These The life cycle of many cultured and are applied to “add value” technologies can be used to aquatic species has been closed to the domestication or selective produce a range of secondary in captivity, and the seed of these breeding process. The results farmed types within the primary species can now be produced from the application of these farmed types. These include the in hatcheries using broodstock value-adding technologies are the following: that were themselves spawned secondary farmed types. Examples – monosex generated by in captivity. Some of these of these secondary farmed types genetic manipulation of sex farmed types have developed can be found in the main species determination; and become genetically changed, groups used in aquaculture. – hybrid (F1 crosses between either through genetic drift, species) and crossbred (crosses The domestication continuum domestication selection5 or using between primary farmed types – primary farmed types deliberate selective breeding, to within a species); Humans started to domesticate the point that they are clearly – introgressed – hybridization that terrestrial animals and plants distinguishable from other farmed goes beyond the initial F1 cross; around 10 000 years ago, and types of the same species (in a – polyploid, mostly commonly most of our modern-day livestock similar, but less extensive way, triploid – induced to produce and crops have been fully Friesian and Holstein breeds of sterile organisms; and domesticated for over 5 000 years cattle are distinguishable from 2. Duarte, C. M., Marbá, N., & Holmer, M. 2007. Rapid domestication of marine species. Science, 316(5823): 382-3. 3. Harland, J. 2019. The origins of aquaculture. Nature Ecology and Evolution, 3: 1378–9. 4. Teletchea, F. & Fontaine, P. 2014. Levels of domestication in fish: implications for the sustainable future of aquaculture. Fish and Fisheries, 15: 181–195. 5. The equivalent of “natural selection” in an artificial environment.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 41 Also, wild-sourced – facilitate recording of farmed FIGURE 2 Diagram illustrating the relationship between primary farmed types types and their use and primary and secondary farmed types and wild can be related to exchange; relative stocks natural stocks of wild – build a deeper understanding of relatives. the development and properties of each farmed type, the needs What is the value and opportunities associated of an information with them, and their capacity system on farmed to contribute to national types? aquaculture production; The development – enable more informed policy of an information development and decision- system of farmed making regarding AqGR; and types will deliver a – enable the collation of data and number of benefits the development of indicators to key stakeholders: on the status and health of

FAO – promote © AqGR, including indicators for utilization and monitoring and reporting trends – genetically engineered understanding of in relation to a future Global farmed types resulting from standardized terminology; Plan of Action, conservation transgenesis or gene editing. – advance the development and goals and Sustainable Figure 2 illustrates that secondary harmonization of national Development Goal target 2.5. farmed types can be produced and international information from all primary farmed types. systems;

TABLE 1 – A list of primary and secondary farmed types including definitions and examples

FARMED TYPE DEFINITION EXAMPLES Primary farmed types Strain A farmed type of aquatic species having relatively homogeneous Selectively bred Pacific oysters with resistance to Pacific Oyster (animals) appearance (phenotype), homogeneous behaviour, breeding Mortality Syndrome caused by the virus OsHV-1 (oyster herpes virus) THEMATIC ARTICLES THEMATIC history and/or other characteristics that distinguish it from other organisms of the same species in that country and that can be maintained by propagation Variety A plant grouping, within a single botanical taxon of the lowest Registered cultivars of Pyropia, Undaria and Saccharina in the (plants) known rank, defined by the reproducible expression of its Republic of Korea distinguishing and other genetic characteristics* Captive A farmed type for which the life cycle has been closed in captivity Hatchery-raised Indian major carp across many states of India having propagated (i.e. not wild sourced) at least for one generation and aquaculture been domesticated since as early as the 1970s but not subjected to seed is derived from broodstock that have been spawned and deliberate selective breeding reared in captivity, but does not meet the criteria as a strain or variety Wild sourced A farmed type in which aquaculture seed or broodstock are Bluefin tuna in Australia and Japan, harvested from the wild and sourced from wild stocks, i.e. have not been bred in captivity grown out in cages. Penaeus monodon produced from broodstock harvested from the wild Secondary farmed types Hybrid The F1 progeny of a cross between two different species F1 hybrid between female Clarias microcephalus and male C. gariepinus cultured in Thailand Introgressed A farmed type based on a genetic mix of two or more different Cold-tolerant tilapia in the Philippines – derived from crosses species beyond the F1 generation between farmed types of Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus and O. spilurus Crossbred The F1 progeny of a cross between two primary farmed types Dongfang No. 6 kelp, a cross between a native and an introduced within a species kelp (Saccharina japonica) produced in China Polyploid An animal or plant having more than two sets of chromosomes Sterile triploid oysters that do not spawn and thus retain condition and market value during the breeding season Monosex A single sex cohort of a given species generated through genetic Genetically male tilapia in Oreochromis niloticus produced from YY (genetic) manipulation of sex determination rather than direct manipulation male sires, all male hybrid tilapia (O. niloticus female × O. aureus of sex differentiation male) or all female salmonids produced from XX male sires Transgenic An organism in which a foreign gene (a transgene) is incorporated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Canada, United States and Panama into its genome. The transgene is present in both somatic and transgenic for the Chinook salmon growth hormone gene and an germ cells, is expressed in one or more tissues, and is inherited by ocean pout promoter gene. Ornamental zebra danios (Brachydanio its offspring rerio) transgenic for fluorescing proteins Gene edited A farmed type created by the targeted insertion, deletion or There are currently no gene edited farmed types being used in replacement of DNA at a specific site in the genome that is commercial aquaculture, although a gene edited tilapia has been inherited by its offspring developed and is under consideration for aquaculture in Argentina Wild relatives Stock (wild A group of individuals in a species occupying a well-defined spatial Gulf of Maine stocks of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) relative) range independent of other stocks of the same species. Random dispersal and directed migrations due to seasonal or reproductive activity can occur. Such a group can be regarded as an entity for management or assessment purposes * From the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (FAO, 2009, www.fao.org/3/a-i0510e.pdf).

42 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 The Special Session on Advancing Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture through Agroecology was convened by FAO with support from Cirad (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement) and NACA (Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia Pacific) during the joint World Aquaculture Society–European Aquaculture Society’s International Conference AQUA 2018, in Montpellier, France, on 25 August 20181. The objectives were to clarify how an integrated agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) system implemented within an agroecological approach could help alleviate poverty and hunger, and to identify the knowledge gaps to be filled to ensure the sustainability of IAA. Twenty five speakers presented background information and case studies in front of a full room. The following article won an audience vote for best presentation.

Ecological Approaches for Better Microbial

Management in Intensive Shrimp Farming THEMATIC ARTICLES

t the FAO Global Conference microbiota in aquaculture. The particularly in marine fish Aon Aquaculture in traditional approaches of plate larviculture systems, despite “full Phuket, Thailand, in 2010, it count analysis and microscopy control” over the system, remains was postulated that modern have been instrumental for problematic. When referring to aquaculture requires a turning increasing awareness of the “full control”, it must be admitted point (Sorgeloos, 2013). In other huge numbers of bacteria that that this does not include words, although the farming of may interfere in aquaculture microbial control. Indeed, up aquatic plants and animals has systems. Yet, these methods until now, we have operated our evolved into a mature industry, have been inadequate for truly production systems as microbial too much of the technology is still understanding and showing the black boxes, and we have tried to based on empirical approaches; diversity and functionality of control obligate and opportunistic therefore, knowledge-based bacteria in aquaculture systems. pathogen interference merely by developments are required to This could only be achieved by repressive methods. However, make aquaculture the blue application of innovative microbial based on recent microbial insights, biotechnology of the future. research platforms, such as next it appears that repression is not “More microbial management generation sequencing and the best approach for minimizing for more sustainable production” gnotobiotic animal models. An pathogenic disease risk (Vadstein and “More integrated production example of a crucial finding was et al., 2018). A targeted non- systems for plant and animal that certain bacterial pathogens in selective reduction of unwanted farming” were identified as top aquaculture systems can regulate bacteria by disinfection to priorities. virulence in function of population maximize biosecurity should density by means of quorum- always be followed by a Today, it is already possible to sensing mechanisms, and as such selective enhancement of report significant progress, can organize infection in fish or wanted microbes. By specific mainly based on novel insights shrimp (Defoirdt et al., 2011). niche creation resulting from regarding the role of the This immediately explained why increased removal of nutrients detection of pathogens should and increased water retention not be used as a sole predictor of times, K-strategic bacterial Written by: problematic animal performance, populations can be strengthened Patrick Sorgeloos and that the overall status of the to outcompete r-strategic Laboratory of Aquaculture & bacterial community must be bacteria, the latter often being Artemia Reference Center, Ghent considered. the ecology of opportunistic University, Belgium pathogens. The use of probiotics E-mail: [email protected] The randomness in performance may be complementary to this Peter De Schryver that is observed in aquaculture, INVE Technologies, Dendermonde, approach, but their success can Belgium 1. FAO 2019. Report of the Special Session on Advancing Integrated Agriculture-Aquaculture E-mail: [email protected] through Agroecology. Montpellier, France, 25 August 2018. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1286. Rome. (also available at: www.fao.org/3/ca7209en/CA7209EN.pdf).

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 43 substantially be increased when applied in system settings that support their ecology. The result is a substantially lower disease risk as compared to one derived from effluent from shrimp pond a repression approach alone. Our belief in this approach is strengthened by the empirical observations of improved performance made in biofilter- to seaweed & Tilapia pond containing recirculation systems for hatchery and nursery production of marine fish and shrimp, as well as in the new concepts of intensive shrimp farming, such as zero water microbial diversity and stability exchange ponds with shrimp microbial diversity & stability Vibrio parah spp.. stillstill presentpresent, but but not notvirulent virulent (QS) FAO/M. TAMTIN, THAILAND DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES

toilets for increased waste removal © and connected with extractive Zero water exchange system for intensive shrimp farming in Thailand ponds stocked with tilapia or Caulerpa seaweed in recirculation selection mechanism that pathogens such as Vibrio spp., models. In such systems, there counteracts the (development and hence lowers the risk of seems to be an intrinsic microbial and) dominance of opportunistic opportunistic – and unpredictable – pathogen interference by maintaining their densities below the critical quorum-sensing density.

THEMATIC ARTICLES THEMATIC Through more collaborative research regarding the microbiome and its functionality in the variety of aquaculture systems mentioned above, empirical observations can form the foundation of science-driven and more knowledge-based aquaculture. The use of novel upcoming methods, such as flow cytometry coupled to cell sorting and next generation sequencing, will surely amplify the current level FAO/P. SORGELOOS

© of understanding substantially, Treatment ponds in zero water exchange system for intensive shrimp farming and as such contribute to in Thailand: sedimentation pond (shrimp toilet), brackishwater ‘red’ Tilapia and more predictable aquaculture Caulerpa seaweed performance.

REFERENCES

Defoirdt, Tom, Patrick Sorgeloos, and Peter Bossier. "Alternatives to antibiotics for the control of bacterial disease in aquaculture." Current opinion in microbiology 14.3 (2011): 251-258. Sorgeloos, Patrick. “Aquaculture: the blue biotechnology of the future.” World Aquaculture 44.3 (2013): 16-25. Vadstein, Olav, et al. "K-selection as microbial community management strategy: a method for improved viability of larvae in aquaculture." Frontiers in Microbiology 9 (2018): 2730. Vadstein, Olav, et al. " Managing the microbial community of marine fish larvae: a holistic perspective for larviculture.” Frontiers in Microbiology 9 (2018): 2730.

44 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Aquaculture in the United States of America

eafood is the anchor Sof cultural identity and economic strength along the coast of the United States of America. Seafood remains a foundation of many coastal THEMATIC ARTICLES communities despite changing oceans and the limited availability of wild seafood to harvest, in part because of the growth of marine aquaculture. As United States capture fisheries approach full sustainable harvest, many people are now looking to increase marine aquaculture driven by interest in bolstering local economies and creating jobs for coastal residents. Current marine aquaculture production NOAA FISHERIES

in the United States is © almost exclusively in other states are proactively aquaculture industry in the nearshore coastal waters, within working to find appropriate space United States is the simple need three nautical miles of shore. in their waters for finfish farms, for more seafood. The seafood These areas require some federal shellfish and seaweed, hoping to production of the United States, authorizations, but are managed enable industry growth. both wild harvested and farmed, primarily by individual states, is not enough to meet the and thus rules vary from state to In 2016, seafood production country’s seafood demands. The state. For example, while there had a value of USD 6.9 billion in United States is the largest global are states in which the production the United States, with marine importer of seafood and has the of finfish in pens is not permitted, and freshwater aquaculture world’s largest seafood supply production contributing USD deficit at over USD 16 billion 1.5 billion, equal to about 21 (SOFIA, 2018). In addition to percent of the combined total this national-level deficit, there Written by: of commercial wild catch and is a global seafood supply gap aquaculture. Danielle Blacklock forecasted; the United States Visiting Expert In addition to the economic could play a role in filling the gap. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture strength of coastal communities, Department, Rome, Italy Marine aquaculture has received another driver for the interest E-mail: [email protected] significant attention in recent in developing a larger marine

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 45 years. The United States has one has made aquaculture a co-chaired by the White House of the world’s largest exclusive Departmental priority. In the Council on Environmental Quality, economic zones, which translates 2018–2022 Strategic Plan for the NOAA and the United States to significant opportunity to Department, “Increase [Marine] Department of Agriculture, is increase marine aquaculture Aquaculture Production” is an interagency body created production. The United States has identified as a strategic objective, to coordinate research and the technical expertise, seafood with two strategies nested management of aquaculture infrastructure (ports, processing, therein: (i) provide a one-stop activities across all federal transport) and space to be a shop for federal approval of government agencies. leader in aquaculture production marine aquaculture permits; and The SCA has two main work technologies, sustainable (ii) support research to advance products under development that practices and overall volume of marine aquaculture. The National are expected to help spur industry seafood produced. Marine Fisheries Service is actively development and investment. working on these strategies with The United States Government The first is a National Strategic partner agencies to achieve the has spent the last decade Plan for Federal Aquaculture Departmental objective by 2022. working with states, industry, Research 2020–2024. This universities, fishing associations, In addition to this high-level focus document will set a national environmental groups and on marine aquaculture within the vision for coordinated federal others to facilitate aquaculture Executive Branch of the United aquaculture research in the NOAA production in coastal nearshore States Government, there has as well as individual goals to waters and to prepare a been increased attention from the attain over the four-year period. regulatory framework for United States legislature. In 2018, The second major work product aquaculture in federal offshore legislation intended to resolve of the SCA is a Work Plan for a waters along with the siting and issues related to regulatory Federal Aquaculture Regulatory science required to manage an uncertainty and support research Task Force. The draft Work Plan expanding industry in a way that was introduced. Both the Senate outline, released in October 2019, sustains healthy oceans. Despite and the House of Representatives highlights three goals: (i) improve THEMATIC ARTICLES THEMATIC these efforts, growth has been introduced the Advancing the the efficiency and predictability slow, energizing a renewed focus Quality and Understanding of [marine] aquaculture over recent years to understand of American Aquaculture Act permitting in state and federal what has been hindering faster (or the AQUAA Act) but it did waters; (ii) implement a national development. not pass before the end of the approach to aquatic animal health Congressional session, resulting in management of aquaculture; A few main impediments to the its expiration. Attention to marine and (iii) refine and disseminate growth of sustainable marine aquaculture in the legislature has, tools for aquaculture regulatory aquaculture in the United States however, continued in the current management. are regulatory uncertainty, lack Congress. Recently, there was a of an efficient and predictable The intensifying energy and Senate hearing titled “Feeding permitting process, social ongoing motivated work towards America: Making Sustainable acceptance of aquaculture developing a strong aquaculture Offshore Aquaculture a Reality,” ventures in marine waters, industry makes this an exciting and introduction of legislation. including user conflicts for space, time for the development of and a gap in underpinning Although marine aquaculture seafood production in the research, appropriately scaled for specifically has benefited United States. Should the successful development of the from a significant increase in efforts of industry, academia, industry. To begin resolving these visibility within the United States environmental organizations and issues, work is being done across Government, the highest-level the government working together the federal government. work in the Executive Branch prove fruitful, the seafood is across both the marine and landscape in the United States The United States Department freshwater sectors, through the will be very different ten years of Commerce, which is home efforts of the Subcommittee on from today, with significantly to the National Oceanic and Aquaculture (SCA) under the higher production from domestic Atmospheric Administration National Science and Technology aquaculture. (NOAA) and its National Council. The SCA, which is Marine Fisheries Service,

46 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 Aquaculture Feed Ingredients

n recent decades, the Iconsumption of healthy food has resulted in an increase of global demand for aquatic food, which enabled a rapidly growing aquaculture sector in several countries and regions. ©FAO/M. HASAN However, one of the limiting Small scale feed mill in Bangladesh producing extruded feed for Pangasius catfish

factors to the expansion of THEMATIC ARTICLES aquaculture is the high cost and requirements of aquatic animals, protein provide encouraging the limited availability of some at a lower cost and with less results in aquafeed despite aquafeed ingredients, specifically environment damage and greater their restrictions, such as fishmeal and fish oil. This is sustainability, are fundamental to imbalanced amino acid profiles especially important because achieving the continuing growth or antinutrient factors. Other these ingredients are considered and development of sustainable promising results have shown vital to aquaculture production aquaculture systems. that up to 50 percent plant due to their excellent nutritional Currently, several new initiatives protein replacing fishmeal did value, including their good profile have come up regarding the not cause any adverse effects on of essential amino acids, high incorporation of alternative feed intake or growth in rainbow digestibility and composition of aquafeed ingredients. Feeding trout and red hybrid tilapia. essential fatty acids. Although trials using fish pellets made with Similar tests have also shown they are extremely valuable plant-based ingredients, including that fish oil can be replaced by ingredients for the animal diet, soya bean protein, canola meal plant-like organisms, as some these raw materials are mainly and camelina meal, are being genera of marine microalgae sourced from wild fisheries, conducted to guide aquafeed such as Nannochloropsis and which are subject to seasonal producers in the selection of feed Schizochytrium are oleaginous fluctuations, sometimes with containing agricultural products. and can produce large quantities negative environmental impact. The challenge of alternative of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition Thus, research initiatives aimed feed ingredients is to reduce to alternative ingredients derived towards alternative aquafeed or replace fishmeal and fish oil from plants, use of low-cost ingredients to meet the nutritional while maintaining nutritional animal protein sources have requirements, improving feed recently been tested and grown conversion and lowering costs. – a promising and sustainable alternative to fishmeal is the use Written by: Ingredients derived from plant Tavani Rocha Camargo E-mail: [email protected] REFERENCES Guilherme Wolff Bueno Ng, W.K., Leow, T.C., & Yossa R. 2019. Effect of substituting fishmeal with E-mail: [email protected] corn protein concentrate on growth performance, nutrient utilization and skin São Paulo State University, São Paulo, coloration in red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp. Aquaculture Nutrition, 1–11. Brazil Llagostera, P.F., Kallas, Z., Reig, L. & de Gea, D.A. 2019. The use of insect Oluwafemi Ajayi meal as a sustainable feeding alternative in aquaculture: current situation, FAO Consultant Spanish consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay. Journal of Cleaner Production, 229: 10–21. E-mail: [email protected] Sims, S., Ajayi, O. & Roubach, R. 2019. Microalgae in aquatic animal feeds. Rodrigo Roubach FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, No. 60. E-mail: [email protected] Zettl, S., Cree, D., Soleimani, M. & Tabil, L. 2019. Mechanical properties FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture of aquaculture feed pellets using plant-based proteins. Cogent Food & Department, Rome, Italy Agriculture, 5(1): 1656917.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 47 of insect meal. Insects not only hydrolysates have shown have high protein content, but promising results. also a small ecological impact. Several alternative Studies have shown that the ingredients have use of insect meal from the strong potential for black soldier fly seems to be use in aquafeeds. promising, and fish fed with However, within use for insect meal were the most valued commercial formulas products by consumers regarding and species, there is still environmental impact compared much work to be done. to current fish feeding systems. Furthermore, when Other alternative ingredients are ©FAO/I. NURZIA HUMBURG evaluating ingredients, Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) the protein hydrolysates from the use of indicators as to by-products of the food industry. economic, environmental are important in order to Residues of fish filleting, such and social sustainability could publicize the positive impacts as skin, muscle, viscera and the prove to be useful towards of aquaculture. Therefore, it is by-product of poultry as offal, building a broader sustainability necessary that producers, industry are commonly used to produce assessment for the aquaculture and academia join forces in protein hydrolysates. These industry. Additionally, surveys order to bring all key players to hydrolysates have bioactive of consumer opinion and public the aquaculture sector, aided by compounds, essential nutrients outreach highlighting the financial investments from private and are potential sources of sustainability of these ingredients and public sectors. the antioxidant peptide; these

Aquaculture Governance in Africa: Towards

THEMATIC ARTICLES THEMATIC Food Security and Poverty Alleviation

with any enterprise, aquaculture should not only be technical and environmentally sustainable but also profitable and socially acceptable. It is necessary for farmers to understand and utilize appropriate technologies (imported or locally produced) and to use them properly in the production system (technical sustainability). To be economically viable (economic sustainability), aquaculture has to generate

Written by:

©FAO/A. MENEZES Ana Menezes Blue Economy Conference, Kenya E-mail: [email protected] Pierre Murekezi ften we speak about technical feasibility. Aquaculture FAO Consultant Oaquaculture sustainability enterprise, be it at small, E-mail: [email protected] referring to: economic viability, medium or large scale also FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture environmental integrity and implies good governance. As Department, Rome, Italy

48 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 good and competitive profits. Otherwise, farmers will shift their efforts towards better opportunities, which is often the cause for the abandonment of aquaculture ventures. Social soundness means that aquaculture should be socially acceptable (social sustainability and social equity). Good governance implies that policies, laws and institutions should provide a predicable business environment; without the rule of law, there will be THEMATIC ARTICLES little predictability and security to reassure investors (Governance sustainability). While participatory governance has become the fore model in many countries, ©FAO/A. MENEZES it is still invisible in the existing Tilapia hatchery ponds on the shores of Lake Muhazi, Rwanda policies documents and decision- making processes. For instance, and aquaculture sector to food and regional bodies to conduct in Sub Saharan Africa, fisheries security and nutrition in many an inward evaluation of actions and aquaculture sectors are not African countries is unknown and taken by them to improve the adequately embedded in policy may have been underestimated. integration of the fisheries documents dealing with poverty and aquaculture sector into Walking the talk alleviation, foreign currency policy documents for achieving With the goal of raising generation, food security, food security and nutrition, awareness among decision- ecosystem approach to fisheries poverty eradication and gender makers about the contribution and to aquaculture, and gender mainstreaming. The assessment of aquaculture to food mainstreaming at both country proposed a research methodology security, nutrition and poverty and regional level. to assess the current extent of eradication in African countries, integration of the sector into In Africa, fisheries and FAO is preparing a publication policy documents, at both country aquaculture play an important that presents one broader and regional level in Africa. role in food security for “Assessment of the Integration consumers, direct producers, of Fisheries and Aquaculture into In addition, it is expected that value chain actors and the wider Policies for Food Security and the results of this assessment community. Directly, fisheries and Poverty Alleviation: Framework will guide the mainstreaming aquaculture complement the and Application in African of sustainable aquaculture diet of millions households, as Countries”. This assessment was development within wider fish is the main source of animal prepared by the Aquaculture policy frameworks, reveal protein in certain communities. Branch of FAO Fisheries and the contribution of fisheries They also contribute indirectly to Aquaculture Department and aquaculture to national food security by generating sales (FIAA) with inputs from the development goals, and revenues and employment income FAO Regional Office for Africa incidentally result in the allocation with which other food items are (RAF) and presented in different of funding for the promotion purchased. Wealth generation is stakeholder meetings1. It aims of the sectors at national and expanded along the value chain, at assisting African countries regional level. domestic and regional markets, reaching other stakeholders and 1. (a) Consultative and validation meetings on “improving policy development in aquaculture populations. Unfortunately, the in support of food security, nutrition and poverty eradication” took place in Addis, Ethiopia (3 to 4 December 2018), Windhoek, Namibia (37th meeting of the Technical Committee on exact contribution of the fisheries Fisheries, 18-20 March 2019), and Kigali, Rwanda from 10 to 14 June, 2019.

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 49 Remembering our Colleague, Michel M. J. Vincke 1931–2019

ichel M. J. Vincke was born in Oudenburg, Ma small community east of Oostende in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium, where his family ran a well-known horticulture business. As a young boy, Michel experienced war-time Belgium and the trauma of losing both of his parents. In 1952, after graduating as an “Ingénieur Technicien”, Michel left for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as the Belgian Congo) where he met Jeanine Vivier, a physiotherapist, who soon became his wife. From then on, throughout more than 60 years together, Jeanine provided Michel with a solid and unwavering support. Upon his arrival, Michel Dr Pillay. He reviewed and proposed policies for became responsible for fish farming and lake aquaculture in a number of countries, chiefly in management in the Province of Katanga, which Africa, but also elsewhere, such as Argentina, included administering fisheries in the eastern Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. part of Lake Tanganyika. It was also during this While in the field, Michel would always seek out time that Michel started his career in tropical opportunities to provide practical advice to those freshwater fish culture. Michel was to remain in involved in fish culture. Africa, with only brief interruptions, for the next 24 years. He dedicated himself to improving and Michel was an astute observer of human beings spreading fish culture in the Democratic Republic and their surroundings. Those who had the of the Congo, Madagascar and the Central African pleasure of travelling with him soon learned how Republic. Many of those who knew him at that many trees or flowers along the road they had time were struck by Michel´s dedication and skill missed, or how only partially they had understood in adapting new technologies to local conditions. the chemistry with the individuals they had He loved this work and it was the happiest period encountered. in his life. Michel also had a clear philosophy of life. From In 1977, Dr R. Pillay, in charge of the global an early age he had learned that purposeful “Aquaculture Development and Coordination activity should be pursued and waste avoided. This Programme” based at FAO headquarters in Rome, daily approach was strengthened when Michel came to know Michel. Dr Pillay was convinced that experienced life in the African bush. Later in life, his knowledge, experience and dedication were Michel would find it hard to have professional essential, not only for Africa, but also globally. discussions with those who opined on subjects on which they had only rudimentary knowledge and At FAO headquarters, Michel soon became a little experience. well-known staff member in the F building, where others – often the younger staff members, eager In May 2019, Michel died peacefully of multiple to learn or laugh – would visit him in his office or causes in Veurne, a few kilometres from find a chair at his table in the coffee bar. Michel Oudenburg, surrounded by Jeanine and their became a discreet, trusted and valued adviser to three sons with their families.

50 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 COLLEAGUES IN MOTION ©FAO/O. ELHASSAN ©FAO/A. STANKUS

Austin Stankus Omar Elhassan Aquaculture Offcer, Consultant, Aquaculture Branch

Aquaculture Branch Omar Elhassan, an American-Sudanese Austin Stankus, an American national, joined national, joined the FAO Aquaculture Branch the Aquaculture Branch in October 2019 as as an aquaculture biosecurity consultant. an Aquaculture Officer. First starting with He previously conducted various research FAO in 2013, his work has focused primarily projects on environmental antimicrobial on cross-sectoral approaches to integrated resistance (AMR) mechanisms, pathways agriculture-aquaculture systems. Austin has and persistence in urbanizing and rural returned to headquarters from the FAO watersheds as well as environmental Subregional Office in Barbados, where he remediation of polluted lakes in Texas, supported the establishment of aquaponic and United States. Through his studies, research seamoss demonstration systems to increase and work experience, Omar has become ©FAO/N. HISHAMUNDA resilience of aquaculturists to the impacts of specialized in soil health and management, climate change. One of the key responsibilities sustainable agriculture, environmental at FAO will be supporting the Branch through toxicology, international development and Nathanael Hishamunda coordination of the development and cooperation, and management of non- maintenance of aquaculture information profit organizations. Omar has experience Senior Offcer, Fisheries and products and publications, including the working with small non-profits in forging Aquaculture Department FAO Aquaculture Newsletter. Austin holds and maintaining partnerships and ensuring a MSc in Zoology from the University of project sustainability, specifically to provide Dr Nathanael Hishamunda holds a BSc in Hawai'i where his studies and work centred access to clean water to underrepresented Agronomy and an Engineering degree in on aquaponics and insect-based composting communities in Central America through the dissemination of knowledge, skills and tools Agriculture from the National University of of food waste as an alternative fish feed. necessary for self-sufficiency. Omar is working Rwanda, a MSc in Aquaculture Economics He also supported community-based urban under the guidance of Melba Reantaso, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics with forestry mapping and spatial planning of the campus landscape. He holds a BSc in marine assisting in a number of aquatic animal specialization in agricultural policy and biology, with work focused on apex marine health projects providing support for the international trade and development from predators, including sharks, rays and pelagics. Aquaculture Biosecurity Component of FAO's Auburn University, Alabama, USA. He has Global Aquaculture Sustainability Programme. over 33 years of professional experience in Austin can be reached at: aquaculture economics and management [email protected] Omar can be reached at: and international development, especially [email protected] in developing countries, having served as Head of the Rwanda Aquaculture Extension Service, Director of the Rwanda National Aquaculture Service, Senior Fishery Planning Officer, and Senior Aquaculture Economics, Policy and Planning Officer at FAO, where he coordinated a team of economists dealing with complex economic, social, policy, governance and institutional issues of national, regional and global importance to © FAO/Z. WEI ensure sustainable aquaculture development; ©FAO/J. DONG most recently, he was FAO Representative in Haiti, from September 2016 to October 2019. The Aquaculture Branch welcomes him Zixin Wei Dong Jian back as Senior Fishery (Aquaculture) Officer. Volunteer, Aquaculture Branch Intern, Aquaculture Branch Nathanael can be reached at: [email protected] Zixin Wei, a Chinese national, joined the Dong Jian, a Chinese national, joined FAO FAO Aquaculture Branch in August 2019 as in July 2019 for a three-month internship in a volunteer for one month. She is a third- the Aquaculture Branch. An undergraduate year student at Shanghai Ocean University majoring in Physical Oceanography at majoring in Marine Technology. Her college Shanghai Ocean University, Jian will research involves an innovative project titled pursue further education in marine affairs. “Beach Mapping with Unmanned Vehicles”, Before joining FAO, he participated in the which has enhanced her research ability Comprehensive Survey Group of Marine and problem-solving ability. At FAO, she Science organized by the Chinese Government. worked with a team of interns – Liu Yuxing At FAO, he worked with a team of interns and Jian Dong – in support of a research – Zixin Wei and Jian Dong – in support of a programme called “Relationship Between research programme called “Relationship Mangrove Loss and Aquaculture Expansion Between Mangrove Loss and Aquaculture in Viet Nam”, which investigated the factors Expansion in Viet Nam”, which investigated associated with deforestation and the the factors associated with deforestation and environmental impact of aquaculture. the environmental impact of aquaculture. Zixin can be reached at: Jian can be reached at: [email protected] [email protected]

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 51 ©FAO/L. YUXING

Liu Yuxing Volunteer, Aquaculture Branch

Liu Yuxing, a Chinese national, joined the FAO Aquaculture Branch in August 2019 for a one-month volunteer programme. As an undergraduate at Shanghai Ocean University, Liu is studying Marine Technology with a COLLEAGUES IN MOTION second major in Computer Science. She was once a member of the “China 100 Youth Excellent Training Program”, a public welfare project aiming at cultivating young social talent with a sense of social responsibility, social progress, leadership and international vision. At FAO, she worked with a team of interns – Zixin Wei and Jian Dong – in support of a research programme called “Relationship ©FAO/D. BLACKLOCK Between Mangrove Loss and Aquaculture Expansion in Viet Nam”, which investigated the factors associated with deforestation and the environmental impact of aquaculture. Danielle Blacklock

©FAO/G. GALLI Yuxing can be reached at: Visiting Expert, Aquaculture [email protected] Branch Giulia Galli Danielle Blacklock, an American national, joined the Aquaculture Branch from the United Intern, Aquaculture Branch States Government agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Giulia Galli, a German-Italian national, joined (NOAA), for a six-month rotation as part of the Aquaculture Branch for a six-month a leadership development programme. At internship, starting in October 2019. She NOAA, Danielle is the senior policy adviser for studied at University College London, United aquaculture in the National Marine Fisheries Kingdom, where she recently graduated Service, where she serves as a member of with a first-class Bachelor of Science degree the leadership team for strategic planning, in History and Philosophy of Science. governance and policy of marine aquaculture in the United States. Danielle holds a Bachelor During her internship at FAO, Giulia will ©FAO/L. GAO of Science degree in Marine Science from the contribute to the development of World University of Maine and a Master of Science Aquaculture Performance Indicator degree in Marine Affairs from the University (WAPI) factsheets and policy briefs, and of Washington. Danielle has over 15 years of will also support the development of the Lei Gao experience in marine resource management, website of the 2020 Global Conference including ten years at NOAA, working in a on Aquaculture. She is passionate about Intern, Aquaculture Branch number of different positions throughout cultures, interested in climate change and Lei Gao, a Chinese national, joined FAO in the agency. Before her time at NOAA, she the changing relationship of human culture July 2019 for a nine-month internship. He taught at the Sea Education Association’s Sea and the natural environment, and strives to is a doctoral candidate at Shanghai Ocean Semester programme for five years, sailing understand how science and technology may University, focusing on molecular genetics the high seas with undergraduate students. be implemented to improve future livelihoods. and molecular development related studies to Danielle can be reached at: Giulia can be reached at: research fish disease resistance through gene [email protected] [email protected] editing technology and the metamorphosis development of flatfish. Lei is providing support to ongoing activities surrounding the Global Plan of Action for Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources, and the development of a global information system for farmed types. He is also summarizing the conservation status of global aquaculture species and will provide support on the media aspects of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Lei can be reached at: [email protected]

52 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 NEW PUBLICATIONS

NEW PUBLICATIONS • NEW PUBLICATIONS • NEW PUBLICATIONS • NEW PUBLICATIONS • NEW PUBLICATIONS

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Papers (FATP)

FAO 2020 Strengthening, empowering and sustaining small-scale aquaculture farmers’ associations Hasan, M.R., Bueno, P.B. and Corner, R.A. eds. 2020. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 655. Rome, FAO.

This technical paper presents three major sets of information resource: (i) five case studies from five Asian countries, (ii) the synthesis of the case studies and (iii) the report of the regional workshop that reviewed the case studies and the draft synthesis of the case study reports, provided additional science-based, professional, and experiential information, and developed recommendations to strengthen, empower and sustain organizations of small-scale fish farmers and related aquaculture-based enterprises..

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca7741en/CA7741EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7741en

Workshop Proceedings and Reports

FAO 2019 Report of the Third Session of the COFI Advisory Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources and Technologies Rome, 20–21 August 2019. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1297. Rome.

This report contains the main discussion points and general conclusions and recommendations from the third session of the Working Group convened from 20-21 August 2019 in FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy. The working group considered a range of issues including: a brief review of the process of preparation of the first report on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture; (SoWAqGR); the preparation of a GPA on AqGR (GPA); the development of a global information system on aquatic genetic resources including a registry of farmed types; the development of a strategic approach to work on AqGR at FAO; and reviewed its terms of reference (ToR) and update its workplan. A series of recommendations were made to FAO and to the Committee on Fisheries’ sub-committee on aquaculture.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca7245en/CA7245EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7245en

FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 53 FAO Committee on Fisheries 2019 Report of the Tenth Session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture Trondheim, Norway, 23–27 August 2019. No. 1287. Rome, Italy.

This document presents the adopted report of the tenth session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), held in Trondheim, Norway from 23 to 27 August 2019. The Sub-Committee provides a forum for consultation and discussion on aquaculture-relevant topics, advises COFI on related technical and policy matters, and provides guidance for the future work.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca7417t/CA7417T.pdf

FAO 2019 Report of the FAO Regional Training Workshop on Innovative Integrated Agro-Aquaculture for Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific Kunming, China, 12–17 June 2017. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report. No. 1292. Rome.

The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific jointly sponsored and implemented a regional training workshop to support scaling up of innovative integrated agro-aquaculture (IAA) for Blue Growth in selected countries in the Asia-Pacific region at Fubao Culture Town & Spa Hotel in Kunming, Yunnan province, China, from 12 to 17 June 2017. As an FAO Reference Centre for Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Research and Training, and as the technical backstopping agency for the successful introduction of integrated rice-fish culture practices in Hani terraced rice fields, the Freshwater Fisheries Research Centre (FFRC) of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS) partnered with FAO in the organization of the training workshop.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca7038en/CA7038EN.pdf

NEW PUBLICATIONS NEW The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7038en

FAO 2019 Report of the Special Session on Advancing Integrated Agriculture- Aquaculture through Agroecology Montpellier, France, 25 August 2018. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1286. Rome.

A workshop, aimed at collecting and documenting the diversity of integrated agriculture aquaculture practices (IAA), was organized on 25 August 2018 in Montpellier during the International conference AQUA 2018 of the World and European Aquaculture Societies. The objectives were to clarify how an IAA implemented within an agroecological approach could help alleviating poverty and hunger, and to identify the knowledge gaps to be filled to ensure the sustainability of IAA. Twenty-five speakers presented background information and case studies.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca7209en/CA7209EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7209en

54 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 NEWNEW PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS al

) selected akeholders APRIL 2020 55 APRIL 2020 ■ Vibrio parahaemolyticus spp. and www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/CA5621EN/ www.fao.org/3/ca5621en/CA5621EN.pdf Streptococcus FAO AQUACULTUREFAO NEWSLETTER 61 No. www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7442en www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7029en www.fao.org/3/ca7442en/CA7442EN.pdf www.fao.org/3/ca7029en/CA7029EN.pdf

antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their objective is to assist countries in encouraging the prudent and responsible use of veterinary in aquaculture medicines production (antimicrobials through and among emphasize, appropriate They sector. private the by use government responsible other and awareness of encouragement regulation chemotherapeutants) and the promotion and FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries.These Technical Guidelines No. on the 5. Antimicrobial on Prudent Suppl.Plan Aquaculture Action and (No. FAO 5 Suppl. The 8) Responsible are 8.and developed to (CCRF) support Use Rome.Section Fisheries 9 – Responsible of Aquaculture Development for of Conduct Veterinary of Code Medicines FAO’s in the of standards health animal aquatic international the support also They 2016–2020. Resistance World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the food safety standards of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius and the One Health platform under the FAO/OIE/WHO Tripartite Collaboration on FAO 2019 FAO responsible and prudent for Recommendations 8. development. Aquaculture aquaculture in medicines veterinary of use on two bacterial pathogen groups ( the tilapia, affect agents bacterial Both health. public and health fish to importance their on based second largest species group produced in aquaculture globally, which contributes to significantly global food and nutrition security. The risk profiling exercise for the two bacterial pathogens revealed that in both cases, the AMR risks posed by these pathogens were likely to be low and FAO 2020 FAO to Exercise "Scoping Meeting Group Working Expert FAO of the Report in (AMR) Resistance of Antimicrobial of Risks Understanding the Increase Aquaculture November 2018. 26–29 Italy, Palermo, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture meeting The aquaculture”. in (AMR) resistance antimicrobial Reportof risks of understanding the No.increase 1268. Rome. was attended by 14 experts from nine countries, representing intergovernmental organizations, academia, research institutions and the private sector. A risk profiling exercise was conducted The PDF can be accessed directly at: The document card can be found here: FAO 2019 FAO in aquaculture of fishes Welfare 2019. T. S., Ruane, N., Rösch, R., Steinhagen, D. and Vehanen, H., Reiser, Segner. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No.The welfare REU/C1189.of fish in aquaculture is of increasing public concern in Europe and thus of growing Budapest,importance for fish farmers. FAO.There is an urgent need for fish farmers, authorities and scientists to develop criteria, approaches and practices to monitor fish. and safeguard This the report welfare focuses of primarily culture on the but culture marine conditions species for are farming included where of appropriate. freshwater nor commercial neither It fisheries, capture address not finfish, does and slaughter gives and transport to related little attention to welfare aspects Regional European the under administered project a of result the are findings These recreational. Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC).

FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries Guidelines Technical FAO FAO Circulars FAO The document card can be found here: The document card can be found here: The PDF can be accessed directly at: a cross-sectoral approach". The project concept note will include investigation on two bacterial agents important to both anim aeromonads. Streptococcus spp. and mesophilic and human health, namely: guidance, but it was recommended to review and adapt it as appropriate for aquatic AMR risk assessment. The Expert Group through AMR aquaculture-based reducing "Towards project multisectoral a to contribute to proposal project a develop to agreed thus conducting a full risk assessment was not recommended. The risk profiling outlined in Codex Alimentarius was used as The document card can be found here: The PDF can be accessed directly at: efficacy of antimicrobials. They provide general guidance health professionals.. government agencies, private-sector aquaculture producers and aquatic animal on the use of veterinary medicines in aquaculture to responsible and a strong commitment to governance, awareness, best practices, surveillance and research, including monitoring of AMR, maintain and AMR reduce to strategies evaluating and settings different in risk assessing (AMU), usage antimicrobial of tracking the guiding principles, that responsible use of veterinary medicines in aquaculture requires collaboration among all st FAO 2019 Risk management practices of small intensive shrimp farmers in the Mekong Delta of Viet Nam Pongthanapanich, T., Thi Nguyen, K. and Jolly, C.M. 2019. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1194. Rome, FAO.

This study examines the characteristics of small intensive shrimp farms and socio-economic status of the farm households, and farming practices and performance that are associated with the strategies and preferences for managing production risks. The analysis was based on primary data from a survey of farms raising the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) conducted in Bac Lieu, Ben Tre and Ca Mau provinces from September 2017 to February 2018.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca6702en/CA6702EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca6702en/

FAO 2019 The performance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing programmes relevant to aquaculture and aquaculture products Smith, P. 2019. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1191. Rome, FAO.

This Circular addresses best practice guidelines for the performance of these susceptibility tests. Section 1 discusses the relevance of this document to The FAO Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2016-2020. Section 2 provides a general background to the principles of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Section 3 discusses the current status of the standard protocols that can be recommended for use in antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria isolated from aquatic animals. Following a consideration of 44 species of bacteria that represent those most frequently isolated from aquatic animals, it demonstrates that the currently available standardized protocols are adequate for the determination of the antimicrobial susceptibility of 37 of them (84 percent). Section 4 discusses the importance of the design of programmes aimed at monitoring or surveillance of antimicrobial resistance associated with the use of antimicrobial agents in the rearing of aquatic animals. In this paper four designs are outlined, each of which will provide data for programmes aimed at answering different questions. Section 5 provides some conclusions, while Section 6 gives a list of references. The Circular is supported by four annexes that NEW PUBLICATIONS NEW provide: (i) a listing of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) documents cited in the paper; (ii) a list of the antimicrobial agents most commonly used in aquaculture; (iii) notes on the selection of test protocols for selected Gram-positive cocci; and (iv) guidance on the possible use of epidemiological cut-off values in a clinical context.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca6028en/CA6028EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca6028en

FAO 2019 Shrimp infectious myonecrosis strategy manual Tang, K.F.J., Bondad-Reantaso, M.G. & Arthur, J.R. 2019. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1187. Rome, FAO.

This Shrimp infectious myonecrosis strategy manual provides key information for national policy- makers relevant to the development of contingency plans for countries, producers and other stakeholders with regard to outbreaks of infectious myonecrosis (IMN), a viral disease of farmed marine penaeid shrimp that is listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). IMN is a viral disease, discovered in 2002, that has caused substantial mortalities in populations of cultured Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) initially reported in Brazil (2002) and Indonesia (2006) and recently in India (2016) and Malaysia (2018). The purpose of this manual is to provide support for the various components of a national contingency plan. The information provided includes: (1) the nature of IMN: providing a brief review of disease etiology, susceptible species and global distribution; (2) diagnosis of infection: describing the gross clinical signs of disease, field diagnostic methods, differential and laboratory methods for diagnosis; (3) prevention and treatment: providing information on vaccination, and resistance and immunity of the hosts; (4) epidemiology: providing information on IMNV’s geographic distribution, persistence in the environment, modes of transmission, vectors and reservoir hosts, factors influencing disease transmission and expression, and impact of the disease; (5) principles of control and eradication: describing the methods and (6) policy development and implementation: summarizing the overall policy, IMN-specific objectives, problems, overview of response options, strategies for eradication and control, capacity building and funding and compensation.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca6052en/CA6052EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca6052en

56 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 NEWNEW PUBLICATIONS PUBLICATIONS

APRIL 2020 57 APRIL 2020 ■

www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/CA5304EN/ www.fao.org/3/ca5304en/CA5304EN.pdf , V., Borg, J.A., Chapela Pérez, R.M., Tomassetti, P., Angel, Angel, P., Tomassetti, R.M., Pérez, Chapela J.A., Borg, V., ,

FAO AQUACULTUREFAO NEWSLETTER 61 No. Franičević

www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca7041en www.fao.org/3/ca7041en/ca7041en.pdf percent annually (or 12 percent in terms of farmgate value), from 13 000 tonnes (USD 56 million) powerhouse aquaculture regional a it making 2017, in billion) 1.5 (USD tonnes 000 595 to 1987 in contributing to 20 percent of Latin America and the Caribbean’s aquaculture production in 2017. In Brazil, tilapia has been the largest aquaculture item, contributing to nearly half of the country’s aquaculture production tonnage in 2017. This document assesses tilapia farming and the value chain in Brazil by examining tilapia farming technology and practices, dissecting the tilapia value chain, evaluating the sector’s social and economic and constraints performance, issues, potentials, highlighting discussing and development, sector the the to governance importance proper of in general in Brazil. of tilapia farming or aquaculture challenges in the development The PDF can be accessed directly at: The document card can be found here: FAO 2019 FAO performance and economic Social tilapia farming of Brazil in and Cai, J. 2019. A.E.P. R.M., Muñoz, Barroso, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1181.Tilapia is the most popular Rome,aquaculture species item farmed in FAO.over terms 120 in percent 13 countries (or annually percent or 11 grew production territories aquaculture tilapia Global worldwide. of farmgate value) over the past three decades, from 1987 to 5.9 million tonnes (USD 11 billion) in 2017. Aquaculture production in Brazil increased 14 0.3 million tonnes (USD 304 million) in It provides detailed information on the process involved in the establishment of an AZA and it is intended as a practical and comprehensive tool to better understand site selection and planning for aquaculture. This publication first provides a brief overview of the international and regional context, and reviews the institutional and legal framework related to AZAs at various levels. FAO/GFCM 2019 FAO/GFCM guide for the establishment of coastal a Allocated zones for aquaculture: the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in zones dedicated to aquaculture D., Fezzardi, F., Massa, P., Sanchez-Jerez, I., Karakassis, P., Zaragozá, Avila J.C., Macias, Yücel Gier, G., L. 2019. H., Carmignac, C. & Fourdain, D.L., Marino, G., Nhhala, H., Hamza, 97. No Reviews. and Studies Mediterranean. the for Commission Fisheries General Rome, FAO. This guide is a establishment of allocated zones for aquaculture (AZAs) in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. collection of concepts and practical information aimed at facilitating the FAO Non-serial Publications FAO The document card can be found here: The PDF can be accessed directly at: aquaculture producers and fishing communities, as well as other relevant stakeholders involved in aquaculture activities, coastal activities, aquaculture in involved stakeholders relevant other as well as communities, fishing and producers aquaculture development, and in the use of the aquatic environment and resources. and presents the parameters to be used as reference points for the AZA implementation. It is addressed to from decision-makers relevant bodies and administrations, governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific research institutions, of possible conflicts, and decision making. The guide also describes the objectives and contents of AZA management plans information system tools, exclusion criteria and stakeholder participation, the main actors to be involved, the role of authorities relevant in charge of geographical and/or marine aquaculture planning, statutory responsibilities, prevention and resolution Sequential explanations on the AZA establishment process as well as suggestions for the main steps are then presented. The step-by-step approach for the establishment of AZAs takes into account a number of specific aspects, such as geographic FAO/GFCM 2019 Toolkit on allocated zones for aquaculture. Benefits, implementation and management. Rome, FAO.

This toolkit contains a series of factsheets introducing the concept of allocated zones for aquaculture (AZA) and presenting a kit of useful tools for the identification, establishment and management of an AZA. The aim is to share existing knowledge on AZAs in order to maximize their beneficial effects in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The contents of this toolkit are based on the results obtained through the effective implementation of existing AZAs and they are tailored to the specificities of the region. This toolkit is addressed to policy-makers, regulators including marine planners, non-governmental organizations, farmers and producer associations, local stakeholders and to all coastal zones users in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: www.fao.org/3/ca5736en/CA5736EN.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5736en

FAO 2019 Top 10 species groups in global aquaculture, 2017 Junning Cai, Xiaowei Zhou,a Xue Yan, Daniela Lucentea and Camilla Lagana Rome, FAO.

The latest FAO global aquaculture production statistics record 608 species items (under the ASFIS – Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System – list of aquatic species) that have been farmed in global aquaculture during 1950–2017. Among them, 424 species items were farmed in 2017, with concrete production statistics recorded in the FAO database (compared to 254 species items in 1990). This factsheet examines 2017 global aquaculture production of these 424 species items to identify the top 10 most farmed ASFIS species items (in terms of quantity or value); the top 10 most farmed species groups; and the top 10 species groups in world aquaculture, excluding China. More information about top 10 aquaculture species (groups) at the regional level and national level (for major aquaculture producers) can be found in the supplementary materials to this factsheet.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: http://www.fao.org/3/ca5224en/ca5224en.pdf NEW PUBLICATIONS NEW The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/ca5224en/

FAO 2019 Kenya: High aquaculture growth needed to improve food security and nutrition Junning Cai, Xiaowei Zhou, Xue Yan, Daniela Lucente and Camilla Lagana Rome, FAO.

The PDF can be accessed directly at: http://www.fao.org/3/ca4693en/ca4693en.pdf The document card can be found here: www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/CA4693EN/

Cultured species fact sheets

Cultured species fact sheet on Siganus spp. (Rabbitfishes) www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Siganus_spp/en

Cultured species fact sheet on giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Osphronemus_goramy/en

58 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 ■ APRIL 2020 ©FAO/R. MINX JULY 2020 JUNE 2020 APRIL 2020 MARCH 2020 DEC 2020 NOV 2020 AUG 2020 JUNE 2020 APRIL 2020 MARCH 2020 CALENDAR OF CALENDAR OF EVENTS Singapore, 14-18 December 2020 World Aquaculture 2020 Blessing Mapfumo,E-mail: [email protected] Alexandria, Egypt,28 Aquaculture Africa2020 Palau, 17-18 August 2020 – Information: Our Ocean2020 Lisbon, Portugal, 02-06 June 2020–Information: UN OceansConference Dar EsSalaam,30March to2 April 2020. 38 Stellenbosch, South Africa, 24-27March 2020–Information: Association forAquaculture inSouthernAfrica NON FAO EVENTS Rome, Italy, 13-17 July 2020–Information: [email protected] Committee onFisheries–34 Rome, Italy, 11-17 July 2020–Information: [email protected] Eighth MeetingoftheRegionalFisheryBodySecretariats’ Network. Ankara, Turkey, 8-9June 2020–Information: [email protected] 5 Djibouti, 6-7 April 2020–Information: [email protected] GAD/FAO BlueEconomyConference Dar esSalaam, Tanzania, 23-24 April 2020–[email protected] Inception workshopofEU-fundedTRUEFISHproject Tampico, Mexico, 19-21 March 2020–Information: [email protected] Global RuralAquaculture Seminar. Aquaculture Commission

th th MeetingoftheTechnical AdvisoryCommitteeoftheCentralAsianandCaucasusRegionalFisheries SouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity-Technical CommitteeonFisheries EVENTS th • November toDecember2 CALENDAR OF EVENTS th

Session www.ourocean2020.pw/ Information:

–www.was.org/meeting/code/WA2020 FAO AQUACULTURE NEWSLETTER No. 61 No. 61 NEWSLETTER FAO AQUACULTURE

www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2020 nd , 2020–Information: www.sadc.int/ • CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.aasa-aqua.co.za/conferences/

www.was.org/meeting/code/AFRAQ20 • CALENDAR OF EVENTS ; [email protected] ■ APRIL2020 59 ;

FFAO AquacultureAN Newsletter Aquaculture Branch Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy E-mail: [email protected]

26-30 October 2020 Shanghai, China

Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

MESSAGE FROM THE GCA SECRETARIAT REGARDING THE CORONOVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK As this issue of FAN is being published, many countries are facing the severe challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and wellbeing of all GCA 2020 participants is the fi rst and foremost priority of the GCA organizers. We are in regular contact with relevant health authorities and follow closely the guidance of the World Health Organization. For the time being and until further notice, the preparations for the GCA continue as planned but please make sure to regularly consult the website www.aquaculture2020.org for updates.

The FAO Aquaculture Newsletter (FAN) is issued twice a year by the Aquaculture Branch (FIAA) of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Rome, Italy. It presents articles and views from the FAO aquaculture programme and discusses various aspects of aquaculture as seen from the perspective of both headquarters and the fi eld programme. Articles are contributed by FAO staff from within and outside the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, from FAO regional offi ces and fi eld projects, by FAO consultants and, occasionally, by invitation from other sources. FAN is distributed free of charge to various institutions, scientists, planners and managers in member countries and has a current circulation of about 1 300 copies. It is also available on the FAO webpage: www.fao.org/fi shery/publications/fan

Editorial Board Members: Matthias Halwart, Xinhua Yuan, Graham Mair, Rodrigo Roubach, Valerio Crespi, Roxane Misk, Lionel Dabbadie, Molly Ahern, Nada Bougouss, Austin Stankus Graphic Designer: José Luis Castilla Civit

Citation: FAO. 2020. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter. No. 61 (April). Rome. Citation for single contribution: Name(s) of the author(s). Year. Title of the article. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, No. 61, pp. xx–xx.

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