Farming inside the box: Urban agriculture of aquaponics

Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture, which is the raising of fish, and hydroponics, which is the raising of plants using water. The system is a closed system in that the water from the fish which is enriched by their waste is actually used to fertilize the plants,

World’s first Integrated Urban Aquaponics Conference and workshops

systems producing organic food, will be held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from July 25 to 27, 2012.

The conference and workshops will be organized by the Aquaponics Network Australia (ANA), solely-owned by Brisbane-based Aquaponix Pty Ltd., in conjunction with the Green Infrastructure Network Australia Inc. (GINA Inc).

The conference will be held at Whites Hill State College (WHSC), at Camp Hill, Brisbane, Queensland, which will soon begin developing Brisbane’s fourth aquaponics unit for better teaching science, maths and integrated sustainability to high-school students.

Geoff Wilson, director of ANA and president of GINA Inc., said:

NPR: Urban Fish Farming: Wave Of The Future?

are now hearing me speak again and they’re saying, ‘Oh, I get it now,’” he says.

By Brent Baughman
NPR
July 3, 2011

Excerpt:

His utopian city is one with Jacuzzi-sized fish tanks on every roof, giving locavore owners more than 100 pounds of fish a year.

Schreibman further sweetens the deal with something called hydroponics. By tweaking his filtration system to leave a certain amount of fish waste in the water, plants can be grown in the same tank.

“We’re talking plants floating on the surface of the water, using the fish waste as nutrition,” he explains.

Lettuce, herbs, bok choi and kale can all be grown this way. The plants float on a foam sheet, their roots dangling into the water below.

“Fish poop a lot,” Schreibman says. “People would be amazed at how much product you can produce in a certain area.”

He says lettuce heads, for instance, can be grown six inches apart and cut in about six weeks. Herbs can be snipped for cooking and continue to grow.

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Reuters video: Urban aquaponics farming brings the country to the city

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IBM team recommends setting up a Council on Urban Agriculture and Aquaponics in Milwaukee

says Carey Hidaka, one of the team members, who is a water management specialist.

The team concentrated on fashioning a set of recommendations during the final days in Milwaukee. They encouraged the city leaders to continue with their initiative. The recommended that the city set up a Council on Urban Agriculture and Aquaponics, which would be similar to the Milwaukee Water Council. And they urged them to create an innovation center for the technology in a building on a former industrial site.

Aquaponic Gardening

starting and maintaining a healthy system.
Aquaponics systems are completely organic. They are four to six times more productive and use 90 percent less water than conventional gardens. Other advantages include no weeds, fewer pests, and no watering, fertilizing, bending, digging, or heavy lifting

Urban homesteaders plant seeds of change in Kansas City

is a patchwork quilt of urban farming ventures.

There are a vegetable garden fertilized with nutrient-rich fish waste and a lush swath of bamboo stalks waiting to be dried and used to stake tomato plants or to build a tree house or a lightweight bicycle.

Towering sunflowers wear paper grocery sacks draped over their heads, an effort to keep the birds away so the mature seeds can be roasted, then eaten as a snack. There’s a playhouse-turned-chicken coop for heritage breed hens.

On the driveway, tilapia swim in an aquaponics system fashioned from recycled, food-grade plastic drums that takes up as much space as an average living room. Fragrant basil grows in rock beds above the drums, cleaning the water for the fish while the nutrient-rich fish waste fertilizes the basil, all without the use of soil.

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Milwaukee recognized for urban farms, aquaponics in IBM report

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City, suburban residents try hand at fish farming in Baltimore

am retired veterinarian turned horticuculturist in retirement
owned & operated sans souci nursery in monkton
now looking for what’s next
in childhood
raised tropical fish outdoors in Balto city fed local plankton
(daphne cyclops etc)
would like to see your setup lbh

2David

Raising Trashcan Tilapia is Latest Trend in Urban Farming

Christopher Toole sees the future of urban farming at the bottom of a 50-gallon garbage bin in the South Bronx, where a pale foot-long fish does lazy loops in dark water.

The fish is one of dozens of tilapia Toole keeps in trash and recycling containers,

Long Island City lab on cutting edge of urban farming with aquaponic system

The growing system builds on the local food movement that has spawned urban farms and greenhouses all over the city.

Clarke constructed the aquaponic mechanism last month from plastic tubs, tubes and wood from Home Depot after he read a manual on the water-based growing method.

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1Rockrose

New Yorkers branch into ‘beyond organic’ urban fish farming

what a cool project, would love to hear more news, from a south african in britain

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Fish from the Sky with Vegetables

NavigationHomeAbout City FarmerContactArchive of all articles Recent PostsUrban agriculture organizations want their soil tested after Chevron refinery fireEmi Do from Yummy Yards in Vancouver

Aquaponic farming takes root in urban food desert

not only of vegetables and herbs (the legal variety), but also fish.

On the first floor, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and basil sprout from 10-foot lengths of rain gutter and bright orange PVC pipe, also spoils of the Chester raid.

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Internet of food: Urban Aquaponics in Oakland

I feel knowledge of electronics and software programming makes me a better farmer than just having a hoe. Gardens that can communicate for themselves using the internet can lead to exchanging of ideas in ways that were not possible before. I can test, for instance, whether the same tomato grows better in Oakland or the Sahara Desert given the same conditions. Then I can share the same information with farmers in Iceland and China.

Giant Prawn 2011

Giant Prawn 2011 will be held as a component of next year's Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2011 conference, 17-20 January, in Kochi, India. Giant Prawn 2011 will be a landmark opportunity to review the status of freshwater prawn farming worldwide and discuss the future of this $2 billion industry. The meeting will include field trips to freshwater prawn farming sites on 21-22 January.

The scientific programme for Giant Prawn 2011 consists of a three-day invited paper session (18-20 January), plus a one-day parallel session for contributed papers on freshwater prawn farming (date to be announced later). Speakers include Nesar Ahmed (Bangladesh), Janet Brown (UK), Michael Frinsko (USA), Ilan Karplus (Israel), Spencer Malecha (Hawai'i), Peter Mather (Australia), C. Mohanakumuran Nair (India), M.C. Nandeesha (India), Uthairat Na-Nakorn (Thailand), Michael New (UK), Nguyen Thanh Phuong (Vietnam), K.R. Salin (India), Amir Sagi (Israel), James Tidwell (USA), Wagner Valenti (Brazil), Patricia Moraes-Valenti (Brazil), Md. Abdul Wahab (Bangladesh) and Miao Weimin (China). Discussions about the contributions of several further invited speakers are on-going. The topics to be presented in the invited session of GP2011 include biology, genetics, grow-out and hatchery rearing technology, health management, and post-harvest handling, marketing and economics.

The brochure for Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2011 (incorporating Giant Prawn 2011) will shortly be available from the World Aquaculture Society. This brochure will explain the procedures for registration and issue a call for papers for both events. Selected GP2011 papers will be considered for a special issue of the journal Aquaculture Research after the conference.

The parent Asian-Pacific Aquaculture 2011 meeting will also provide the usual rainbow of conference topics and social events, together with an important exhibition. Those who attended the last event organised by this chapter in Kuala Lumpur will already know how successful it was.

GP2011 will be a very important event for all those involved in freshwater prawn farming, research and marketing. Mark your calendars and make your travel plans for January 2011 now!

Vietnamese catfish - better management practices update

A number of farmers have volunteered to trial the draft better management practices (BMPs) developed by the catfish BMP project, for the purpose of evaluation and demonstration. The draft BMPs were developed following extensive surveys of industry practice and stakeholder meetings convened by the project team in October 2009 in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province (Chaired by Provincial Agricultural Office and the Director RIA 2, Dr. Nguyen Van Hao), and in Can Tho City (Chaired by Professor Nguyen Than Phuong of Can Tho University).

Eleven BMP demonstration farms have been setup in partnership between farmers and the project team and are about three months into the six-month production cycle. These include seven grow out farms (three in Can Tho, one each in An Giang, Hau Giang, Vinh Long and Dong Thap), three nurseries (two in Dong Thap, one in Can Tho) and on hatchery in An Giang.

Better management practices for catfish aquaculture released

'Better Management Practices for Catfish Aquaculture' Version 3.0 was released at a national workshop in Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, Vietnam on 24 November. These improved farming practices are the culmination of a three-year project investigating catfish farming practices in the Mekong Delta, funded by AusAID under the auspices of the program Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), and conducted in partnership between NACA, the Research Institute for Aquaculture No. 2, Can Tho University, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and catfish farmers in the Mekong Delta.

Speaking at the workshop, NACA's Director General, Prof. Sena De Silva, said that Vietnamese catfish aquaculture is the most productive farming sector in the world and has put Vietnamese aquaculture firmly on the global map. 'More than one million tonnes of fish are produced from an area of less than 10,000 hectares in the Mekong Delta. The industry provides around 180,000 jobs and generates more than US$ 1 billion in foreign exchange for the country', he said.

Catfish farming is highly intensive. The industry average yield in the delta exceeds 400 tonnes per hectare per crop, with farmers producing two crops per year. However, the profit margin is slim and farmers need to produce high volumes to survive. In this business, a few cents per kilo can make the difference between making a huge profit or a huge loss. 'But we have to understand that we cannot continue to intensify indefinitely', Prof. De Silva said. Right: Vice Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madam Thu.

Workshop on ecosystem approach to inland fisheries: data needs and implementation strategies

NACA coordinated an international workshop Ecosystem approach to inland fisheries: data needs and implementation strategies, in Vientiane, Lao PDR, 7-11 December 2010 as part of its continued engagement on inland fisheries issues. The workshop was supported by the FAO and the US Geological Survey, and brought together 28 experts in inland fisheries from 12 countries and representatives from regional and international organisations.

The contribution inland fisheries makes to improve the human well-being, and the status of inland fishery resources and the ecosystems that support them, are in general relatively poorly known and often undervalued. As recognised by FAO and others, this is because of (a) the importance of fisheries is not reflected in the formal economy, because much production is consumed locally or traded for other goods (b) the varied and diffuse nature of many inland fisheries operating in remote areas, associated with lack of formal landing areas; (c) lack of awareness and policies on inland fisheries in national agendas, (d) poorly defined market chains or infrastructure dealing with catch from inland waters, and (e) the high cost of collecting dispersed information. Moreover, in many developing countries inland fisheries are considered a traditional, non-economic activity that for the betterment of the nations should be replaced by more obvious industrial or agricultural activities that contribute directly to formal economies. Also where information is lacking, either improvement must be made to acquire it, or alternative strategies must be developed to manage inland fisheries responsibly. Additionally, inland fisheries are greatly impacted by other sectors that use freshwater resources, such as hydro-electric development, irrigation and agriculture, catchment and upstream land development and navigation.

Adapting to climate change: Aquaclimate 2nd annual project meeting

Aquaclimate is a three year project funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway, through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Thailand, which supports scientific research in selected vulnerable farming communities in the Asian region.

The second annual meeting of the project, convened by NACA, was held at the Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Institute, Kalawewa, Sri Lanka from 7-9 March 2011. The meeting brought together 22 professionals from all partner countries and created a platform for the partners to present their year’s progress and to hold in-depth discussions about the way forward.

Ramping up adoption of catfish BMPs

A new project funded by the European Commission will help Vietnamese catfish farmers improve their efficiency and profitability. The project will assist farmers to implement better management practices (BMPs), working in cooperative groups formed from 'clusters' of nearby farms.

Vietnamese catfish aquaculture has expanded massively over the past decade, with annual production now exceeding one million tonnes. Production is extremely intensive, with average yields of around 400 tonnes per hectare. However, the profit margin is very low - just a few cents per kilogram - and farmers are under intense pressure to reduce their production costs.

Striped catfish farming in the Mekong Delta: A tumultuous path to a global success

This new peer reviewed publication is available from the journal Reviews in Aquaculture. The abstract follows:

The striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) (Sauvage), also referred to as tra catfish or sutchi catfish, farming sector is an icon of aquaculture development in Vietnam and globally. Over a decade it has developed from a humble backyard operation to one that currently accounts for the production of over one million tonnes, employing over 180 000 rural poor, and generating an export income exceeding US$ 1.4 billion (2010). It accounts for the highest average production, ranging from 200 to 400 t ha?1 crop, ever recorded for the primary production sector. The system is integrated and incorporates seed production, fry to fingerling rearing and grow-out, and is concentrated in a few provinces in the Mekong Delta (8°33?–10°55?N, 104°30?–106°50?E), along two branches of the Mekong River. In essence, perhaps, the initial trade restrictions on catfish exports to the USA provided the impetus and then the associated developments from 2002 to 2005 of the sector to a great extent in seeking new markets. The explosion of tra catfish farming has resulted in many competitive sectors challenging this ‘tra catfish’ invasion into a globalized market. These confrontations still exist with many instances of attempts to discredit the sector and discourage international consumers. However, the Vietnamese catfish sector is resilient and has managed to withstand such pressures and continues to thrive. This paper reviews the development of catfish farming in the Mekong Delta, its current status and what is required to sustain it as a major food source and livelihood provider.

Consultation on Lake and Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Asia

The ICEIDA funded project on, Strategies for development of Asian reservoir & lake fisheries management concluded with a final Consultation on Lake and Reservoir Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Asia. The consultation was held at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan from 20-24 September.

The consultation organised by NACA in conjunction with the Institute of Hydrobiology was co-hosted by the Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Hydroecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, and WWF-HSBC Climate Change Partnership, and brought together over 40 key researchers from nine Asian countries and the FAO.

The consultation brought together over 40 key researchers from nine Asian countries and the FAO. There was a significant representation from the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Fisheries Programme, from all riparian countries, including the program coordinator, Xaypladeth Choulamany. The consultation was declared opened by the Director of the Institute of Hydrobiology and short introductory remarks were given by Miao Weimin, Aquaculture Officer, RAP/FAO, Bangkok, Sena S De Silva, Former Director General of NACA and Wang Zhaomin, Director General, Hubei Fisheries Bureau, China.

Peter Edwards to mentor the new Sustainable Farming Systems Programme

At its recent meeting in Cambodia, the 23rd Governing Council endorsed some significant changes to the NACA Work Plan. One of the key changes is the formation of the Sustainable Farming Systems Programme, which will incorporate the former Inland Aquaculture and Coastal Aquaculture Programmes. One of the key issues the new programme will address is sustainable intensification, seeking to increase the productivity of farming systems through gains in efficiency, rather than only through additional resource inputs. As the global population continues to grow, feeding the world without further degrading the environment is a key challenge that must be met.

We are pleased to announce that the Sustainable Farming Systems Programme will be mentored by Prof. Peter Edwards, who will already be well known to many people in the network. Prof. Edwards is an Emeritus Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology, where he founded the aquaculture programme and he has 36 years of experience in aquaculture education, research and development in the Asian region. He will also be familiar to readers of Aquaculture Asia Magazine, for which he has written a regular column on rural aquaculture for many years.

NACA wishes to welcome Prof. Edwards and looks forward to his assistance with the development of the Sustainable Farming Systems Programme.

Broodstock management training course launched by NACA and UNU-FTP

Although the aquaculture sector in Asia has grown considerably over the last three decades, currently accounting for over 90 percent of the global production of approximately 62 million tonnes, there is reason to believe that the rate of growth is declining. One possible reason for this decline is a decrease in the quality of seed stocks of many of the major species cultured. Few hatcheries have personnel trained in broodstock management or effective broodstock management plans in place. The situation has been further exacerbated in countries that are dependent on alien species where the sector is witnessing the deteriorating quality of broodstock, which in most instances are based on small imported founder populations that have been maintained in captivity for many generations without genetic management. Establishing capacity in broodstock management is a prerequisite for the development and maintenance of improved, more productive strains desired by many countries.

These problems and related issues have been acknowledged in many fora, including the Asia Regional Ministerial Meeting on Aquaculture for Food Security, Nutrition and Economic Development (2011), the FAO/NACA/DOF Global Conference on Aquaculture (2010) and the FAO/NACA Expert Consultation on the Use and Exchange of Aquatic Genetic Resources (2009). Capacity building in broodstock management has been requested at every annual meeting of the NACA Governing Council since 2006.

International Fisheries Symposium (IFS 2012), 6-8 December, Can Tho, Vietnam

PLease see the symposium website for the scientific program, abstract submission and registrations - Ed.

Aquaculture and Fisheries industry are increasingly playing important roles in the world. Reportedly, the total world aquaculture and fisheries production is continuously increased which is approaching 150 million tons. The South-East Asia has been showing as a very dynamic and important region for aquaculture and fisheries which is significantly contributing to sustainable development of global aquaculture and fisheries.

Aquaculture and fisheries sciences and technology are rapidly developed in the South-East Asian countries to meet its missions and to due with newly immerged issues for sustainable development. Sharing knowledge in aquaculture and fisheries sciences and technology is thus really important and necessary for the region.

This is the second time, six universities, Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia), Can Tho University (Vietnam), Kasetsart University (Thailand), Nong Lam University (Viet Nam), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (Malaysia), Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), are jointly organizing the International Fisheries Symposium. As its objectives, the subject of this annual symposium is “Sharing knowledge for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries in the South – East Asia”.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for scientists, technicians, businessmen, farmers and managers from the South- East Asian countries and from the worldwide countries to gather and to share knowledge and information on Aquaculture and Fisheries Science and Technology. Students are highly welcomed to attend the symposium.

This annual symposium will be organized at Can Tho University, Viet Nam, the third largest producer of the world aquaculture production. This will give you a great chance to explore deeper aquaculture and fisheries industry in this country.

We strongly believe that this symposium is not only an opportunity to share knowledge, but also a great chance to promote further international collaboration in research, education, technical transfer and other business activities.

On behalf of the organizers, we warmly welcome you to Can Tho University, Viet Nam, and do hope that you will have wonderful time of staying here during the symposium.

Chair of the Symposium
Rector of Can Tho University
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Thanh Toan

Proceedings of the Global Conference on Aquaculture available for download

The Proceedings of the Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010 are now available for free download. I encourage all to avail of a copy of this excellent publication. The Foreword is reproduced below - Ed.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) are pleased to present Farming the Waters for People and Food, the Proceedings of the Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010.The Global Conference on Aquaculture 2010, organized jointly by FAO, the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) and the Royal Thai Department of Fisheries (DoF), was held from 22 to 25 September 2010. It sought to bring together a wide-ranging group of experts and important stakeholders to review aquaculture progress and the further potential of this sector, as a basis for improving the positioning of the sector and its mandate within the global community.

The objectives of the Conference were to: (a) review the present status and trends in aquaculture development; (b) evaluate the progress made in the implementation of the 2000 Bangkok Declaration and Strategy; (c) address emerging issues relevant to aquaculture development; (d) assess opportunities and challenges for future aquaculture development; and (e) build consensus on advancing aquaculture as a global, sustainable and competitive food production sector.

Broodstock management training course launched by NACA and UNU-FTP

Although the aquaculture sector in Asia has grown considerably over the last three decades, currently accounting for over 90 percent of the global production of approximately 62 million tonnes, there is reason to believe that the rate of growth is declining. One possible reason for this decline is a decrease in the quality of seed stocks of many of the major species cultured. Few hatcheries have personnel trained in broodstock management or effective broodstock management plans in place. The situation has been further exacerbated in countries that are dependent on alien species where the sector is witnessing the deteriorating quality of broodstock, which in most instances are based on small imported founder populations that have been maintained in captivity for many generations without genetic management. Establishing capacity in broodstock management is a prerequisite for the development and maintenance of improved, more productive strains desired by many countries.

These problems and related issues have been acknowledged in many fora, including the Asia Regional Ministerial Meeting on Aquaculture for Food Security, Nutrition and Economic Development (2011), the FAO/NACA/DOF Global Conference on Aquaculture (2010) and the FAO/NACA Expert Consultation on the Use and Exchange of Aquatic Genetic Resources (2009). Capacity building in broodstock management has been requested at every annual meeting of the NACA Governing Council since 2006.

8th Regional Grouper Hatchery Training Course - apply now!

Applications are invited for participation in the 8th Regional Grouper Hatchery Production Training Course, which will be held at the Krabi Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre, of the Thai Department of Fisheries.

Grouper culture has led to a significant contribution to fish production and rural economy in coastal communities in Asia and also played an important role in conservation of the fragile coral reef fishes which are increasingly being threatened with overfishing and habitat destruction. However, one of the major constraints to furthering grouper culture is seed supply. Realising the need to produce commercial quantities of grouper seed, the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), in collaboration with its collaborating centres in the region, has offered a training course on grouper hatchery production seven times. Drawing expertise throughout the region and supported by experienced field experts in our collaborating centres, this highly hands-on training course aims to provide participants with a favorable learning environment to update their knowledge and enhance their skills in grouper seed production and hatchery management.

Regional Proficiency Testing for Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories

Proficiency testing is an important mechanism for animal health diagnostic laboratories to test and improve their capabilities. Testing conducted by such laboratories helps underpin national health and quarantine programmes, and also plays an important role in facilitating international trade.

Participation in a recognised proficiency testing program is usually a requirement for formal laboratory accreditation. However, there is currently very limited access to proficiency testing programs for aquatic animal health laboratories in Asia. The NACA Regional Advisory Group on Aquatic Animal Health has previously noted that ad hoc proficiency testing programs have been run for a limited selection of diseases and countries, but there is limited or no access to any on-going laboratory proficiency testing programs.

Asia is the largest producing region in the world for aquatic animal products, including more than 90% of global aquaculture production by volume. In response to the need, a joint laboratory proficiency testing programme will be conducted for aquatic animal disease diagnostic laboratories by NACA, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australian National Quality Assurance Program (ANQAP), and the Australian Animal Health Laboratory of CSIRO. The programme is funded by the Australian Government, through DAFF.

Regional study/workshop on adoption of aquaculture assessment tools for sustainability

The importance of promoting responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices at national and local levels is widely recognised. Planners, policy makers and manager are expected to consider environmental, social, animal health and welfare and food safety issues among others while developing national programs and activities to promote aquaculture to support rural development and empower small scale farmers. Various aquaculture assessment tools (e.g. import risk analysis, environment impact assessment, residue inspection, process and product certification) have been developed and used to support development of responsible and sustainable aquaculture.

Broadly speaking, aquaculture assessment tools could include methods, guidelines and processes that are used for planning, development, management and decision making. Some could be specific while others more generic. Some tools are guided by international agreements and instruments. Based on purpose, they can be classified as (1) tools for assessing risks in aquaculture (e.g. pathogen risk analysis, food safety risks, genetic and ecological risks), (2) tools for assessing risks in international trade (e.g. import risk analysis), (3) tools for assessing impacts (e.g. environmental impact assessment), (4) tools for assessing governance (e.g. codes of practice), (5) tools for management (e.g. BMPs, GAPs, Certification) (6) tools for socio-economic assessments and so on. Other tools could include communication tools, information tools, guidance tools such as the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Workshop on Aquaculture Planning and Management Tools

A three-day workshop on the Evaluation and Adoption of Aquaculture Assessment Tools in the Asia-Pacific Region was held from 3-5 July in Pattaya, Thailand. The purpose of the workshop was to conduct a regional evaluation study on adoption of existing aquaculture assessment tools in Asia and the Pacific, and to develop a regional strategy to promote wider application of such tools in the region.

The workshop, jointly convened by FAO, NACA and the Asia-Pacific Fisheries Commission (APFIC), was held in response to recommendations of the APFIC regional consultative workshop on “Strengthening Assessments of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific Region for Policy Development and Management” (4-6 October 2011, Yangon, Myanmar). Participants included experts from 9 countries (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam), SEAFDEC AQD, OIE Tokyo, the SEAT project and several people from the private sector.

The workshop considered ten country case studies and develop a regional strategy and action plan for promoting wider adoption of aquaculture assessment tools in the Asia Pacific. A regional synthesis document is also in preparation, based on the case studies, and will be published in due course.

Emergency regional consultation on shrimp early mortality syndrome, 9-10 August, Bangkok

Recently, an emerging disease known as early mortality syndrome (EMS) in shrimp (also termed acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome or AHPNS) has been reported to cause significant losses among shrimp farmers in China, Vietnam, Malaysia and the eastern Gulf of Thailand. Outbreaks in Vietnam and Malaysia have caused severe economic losses and significantly lowered annual farmed shrimp production.

The disease affects both P. monodon and P. vannamei and is characterised by mass mortalities, reaching up to 100% in some cases, during the first 20-30 days of post-stocking culture. Clinical signs include slow growth, corkscrew swimming, loose shells, pale colouration and an abnormal hepatopancreas. The primary pathogen has not been identified.

Given the serious impact of this emerging shrimp disease, NACA and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are convening an emergency consultation to:

• Develop a regional emergency response and contingency plans to contain, control and prevent the disease.
• Improve surveillance, monitoring and reporting arrangements for EMS and a protocol for outbreak investigation.
• Develop a case definition and field level disease information card to improve awareness.
• Coordinate collaborative research to identify the primary causative agent.

The consultation will bring together around 50 people including 10 global shrimp health experts, the competent authorities of regional governments, international agencies such as the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the private sector to develop a coordinated response.

Outcomes of emergency consultation on shrimp early mortality syndrome / AHPNS

Audio recordings of the technical presentations from the consultation are available for download and streaming. A disease card is in preparation to assist with field level diagnosis and will be made available shortly, followed by the full report of the consultation – Ed.

An emergency regional consultation on "Early Mortality Syndrome" of shrimp, or Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome, concluded on Friday 10 August 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. The consultation brought together over 87 participants including international shrimp health experts, regional governments and industry to share information on this emerging disease, its occurrence, pathology and diagnosis, and to develop a coordinated regional response to the issue. The consultation was jointly organised by NACA and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Early mortality syndrome or AHPNS?

Heavy mortalities during the early stages of a shrimp crop are not unusual and there are a variety of management and pathogen related factors that can cause such losses, which are often described by the catch-all term "early mortality syndrome". However, in 2010 a new and distinctive pattern of mortalities began to be noticed, affecting both Penaeus vannamei and P. monodon.

Workshop on Proficiency Testing Programme for Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories in Asia-Pacific

The two-day regional workshop was held at Centara Grand Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. It was organized by NACA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and in collaboration with Australian National Quality Assurance Programme (ANQAP) and the Animal Health Laboratory of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The workshop was undertaken as a preliminary activity of the whole Regional Proficiency Testing (RPT) Programme, with the following specific objectives:

• To strengthen Asia’s regional capability to diagnose important aquatic animal diseases that impact on trade, industry sustainability and/or productivity.
• To train participating laboratory personnel in diagnostic standards, and proficiency testing procedures, and to provide technical assistance to improve laboratory performance.
• To establish a laboratory proficiency testing programme that meets regional needs and which can be accessed following completion of the project.

AquaChile, BioMar invest in Costa Rica, tilapia

With an initial investment of EUR 12.3 million (USD 15 million) via parent company Grupo ACI, one of the largest global suppliers of fresh tilapia fillets to the United States, AquaChile has joined forces with BioMar Group, a leading feed supplier for salmon, trout, sea bass and sea bream, to install a new tilapia research center, trial facility and feed plant in Costa Rica.

NPR takes in-depth look at pangaisus farming

With the U.N. saying there will be 9 billion people on the planet by mid-century, one big question comes to mind: How are we going to feed them?

Mainstream Canada site hit with IHN virus

Cermaq subsidiary Mainstream Canada on Monday revealed that the IHN (infectious haematopoietic necrosis) virus has been detected after routine testing at one of its Tofino-area farms in British Columbia.

ASC-labeled tilapia to debut in August

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is holding a press conference on 20 August to formally introduce the first ASC-labeled product — tilapia from a farm in Indonesia.

EU researchers launch bluefin aquaculture project

European bluefin tuna researchers embark on innovative, commercial, sustainable TRANSDOTT project.

Camanchaca receives two-star BAP certification

Camanchaca, a vertically-integrated Chilean seafood company, recently received two stars in the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices program.

GlobalGAP goes big in China

GlobalGAP Aims to be Global Standard of Choice for Chinese seafood exporters by year’s end.

King Salmon blasts farm opponents

NZ King Salmon, whose costs to apply to expand its salmon farming operation in the Marlborough Sounds have blown out from NZD 2.5 million to NZD 8 million, has hit out at its opponents’ “damaging” campaign.

Grieg confirms IHN virus in Canada

Grieg Seafood BC Ltd. on Thursday received preliminary positive results indicating that the IHN (infectious hematopoietic necrosis) virus has been identified at one of its salmon farms in British Columbia.

Oman aims to capitalize on aquaculture prospects

In a determined bid to make aquaculture a growing and vibrant food production sector, Dr. Fuad bin Ja'afar Al Sajwani, minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Wealth called upon investors to exploit the huge potential available in the aquaculture and integrated farming sector of Oman.

Mainstream to depopulate infected site

Mainstream Canada, has been issued a notice by Canadian authorities to depopulate its Millar Chanel site that has tested positive for the IHN (infectious hematopoietic necrosis) virus.

Canadian officials confirm IHN at Grieg site

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of IHN (infectious hematopoietic necrosis) virus at Grieg Seafood’s Culloden Point salmon farm in British Columbia.

Rising sea cucumber prices drives cultivation

Rising sea cucumber prices drives cultivation 2012-08-09 28 Rising prices for sea cucumbers is prompting a surge in investment by some of China’s key aquaculture cultivators. Strong demand for sea cucumber (also known as beche mere) is driving investment in the sector in China, say analysts mo

Monsoon, typhoon hit Philippine aquaculture

The Philippine fishery sector incurred losses amounting to PHP 387 million (USD 9.26 million) due to typhoons Vicente and Saola (local names Ferdie and Gener) and monsoon rains, a senior government official confirmed on Friday.

Rehab for abandoned Malaysia aquaculture sites

Deputy director-general (Operations) Mohamad Saupi Derahman said the industry had the potential to support the national fish production and reduce import.

Spain spends €1.5m on bluefin tuna projects

Basque-based researchers AZTI-Tecnalia will oversee two bluefin tuna projects to provide independent estimates of stock numbers and mortality rates.

Clean Seas to cut jobs, sell kingfish business

Clean Seas Tuna will cut jobs and put its Kingfish business up for sale because problems associated with sick fish have continued to hurt its bottom line.

SalMar’s 2Q marred by salmon disease

Despite higher prices for farmed salmon, pancreas disease (PD) affected SalMar’s second quarter financial results.

U.S. speeds up organic aquaculture timetable

The United States’ rule-making process for organic aquaculture production and certification will happen a lot sooner than just recently anticipated.

A Fishy Future? Interview with a Recirculating Aquaculturist—Red Herring

"I work on what’s called a “recirculating” aquaculture farm. We’re still trying to maximize fish production, but we deal with the waste problem by closing the loop, doing our own water treatment on site and re-using as much of the water as we can. We have very high stocking densities -- let’s say twenty to thirty thousand fish, in tanks the size of swimming pools. Dozens of these tanks can fit together within one warehouse building. The water they swim in is constantly flushed out, filtered or treated in several ways, and pumped back in clean. The solids that are removed in the treatment process are stored and sold for fertilizer. So the water in the tanks “recirculates,” in parallel, and the tanks share a number of supplementary systems that help maintain an optimal growing (“culture”) environment: heating, feed, chemical regulation, and so on. We grow them for about a year, with each fish ending up as about a pound of meat when fileted. The idea is that this basic design can be scaled up to make really huge farms. Ours is a really huge farm."
Red Herring, fish farmer interviewed by Flint Arthur

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