Aquaculture

Researchers at the University of Exeter are contributing to the sustainability of the Bangladesh shrimp industry by introducing a new suite of digital training tools. This initiative is crucial for an industry that employs approximately 3.5 million people and serves as a vital source of dietary protein for the Bangladeshi population.

Despite its rapid growth over the past four decades, the shrimp industry in Bangladesh faces mounting challenges, particularly from diseases attributed to inadequate biosecurity measures. The economic, social, and environmental costs of these challenges are substantial.

Led by Professor Charles Tyler, the project aims to enhance sustainability by addressing biosecurity issues within the Bangladesh shrimp aquaculture industry. Effective biosecurity can prevent disease outbreaks, reduce the need for chemicals and drugs, and consequently, enhance productivity while minimizing the impact on biodiversity loss, water pollution, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

The digital tools developed by the University of Exeter team are specifically designed for shrimp hatcheries, which produce larval shrimp and supply the extensive industry comprising over 300,000 farmers across Bangladesh. In collaboration with local partners WorldFish and the Centre for Communication Action Bangladesh, the team has created digital training videos, a self-assessment app, and monitoring sheets to make biosecurity training more engaging and accessible.

Dr. Kelly Thornber, the lead researcher, highlighted the importance of tailoring training materials for the unique challenges of low-income, extensive farming systems prevalent in Bangladesh. The tools developed are pragmatic, simple, and cost-effective, ensuring their suitability for implementation across diverse contexts.

Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, this project is part of the Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures (SAF), a collaboration between the University of Exeter and the UK Government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). SAF is dedicated to supporting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry, contributing to global food security, and promoting the provision of nutritious food.

Professor Tyler, Co-Director of SAF, emphasized the importance of disease control in aquaculture for long-term sustainability. The project’s focus on training and enhancing biosecurity measures aligns with the broader goal of minimizing the environmental impact of the aquaculture industry, ensuring its responsible growth in the future.

Source: University of Exeter

In the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, traditional fishermen from Nagayalanka and nearby villages are expressing opposition to the use of dragnets and traps in catching mud crabs. Alleging that this practice is leading to a decline in the fish population in the ponds and backwaters, fishermen have brought their concerns to the attention of District Collector P. Raja Babu and Avanigadda MLA Simhadri Ramesh Babu.

Fishermen, including members of the Yanadi tribes, earn their livelihood by catching mud crabs in the mangroves, canals, and ponds of Nagayalanka, Avanigadda, and Machilipatnam mandals in Krishna district. The preferred method for catching crabs involves the use of traps, but it is reportedly negatively impacting fish production in the region.

Local traders highlight the high demand for live mud crabs, including soft shell crabs and red crabs, which inhabit the backwaters, mangroves, and estuaries. A significant portion of the live mud crab catch from Andhra Pradesh is exported, particularly to countries like Malaysia, Thailand, China, Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam.

Fishermen in the area have voiced their concerns to authorities, citing a decrease in fish shoals in ponds due to the movement of crab catchers. The traditional fishermen argue that the use of traps and the increasing number of crab catchers pose a threat to fishing in the island villages and mangroves.

Local exporters acknowledge the lucrative market for live mud crabs, emphasizing their value in both local and international markets. However, traditional fishermen are urging authorities to regulate the practice in riverine and coastal villages to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.

In response to these concerns, Yanadi tribes argue that they catch crabs in specific areas, particularly on river bunds, without disrupting fishing activities in the ponds. The conflict highlights the delicate balance between the livelihoods of traditional crab catchers and the need for sustainable fishing practices to protect the broader ecosystem.

Source: The Hindu

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in affiliation with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has identified 342 potential sites for seaweed cultivation in India. The institute asserts that India, with its vast coastline, has the capacity to produce a staggering 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed annually, a stark contrast to the mere 34,000 tonnes produced last year.

Highlighting the significance of scaling up seaweed farming,  Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of ICAR-CMFRI, emphasized its potential as a major contributor to the global seaweed production, valued at billions of dollars. He noted that the global seaweed production in 2022 reached 35 million tonnes, generating approximately USD 16.5 billion.

The Indian government has allocated Rs 640 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to promote seaweed culture. The targeted production is set to exceed 11.2 lakh tonnes by 2025, according to Dr. Gopalakrishnan.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the success of the Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) practice developed by CMFRI. IMTA enables cage farming or bivalve farming in conjunction with seaweed farming in coastal waters. He believes that this technology will play a pivotal role in popularizing and enhancing seaweed farming across coastal states.

The meeting also underscored the importance of bivalve farming, a non-conventional aquaculture practice. In 2021, India’s bivalve production reached 98,000 tonnes. Notably, CMFRI’s recent achievements include the commercial production of green and brown mussel seeds and cultchless spat production of edible oysters with a high survival rate at Vizhinjam. More than 6,000 women self-help groups are now involved in bivalve farming under CMFRI’s guidance.

Anantnag, October 21: Mohammad Farooq Dar, the Director of Fisheries for Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a comprehensive review of the Trout fish livestock status within the Trout Fish Farming Project (TFFP) in Kokernag and the southern districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama.

The meeting, held at the Fisheries In-Service Training Centre in Kokernag, saw active participation from key officials, including A. M Tak (Joint Director Fisheries, South Kashmir), Chief Project Officer of Trout Fish Farming Project in Kokernag, and the Principal Training Centre, Kokernag. District officers and farm managers responsible for overseeing various fish farming units in the region were also present.

Joint Director Fisheries, A. M Tak, provided a detailed overview of the operations and activities of the Fish Farming Project in Kokernag, along with insights into other farms and units in the southern districts.

During the visit, Director Fisheries, Mohammad Farooq Dar, conducted an in-depth evaluation of the functioning of various fish farms. He provided valuable instructions and guidance to the attending officers and officials, emphasizing the need to harness their expertise and management skills for improvements in production and overall productivity of these fish farming units.

Director Dar underscored the objective of enhancing the contribution of trout fish farming to the region’s agricultural and economic landscape. The focus is on boosting food security and creating livelihood opportunities for the local population.

In his address, Director Fisheries emphasized the achievement of targets set for the current fiscal year. He also sought feedback for the revision of denomination of different components of revenue realization in the department.

The review highlights the commitment of the Fisheries Department to the sustainable development of trout fish farming in the region, aiming for positive impacts on both agriculture and the economy.

The United Nations forecasts the persistence of the El Niño weather phenomenon, marked by abnormally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures, throughout the first half of 2024. The anticipated prolonged event raises concerns over irregular rainfall patterns in Latin America, particularly affecting the agricultural sector.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recent months have witnessed a significant rise in the Pacific ocean surface temperatures, particularly along the South American coast. The first quarter of 2024 is expected to bring above-average rainfall to southern cone countries like Peru and Ecuador, as well as Mexico. In contrast, Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname are bracing for prolonged dry conditions. Although the current dry spell in Central America is projected to conclude by the year’s end, the agricultural sector, encompassing crops, livestock, forests, and fishing, remains highly vulnerable.

The FAO’s report underscores the sector’s susceptibility to extreme weather conditions, indicating it can absorb up to 26% of economic losses during such events and a staggering 82% during droughts.

Changing weather patterns pose a significant threat to key fish species, including anchovies and tuna along the northern coast of Peru and southern Ecuador. Ecuadorian fishermen have already reported a 30% decrease in tuna catches since February.

Historically, both El Niño and its counterpart, La Niña, have adversely affected the production of vital crops such as wheat, rice, and corn in Latin America, given their high dependence on specific weather conditions. The report further emphasizes that the region is simultaneously grappling with the impacts of climate change, including heatwaves.

In response to these challenges, the FAO has launched a comprehensive plan to mobilize financial resources for communities in several affected countries. The objective is to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and enhance resilience in these vulnerable areas.

In a significant step toward advancing its aquaculture sector, Mohamed Sadiki, Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, inaugurated the construction of the nation’s first marine fish hatchery in the commune of Gueznaya. The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by key stakeholders, including the Director of the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture, marked the commencement of a pioneering project dedicated to producing up to 30 million high-quality fry of species vital to national aquaculture farms.

Spanning 2.28 hectares, the hatchery represents a crucial component of Morocco’s aquaculture strategy, with an investment of MAD 120 million ($12.3 million) earmarked to ensure a reliable supply of fry for the value chain.

Minister Sadiki underscored the historical significance of this initiative, noting that it is the first marine fish hatchery in Morocco to receive substantial financial support from the government. A MAD 20 million ($2 million) investment bonus has been granted for acquiring hatchery equipment.

Aligned with the “Halieutis” plan initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2009, the project emphasizes the qualitative and sustainable development of the marine fisheries sector. Minister Sadiki emphasized the pivotal role of fry production in supporting fish farming projects and reducing pressure on marine resources.

Director Majida Maarouf highlighted the project’s alignment with the strategies of the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture, emphasizing the commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investment and capitalizing on the sector’s significant evolution.

Shavit Dahan, head of project development at Aquago Company, praised Morocco’s inclination towards high-value economic endeavors in the marine fishing sector. He commended the country’s efforts to encourage investments that support the national economy, contribute to environmental protection, and preserve natural resources.

Dahan emphasized that Morocco’s support for investments under the aquaculture development strategy reflects the kingdom’s insightful vision for resource development, exploitation, and the development of a green economy.

With the launch of the first marine fish hatchery, Morocco takes a significant stride towards developing a thriving aquaculture sector, showcasing its commitment to economic progress while preserving natural resources and reinforcing its global leadership in the marine fishing industry.

Source: Morocco World News

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed on Monday that 21 species, including birds, a bat, and various mussels, have been officially declared extinct. These species were previously listed on the national roster of threatened and endangered species.

Among the extinct species are eight Hawaiian honeycreeper birds, the Bridled white-eye bird of Guam, the Mariana fruit bat of Guam, the San Marcos gambusia (a one-inch long fish from Texas), the Scioto madtom (a small catfish exclusive to Big Darby Creek in Ohio), and the Bachman’s warbler, a black and yellow songbird found in several Southern states and Cuba.

Additionally, eight freshwater mussels were declared extinct, including the flat pigtoe, green-blossom pearly mussel, southern acornshell, stirrupshell, tubercled-blossom pearly mussel, turgid-blossom pearly mussel, upland combshell, and yellow-blossom pearly mussel.

The determination of extinction was based on criteria such as the detectability of the species, adequacy of survey efforts, and the time since the last detection, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

These species were initially proposed for removal from the endangered and threatened list in 2021, having not been sighted since as early as 1899 and as late as 2004.

The Centre for Biological Diversity reports that climate change, pollution, and invasive species contribute to species loss, with climate change effects contributing to 39% of amphibian species moving closer to extinction between 2004 and 2022. Moreover, approximately 3 billion birds have suffered declines in North America since 1970.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasizes that 99% of the animals on the endangered and threatened list have not reached extinction. Notably, 54 have been removed from the list due to recovery efforts, and 56 have been downgraded from endangered to threatened.

Director Martha Williams highlighted the importance of conserving imperiled species, stating, “Federal protection came too late to reverse these species’ decline, and it’s a wake-up call on the importance of conserving imperiled species before it’s too late.”

The extinction of the Hawaiian honeycreepers was attributed to habitat destruction through deforestation for development and agriculture, compounded by the introduction of non-native mosquitoes spreading avian pox and avian malaria. Other species faced various threats, such as invasive species, habitat destruction, and overconsumption.

As the U.S. commemorates 50 years of the Endangered Species Act, the call for urgent conservation efforts underscores the Act’s purpose as a safety net to prevent species from journeying toward extinction, with the ultimate goal of recovery to eliminate the need for ongoing protection.

Source: NPR NEWS