PART II (contd.)

ST. LUCIA

I. General Information

Geography and Economy

Fisheries Data

- Commodity balance (1989):

- Estimated employment (1983):

• Primary sector: An estimated 2,500 fishermen half of which full-time
• Secondary sector: Not available

- Gross value of fisheries output: (at ex-vessel prices - 1983) US$ 1.3 million

- Trade (1983):

• Value of imports: US$ 0.5 million
• Value of exports: Negligible

II. Status of Aquaculture Production

Species Cultured and Technologies

- Inland aquaculture

The Asian freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus are the two species cultured in St. Lucia. The culture of the freshwater prawn is exclusively carried out in small earth ponds ranging between few hundred square metres to a couple of thousand. Tilapia, on the other hand, is reared mainly in small earth ponds (several hundred square metres) and at a much smaller extent in concrete tanks. The ponds are usually fed by a continuous flow of pumped freshwater or gravitational flow-through from small streams (the water is often recycled for irrigation). The overall combined surface area under present production for both species has been estimated around 1.9 hectares. The private sector interest in freshwater aquaculture, particularly with regard to freshwater prawn farming, is steadily increasing as clearly shown by the recent increase in pond area.

- Coastal aquaculture

The only marine species which has received considerable attention and currently being cultured using a simple technology is a local strain of seamoss known as GT (Gracilaria sp.). The culture of seamoss was originally carried out on floating bamboo rafts, which have been replaced since 1990 by the long-line method mainly due to its stronger resistance to wave action. The long-lines are made of polypropylene (3/4-1 cm φ), 10–20 m long, suspended by used oil bottles and kept in position with concrete or metal anchors. The seamoss talli usually grow to the harvestable size within 4–6 weeks and are harvested at about 50 mm from the rope and usually individual plants are about 200 mm long. Production yields of GT grown on rafts is about 2 kg fresh weight per metre of line in two months. At present, the total combined area approximately under production has been estimated at 1 hectare, divided in 20 culture units. The whole sector is currently being operated by 5 full-time and 15 part-time farmers. The majority of the culture plots are presently concentrated in the south-east coast and some locations in the south-west.

- Aquaculture technologies

The technologies developed and/or adapted in St. Lucia for the culture of the Asian freshwater prawn, tilapia and seamoss appear to be at the right level, bearing in mind the size (i.e. relative small-scale) of the aquaculture projects being developed. Although some applied research is still required to improve the technologies in use, such as Gracilaria strain improvement, prawn feed development, prawn stocking and feeding rates, etc., it is generally felt that the culture technologies of the commercially attractive species must be maintained at a level graspable and financially affordable to the small-scale farmers.

Aquaculture Statistics

The production of tilapia and freshwater prawns from the facilities in operation in 1991 amounted to 67 kg and 266 kg, respectively. Both marketable size products, i.e. 1 pound/fish and 10–15 prawns/pound, are sold and consumed locally. The ex-farm price is US$ 1.11 and US$ 5.61 for a pound of live weight fish and prawns, respectively.
With regard to seamoss, no reliable annual production estimates are available, and for this reason the Department of Fisheries organized a national workshop in August 1992 to inform and assist farmers to start a common production monitoring system. Although the production data has not been officially registered, seamoss cultivation in St. Lucia can be considered as commercial in terms of sales and production potential of the country. The ex-farm price is approximately US$ 7.5 a pound of dried product.

III. Policy Making, Planning and Management

The Department of Fisheries (DOF) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries (MALFF) is the public agency responsible for aquaculture policy making and for the coordination of all planning and development efforts directed towards the sector. It is responsible for the acquisition of data and information, formulating policies, devising regulations and enforcing them as well as to provide technical assistance to existing farmers and interested investors. The DOF is headed by a Chief Fisheries Officer supported by a number of staff working in the various units. One of the above mentioned staff which has formal aquaculture training at the post-graduate level, is responsible of the Aquaculture and Research Units. The head of these Units is also supported by an extension officer who has no formal training in aquaculture.
Aquaculture activities are included within a five year developmental plan followed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries, which for budgetary purposes is detailed in an annual programme. The preceding planning period ended in 1991 and a new plan is in preparation for 1992–96. Apart ordinary legislation related to land tenure, sanitary regulations, etc., the only specific reference to aquaculture is made in the Fisheries Act No. 10/1984 dealing with leasing of coastal areas for seaweed cultivation purpose.

IV. Technical Capabilities

Education and Training

No academic institutions exist in St. Lucia where education and training in marine biology or related subjects such as aquaculture can be obtained. Formal education can, however, be obtained at the University of West Indies either in the Campus of Cave Hill in Barbados, Mona Campus in Jamaica and in the Campus of St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, although a specific programme in aquaculture is not available. Some practical training at the farmers level can be obtained locally in prawn culture at the government Beausejour Prawn Facility in Vieux Fort, and in tilapia rearing at the small government fish hatchery located in the northern part of the island (Union Aquaculture Facility). The Vieux Fort facility, originally constructed with funds donated by the Chinese Government (Province of Taiwan), as part of an agriculture cooperation programme, has a hatchery and office/house building and four earth ponds totalling a surface area of approximately 0.5 hectares. Although the facility is short in equipment, particularly in the laboratory and some culture gear (due to the shortage of spare parts), it is able to produce sufficient numbers of prawn post-larvae for the needs of the farmers. The monthly output of PLs 7–14 is approximately 100,000 which is the present demand from the existing farmers. The hatchery, however, has been designed for a monthly output of 1 million post-larvae. The hatchery is operated by one Taiwanese expert, supported by the Chinese Government, three support workers with no formal training, and managed by the head of the Aquaculture Unit.
With regard to seamoss culture, the Department of Fisheries, through its Research Unit, is presently assisting small fishermen co-operatives with regard to education and training in the culture of this marine algae. Short training courses with information dissemination are being carried out on a monthly basis. Parallel to the efforts of the DOF, the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), a non-profit organization registered in the U.S. Virgin Island and St. Lucia, has also been working on seamoss. The community-based resource management programme of CANARI aimed at the improvement and implementation of technologies for culturing, harvesting, and marketing of seamoss by small-scale farmers in St. Lucia and other Caribbean islands. Presently the organization is still involved with the seamoss programme, particularly with regard to the culture and selection of the various strains available.

Research

Basic applied aquaculture research on tilapia and prawns can be carried out at the government existing facilities, however, the scarce availability of laboratory apparatuses and supplies, reduces the possibility of research outputs focused on the solution of specific problems. At present, the research activities being undertaken are: (i) growth rate comparisons between tilapia red hybrids and O. niloticus, (ii) prawns feed development, and (iii) testosterone tests to introduce sex reversal into the hatchery operation.
Some elementary research on seamoss culture techniques is also being carried out by the Research Unit of DOF and CANARI. Specific research needs to further expand the seamoss culture industry in St. Lucia have been identified, however, the complexity of the research and lack of the necessary infrastructures are a major constraint at the present time. The research needs on Gracilaria mentioned above centre mainly on (i) strain improvement with better gelling properties (GT is a fast growing strain, but with poor gelling quality), and (ii) product development such as seamoss drink, seamoss ice-cream and confectionery.

Technical Assistance and Extension

With specific reference to the freshwater prawn culture programme, technical assistance and extension services are actively provided by the DOF to existing and interested farmers. In the case of new farmers, the Department provides, free-of-charge, the following assistance: (i) assessment of land (as the proposed culture site) and potential output, ie a feasibility study, (ii) advice during the pond construction phase, (iii) training at the government facility, and (iv) initial supply of PLs. During the first six months production cycle the extension officer visits the new operation once every 1–2 weeks, while at least once a month during subsequent production cycles. The PLs, which are currently being produced at a relatively high cost, are sold to the farmers at a subsidized price of 3.7 US8¢/PL.
Assistance to the few tilapia producers is carried out through extension services and the government fish hatchery facility, where fingerlings can be obtained at a subsidized price. Government technical assistance is also provided on a regular basis to the seamoss culture co-operatives, particularly aimed at the promotion of the activity among coastal communities. Some assistance and extension services have also been provided by CANARI though their resource management programme.
The Aquaculture Unit has been encouraging information exchange and visits among operational and new farmers, aimed also at luring and attracting the interest of additional and potential farmers. No formal farmers association exists, however, one is likely to be established in the near future to further encourage the expansion of the prawn operations.

V. Potential for Aquaculture Development

Physical Potential

Although the island is of volcanic origin, characterized by a rugged landscape, two large volcanic cones and a middle north-south spiny ridge, flat lands with a suitable soil type are available and not a limiting factor, for the expansion of inland aquaculture using earth ponds. The tropical climate conditions of the island and the abundant annual rainfall, particularly in the interior, also favour the development of freshwater aquaculture activities. The morphology of the coastline is variable with numerous bays and inlets either lined by mangroves or sand. The north-west and centre-west coasts of the island are mainly characterized by sandy beaches and are the sites with the highest degree of urbanization, also as a result of the tourism industry. In the north-east coast suitable sites for coastal aquaculture have been observed, however, the area is relatively exposed to the predominant winds (north-east). So far, almost all the seamoss culture operations are located in the south-east, south, and south-west coast of the island where suitable sites abound and good expansion potential is possible.
In summary, natural resources such as land and water are relatively abundant and not a limiting factor for the expansion of aquaculture production. Among the possible inland aquaculture activities, it is likely that freshwater prawn culture will expand in the near future. The main justifications for the above growth are likely to be (i) the agriculture diversification programme being pursued by the Government in view of the possible drop in banana price as the single European market is being formed, and (ii) the high local prawn market price for the tourism industry.

Species

As indicated in Section II, the main species of interest in St. Lucia, in terms of priority, are: (i) the giant freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii), (ii) seamoss (Gracilaria spp.), and (iii) tilapia. However, although limited possibilities exist for the culture of other commercially important species (e.g. rearing of queen conch juveniles) as well as the investigation of new and potentially attractive species (e.g. local freshwater prawn species), the Government presently seems committed to promote and strengthen the industry based on the above three species prior to engage its limited funds, facilities and staff to the culture of other aquatic organisms. The only other interest of the Department of Fisheries is the culture of ornamental fish species (e.g. mollies, swardtails and Siamese fighters) which appear to have a relatively strong local demand and possibly also for export. Some experience in breeding ornamental fish has been acquired by the technical staff at the Beausejour facility, however, the lack of suitable equipment and funds limits the possibility of preparing an ad hoc research programme.

Finance

In 1991 a meeting among the loan officers of all commercial and development banks in St. Lucia was promoted by the Department of Fisheries with the aim of sensitizing the banks to establish a line of soft credit for aquaculture development. Up-to-date no reasonable and specific credit facilities are available to farmers interested in aquaculture operations. The St. Lucia Development Bank (SLDB) so far financed in 1990 one freshwater prawn/banana project with a commercial interest rate of 10.5% and with a 6 months grace period. Payback periods may vary between 5–15 years depending on specific projects, and accepted collateral are usually buildings and land. The loan request is backed up by a project document prepared by the bank with technical assistance from the Department of Fisheries. The SLDB has recently developed a small business programme (loans ranging between US$ 5,500–7,500) which is currently financing small boats and out-board engines for the fishing industry. Loans above US$ 75,000 must be channeled through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for approval.

VI. Fish Handling, Processing and Marketing

Present production levels of tilapia and prawns are low and therefore are exclusively sold fresh either in small markets or in hotels and restaurants, particularly the prawns which fetch a higher price. Harvested seamoss plants are usually cleaned and rinsed before being spread over a flat area under the sun in order to dry and bleach. The dried, bleached seamoss is then further cleaned of any remaining impurities, such as sand and shells. The above operation are entirely carried out at the farm level. The amount of water remaining after air-drying varies up to about 30%. The dried product is sold locally through groceries in 100 gr packages as well as exported within the Caribbean through a simple marketing system. No further processing is carried out or value added products produced within St. Lucia. Bottling of the traditional and popular seamoss drink is being done in Barbados and in the British Virgin Islands from where it is eventually imported.

VII. Conclusions and Future Developments

Within the limited extent of production and market capacities, aquaculture seems to grow steadily, thanks to the commitment of the Department of Fisheries, which is able to attract the interest of farmers.

To support and strengthen the efforts of the DF, the following actions are envisaged as near future priorities:

• Improve the research capabilities and ability to assist producers by training the staff of DOF in both technical and management matters related to aquaculture development;

• up-grade the Beausejour facility by providing missing or old culture and laboratory equipment and materials;

• assess the market size for aquaculture products; and

• introduce some artisanal or semi-industrial techniques for the processing and transformation of Gracilaria in order to increase its market value by producing value added products.

VIII. Background Information

• Background notes: St. Lucia - June 1987. United States Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Public Communication, Washington D.C. 6 pp.

• FAO Fishery Country Profile: St Lucia-January 1985. FID/CP/STL Rev.1. 4 pp.

• St. Lucia Country Paper - Aquaculture Development in St. Lucia: A look at development through the Fisheries Management Unit and the St. Lucia Development Bank. Aquaculture Planning and Sensitization Seminar. Jamaica, 6–8 April 1987. FAO FI: TCP/RLA/6651, 166–170 pp.

• St. Lucia National Report - National reports and selected papers presented at the first session of the working party on fisheries economics and planning, St. George's, Grenada, 22–26 May 1989. Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission. FAO Fisheries Report No. 427 Supplement. 25–26 pp.

• Manual for St. Lucian Prawn Farming. April 1991. Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture Unit. 18 pp.

• St Lucia Fisheries Act No. 10/1984, Part III: Marine Reserves and Conservation Measures. 73–74 pp.

• A guide to seamoss cultivation in the West Indies - 1986, by Allan Smith. Published by the Caribbean Conservation Association in Barbados. 20 pp.

• Seamoss cultivation in St. Lucia: Getting organized - 1991, by Sarah Jennings-Clark. On Board Fisheries Newsletter, Vol 2, No. 3, Sept./Oct. 1991. Published by OECS Fisheries Unit in St. Vincent and The Grenadines.

• Fish and Prawn Farming News. Vol. I (issues 1–4) and Vol. II (issue 1). Quarterly newsletter of the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture Unit.

• Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) - (pamphlet).

• Loans programme for Industry and Tourism, Housing, Students, Agriculture and Fishing. St. Lucia Development Bank - (pamphlet).

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

I. General Information

Geography and Economy

Fisheries Data

- Commodity balance (1989):

- Estimated employment (1983):

• Primary sector : An estimated 2,000 part-time and full time fishermen and occasional fishermen
• Secondary sector : An estimated 2,500 working in marketing, boat building

- Gross value of fisheries output: (at ex-vessel prices - 1983) US$ 1.94 million

- Trade (1983):

• Value of imports : US$ 0.54 million
• Value of exports : Negligible

II. Status of Aquaculture

In 1983 small-scale experiments on aquaculture of Oreochromis niloticus (from Dominica) as well as Macrobrachium sp. and Atya sp. were carried out by the Fisheries Division (FD) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MA). These experiments showed positive results and generated some interest among several sectors of the population, e.g. some primary schools and private individuals.

In 1983 a Chinese technical mission was established for a project of agricultural development, with an aquaculture component which had the objectives of (i) promoting tilapia and freshwater prawn culture, and (ii) transferring technology to local technicians. Unfortunately, the aquaculture component of the project progressively faded because of lack of a local counterpart and was eventually phased out.

On the other hand, the interest of the Fisheries Division is strongly concentrated on marine fisheries whose potential is still to be adequately exploited. At the present time neither personnel nor resources are available for aquaculture activities. For the time being and presumably for the near future no participation of St. Vincent to a regional aquaculture project is foreseeable, as indicated by its Government Officials.

REPUBLIC OF SURINAME

I. General Information

Geography and Economy

Fisheries Data

- Commodity balance (1989):

- Estimated employment (1984):

• Primary sector: 2,548 (including some 1,000 foreigners) of whom 85% full-time fishermen
• Secondary sector: Not available

- Gross value of fisheries output: (at ex-vessel prices - 1984) US$ 33 million

- Trade (1984):

• Value of imports : US$ 0.318 million
• Value of exports : US$ 37.80 million

II. Status of Aquaculture Production

Species Cultured and Technologies

- Inland aquaculture

Freshwater aquaculture has not yet properly developed in Suriname. Although tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was introduced in the mid-50's and encouraging culture results obtained by the Fishery Department (FD), the culture of this freshwater species did not attract sufficient interest from the private sector. The relatively low acceptance of tilapia was probably due to its poor preparation method and the competition from better known and accepted endemic cichlid species. Moreover, semi-culture practices in earthen ponds was more directed to the armoured catfish (Hoplosternum littorale), locally known as ‘kwiekwie’, which was and still is regarded as the preferred freshwater species.
The introduction and experimental trials on tilapia, eventually resulted in its invasion in all sorts of brackish and freshwater bodies and the often displacement of native species. At present, there are no records on the number of subsistence aquaculture operations, however, approximately 10,000 hectares of swampy lands are leased to individuals which harvest a variety of fish species, including tilapia, mainly for the consumption of their own household. Although tilapia has never being cultured commercially, it is only relatively recent that a number of local companies are becoming interested in setting up commercial operations for producing tilapia for the export market.
Culture of the cascadura is also not practised in the real sense of the word, as in most cases it is actively sought and caught from the wild. However, the disappearance of the species from accessible areas, is inducing some farmers to collect cascadura nests from the wild, placing them in enclosed areas and left to grow freely. Comfish N.V., a local company involved in freshwater aquaculture, which operates a large hatchery and 20 ponds of 0.5 hectares each, has been producing cascadura. Recently, however, due to the lack of raw materials to produce adequate feed, production operations have ceased.
The interest for freshwater aquaculture gained momentum in 1984 when a parastatal company (J. Surland N.V.) started a pilot project on the culture of the giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii on a 1.5 hectares plot. Although the above project terminated in 1990, some interest was generated among the private sector. In 1987, Comfish N.V. also started a number of experimental trials with the prawn, initially importing post-larvae from French Guyana and then producing its own. However, due to the poor availability of foreign exchange, the project was eventually discontinued.
Recently, the Government of Taiwan (Province of China) and the Surinamese Government closed a loan and technical cooperation agreement to start a 30 hectares freshwater prawn project in Suriname, and Comfish N.V. was given the opportunity to carry out the project at its plantation along the Commewijne River in the proximity of Paramaribo. At the present moment negotiations are on-going between the Chinese experts and the staff of the company. In addition to the above project, funds from the European Community have been made available to conduct a feasibility study on polyculture of the freshwater prawn and tilapia.
Comfish N.V. is planning to produce annually approximately 15,000 and 300 metric tonnes of tilapia and prawn, respectively. The total amount of land reserved for aquaculture activities by the company is roughly 5,000 hectares, while an additional 3,000 hectares are available in the proximity of the plantation.

- Coastal aquaculture

For numerous years the shrimp trawling fishery has been the most important offshore activity in the country, however, due to poor regulation of the industry and high costs of operation, the average annual landings have shown a declining trend. For this reason the Government of Suriname seems interested in promoting the development of the shrimp culture industry, however, up-to-date no production activities are in operation. Government policy currently provides some assistance to entrepreneurs interested in shrimp culture, in the form of soft loans, tax advantages and the possibility of acquiring government land at a competitive price. In 1986 a feasibility study on brackishwater shrimp culture was undertaken with the aid of FAO. The aquaculture mission carried out by two experts of the French company France Aquaculture concluded that there is a great potential for marine shrimps grow-out farms in Suriname and reported that some 30,000 hectares of land are available for this purpose. A second FAO mission followed in 1987 to estimate the construction and two-years operation costs of a shrimp farm to be operated by the Government as a demonstration facility.
The main aims of establishing such a farm were (i) to provide to potential local and foreign investors information on the suitability and profitability of brackishwater shrimp culture in Suriname as well as (ii) to serve as a training centre for aquaculture personnel. To date the above project has not been funded and therefore not realized.
Currently one local company, Comas N.V., has identified a suitable site for the culture of Penaeus vannamei. The total area available to the project is approximately 1,000 hectares located on the right bank of the Commewijne River. As from June 1992 an area of 120 hectares have been cleared from trees and shrubs while the excavation of the pilot culture ponds was still in progress. The company plans to import the shrimp post-larvae from abroad (Panama and Ecuador) and estimated that the first harvest will be available by mid1993. The project, in additions to private funds, received a grant of US$ 50,000 from the European Community and is being technically assisted by France Aquaculture. The longterm plan of Comas N.V., following an evaluation of the pilot phase, is to expand its culture ponds (approximately 600 hectares), construct a hatchery, a feed mill and a processing plant.

- Aquaculture technologies

The aquaculture technologies available in Suriname mainly concern tilapia and the armoured catfish. Some basic knowledge has been acquired in culturing the Asian freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii) during the pilot project initiated in 1984 by J. Surland N.V., while the technology for culturing the marine shrimp, P. vannamei will soon be available to Comas N.V. through the technical transfer of the French company France Aquaculture.
Although the above techniques are available to some extent in the country, additional applied research and considerable on-field practical experience will be further required to refine the culture technologies to the local environmental conditions. In order for the aquaculture sector to develop on a commercial scale, particular attention will also have to be channelled to the economics and marketing aspects of the industry. At present, the capture shrimp fishery is showing a decline in the annual average outputs, however, the culture of commercially important species as an alternative might not be a competitive solution on the world market. Similarly, the culture of tilapia and freshwater prawn, although feasible in Suriname, might not be readily acceptable and/or affordable in the local market (as already seen with the tilapia) or readily absorbed by the export markets. It is therefore imperative that all aspects of an aquaculture project be analysed prior to its execution, in order to prevent as much as possible unnecessary failures which would in turn discourage other potential entrepreneurs to invest in the newly developing sector.

Aquaculture Statistics

Freshwater aquaculture activities are presently practiced in Suriname on an extensive, semiwild scale. Small ponds are constructed in rural areas to produce freshwater fish such as Haplosternum spp., Cichlosoma spp. and tilapia. Due to the fact that these activities do not take place in a controlled environment, and production outputs are consumed directly by the farmers and neighbouring household, great difficulties have been encountered in estimating a production figure on a yearly basis. However, due to the extensive culture method practiced, it is expected that the production per unit area is rather contained.
Overall no harvest data exists to assess the current state of the industry, and any future projections at this time remain highly speculative. Much will depend on the future of the Comfish and Comas projects as well as on the establishment of an effective production data collection system by the Fishery Department. If the above mentioned projects prove successful, Surinames should be able to harvest annually approximately 300, 1,000 and 15,000 mt of freshwater prawn, shrimp and tilapia, respectively, during the next few years.

III. Policy Making, Planning and Management

The Fishery Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAHF) is the public agency responsible for aquaculture policy making and for the coordination of all planning and development efforts directed towards the sector. The Department is presently headed by a Director and supported by a small staff with technical knowledge in various fields related to fisheries science. Although an Aquaculture Unit under the Department is planned for the future, all of the present activities related to aquaculture are being followed by the staff of the Research Unit. Presently the Department employs only one person which received formal training in marine shrimp culture in Japan. The Department of Fishery presently seems interested in promoting the development of the aquaculture industry in the country, although its limited annual budget (approximately US$ 830,000 in 1992) may prove a major constraint towards providing an effective assistance to the private sector.

IV. Technical Capabilities

Education and Training

The University of Suriname, located in Paramaribo, is the only institution where formal education at the higher level can be obtained in biology, zoology and agriculture sciences. Presently no aquaculture programme is available, due to the lack of funds and specialized staff. The University is, however, planning to start a research programme in aquaculture within the next couple of years, and to increase its research capabilities, two students are presently being trained at the Masters level, in the USA and in Belgium. There is only one academic staff with some knowledge on aquaculture, although most of his research interest lies on the ecology of commercially important freshwater finfish. The University is equipped with a wet laboratory/aquarium room large enough to enable some applied research to be carried out (i.e. feed trials, hormone trials, etc.). The University, however, would require some up-grading of its facilities and equipments particularly the establishment of out-door experimental culture ponds to enable researchers to conduct culture trials in the field rather than in laboratory.
Training programmes could also be carried out at the Comfish N.V. aquaculture facilities (now expanding to produce M. rosenbergii) if external funds become available.
In general the number of available trained people in Suriname in the field of aquaculture is far from adequate. The available university-trained cadre at present is a hand full of people trained in biology with specialization in fisheries. Therefore, in order to be qualified as aquaculturists, some additional training is necessary in the field of fish/shrimp culture, fish pathology, nutrition and feed technology. Mid-level qualified personnel are practically lacking. Here again, there are numerous people presently trained in Suriname in the field of agriculture, pond and polder construction and water management techniques. Short-term training courses in the field of aquaculture could be attended by the above mentioned people in order for them to acquire the basic aquaculture technologies, particularly in fish or shrimp pond construction and management.
In short, it can be concluded that at present the number of personnel available with adequate skills in aquaculture is generally limited, however, specific training courses (ranging between 6–9 months) would enable numerous people to acquire the necessary knowledge as a result of their basic background training and education.

Research

The Fishery Department has no functional infrastructure where applied aquaculture research could be carried out in order to develop simple culture techniques to be transferred to farmers or other interested parties. The only Government institution where same basic research on the ecology of the armoured catfish (H. littorale and other Hoplosternum spp.) and other commercial species has been carried out is the University of Suriname. The research facilities available at the university are rather limited, however, some basic laboratory-based research can be carried out.
One other constraint which presently makes the university rather inactive in the field of aquaculture, is the lack of specialized staff. Therefore, in order to increase its research capabilities, two students are being trained at the Masters level, in specialized institutes in the USA and in Belgium. Eventually, should research funds be available, the University of Suriname plans to develop a research aquaculture programme with the assistance of the above mentioned students, which would be employed as research assistants.
The only other facility where some applied culture research could be carried out, is the Comfish N.V. hatchery and experimental grow-out ponds. Although the above facility is privately owned, the company appears to be willing to make them available to carry out research activities which could benefit the industry as a whole.

Technical Assistance and Extension

Technical assistance and extension services provided by the Fishery Department to existing and potentially interested farmers remains limited due to (i) the lack of trained and extension personnel, (ii) limited operational budget, and (iii) the lack of a government facility where applied research, training and demonstration courses could be carried out.
The establishment of a marine shrimp demonstration farm, as recommended by the FAO/France Aquaculture mission in 1987, and the revitalization of the freshwater prawn project which ceased operating in 1990 due to funding constraints, would certainly allow the Government to provide the required technical assistance, particularly to small-scale farmers. In addition, the above facilities would almost certainly generate interest and confidence among the private sector to invest in aquaculture projects.
A number of qualified persons with technical knowledge in aquaculture exist and are employed by the few large companies operating in the sector. Among these private companies, one in particular, expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Government in the way of technically assisting small farmers to start up their own operation as well as to make available its facilities for training of government staff and farmers, should funds be available from national or international funding institutions.

V. Potential for Aquaculture Development

Physical Potential

Suriname is located on the north-central coast of South America and is divided into three zones. The northern most zone is at sea level, where diking is necessary to protect agriculture land. The country's agricultural activities are concentrated in this area at the mouth of large rivers such as the Suriname, Commewijne and Nickerie Rivers. The central zone, a belt of approximately 50–65 km deep, is forested and broken intermittently by scattered savannahs. Little agriculture activities are carried out in this area due to poor soil quality and infrastructures. The southern zone is hilly with savannahs, rising gradually to an elevation of about 1,255 metres above sea level. This area makes up roughly 75% of the country, but poorly inhabited by Amerindians and Bush Negros.
Suriname's climate is tropical, with an average annual rainfall at Paramaribo of 320 cm, while temperatures are high throughout the year ranging between 21–32 °C. The high rainfall and the extensive system of rivers, canals, reservoirs and other water bodies ensure an adequate and constant supply of freshwater for aquaculture activities. Land and water supply for inland freshwater aquaculture appear not to be limiting parameters. Factors which, however, might affect the development of the sector at an industrial scale are the economic and marketing aspects of the activity. With regard to coastal marine aquaculture, in 1980 a technical mission aided by FAO reported that some 30,000 hectares of land are suitable for shrimp farming in Suriname. Environmental factors, which could pose a problem to the development of coastal and marine aquaculture activities, are the low salinity levels and high turbidity of the waters.

Species

Although the technology for several commercially important species is being tested for the first time, as in the case of the marine shrimp P. vannamei, or further improved, as in the case of the freshwater prawn M. rosenbergii, the potential exists for the following types of aquaculture activities bearing into account the availability of inputs and resources.

• freshwater pond culture of tilapia and other indigenous freshwater fish species such as the kwie-kwie (H. littorale) and Colossoma sp.;

• cage culture of tilapia and other indigenous freshwater species in freshwater reservoirs;

• mariculture of eurihaline marine species in ponds (e.g. mugils);

• culture of the giant freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii) in ponds;

• culture of marine shrimps (e.g. P. vannamei) in coastal ponds utilizing the coastal lowlands; and

• culture of indigenous ornamental fish species.

Finance

Presently concessional loans for commercial farmers including fish farmers can be obtained from the Agriculture Credit Bank (ACB) which was established by the Government in order to specifically cater to the needs of small farmers. The ACB currently offers a loan programme made available through the IDF which provided the funds and established the disbursement conditions. Loan interest rates to farmers do not exceed 8–10%. To date the ACB has not received specific requests to fund aquaculture projects which would be a new developmental sector to the bank. As a result the bank lacks technical staff capable of evaluating aquaculture projects and therefore would have to seek the assistance of the Fishery Department with regard to all technical aspects of the projects. The ACB has been assisted by the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) and has recently attracted the interest of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). So for no loans have been received by the Caribbean Development Bank. Although soft loans for aquaculture development have been difficult to obtain, probably due to the reduced scale of the industry as a whole, it is hoped that the Government efforts in promoting the sector will create easily obtainable credit lines for aquaculture operations in the investment phase.

VI. Fish Handling, Processing and Marketing

All of the physical infrastructures such as processing plants, ice factories, etc. are presently concentrated in and around Paramaribo mainly catering for the capture fishery industry and in particular the marine shrimp fishery. The shrimp caught by the trawlers are processed almost entirely at two processing plants for export mainly to Europe and Japan. Most of the small shrimp caught artisanally as well as most of the shrimp by-catch are processed into dried and smoked products. Most of the fish caught by the artisanal fishermen are sold at the Central Market of Paramaribo, while a small number of less important markets are found in smaller cities along the coast. Important amounts of fish have always been smoked and dried in Suriname, and after the ban in fish imports in 1982, particularly cod, more people started making substitute products with local species, on a very small-scale.
The Suriname American Industries Ltd. (S.A.I.L.), a totally state-owned shrimp processing plant, is the largest plant followed by a second one established as a joint venture between Surinamese and Japanese entrepreneurs. A number of smaller private plants also exist. Presently most of the fish obtained from aquaculture activities are not handled or processed in any particular way as they are mostly sold as fresh products in small local markets or at the vicinity of the culture site. Although none of the existing fish processing plants have handled aquaculture products, mainly due to the lack of substantial quantities either for the local or export markets, some of them have expressed interest in buying and processing culture shrimp for the export market. The S.A.I.L. plant will certainly be in the position of absorbing and processing shrimp which will be produced by Comas N.V., should the project prove successful. However, both Comas N.V. and Comfish N.V. have plans to establish plants to process their own productions mainly for the export market.

VII. Conclusions and Future Developments

Although to date aquaculture production remains relatively insignificant, it appears that the industry is receiving a new wave of interest particularly from the private sector who's investing in large commercial projects in marine shrimp, freshwater prawn and tilapia. It also appears that the Fishery Department is increasingly becoming committed in the promotion and development of the sector, even though severely faced with budgetary difficulties and a reduced number of trained staff in the field of aquaculture.

In order to further promote and assist the developmental process of the aquaculture industry, which recently saw the keen interest, participation and commitment of the private sector, the following actions are likely to be necessary:

• formulation of a national aquaculture policy and plan of action;

• support to the Fishery Department in terms of establishing a government aquaculture centre in order to (i) carry out applied research on commercially important brackish and freshwater species, and to (ii) conduct training courses for farmers and extension officers;

• detailed identification of suitable areas for inland and coastal aquaculture operations with regard to their physical characteristics and economic suitability; and

• establishment of an aquaculture development promotion package which would include a series of incentives such as credit facilities, tax holiday on profits, tax exemption on import duties for capital equipment, etc., which would attract both local and foreign investors.

VIII. Background Information

• Background notes: Suriname - October 1984. United States Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Public Communication, Washington D.C. 7 pp.

• FAO Fishery Country Profile: Suriname - November 1985. FID/CP. 6 pp.

• Demonstration farm for marine shrimp culture in Suriname - November 1987 by B. Detante and P. Lemercier. FAO/France Aquaculture. 50 pp.

• Comfish N.V.: Pioniers in Aquaculture - December 1991. Het Bedrijfsleven. Maandblad van de Vereniging Surinaams Bedrijfsleve. Vol 1, No. 7. 7–21 pp.

• Suriname Country Paper - The Status of Aquaculture in Suriname. Aquaculture Planning and Sensitization Seminar. Jamaica, 6–8 April 1987. FAO FI: TCP/RLA/6651. 11 pp.

REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

I. General Information

Geography and Economy

Fisheries Data

- Commodity balance (1990):

- Estimated employment (1985):

• Primary sector : 7,300
• Secondary sector : 4,400

- Gross value of fisheries output: (at ex-vessel prices - 1987) US$ 12.1 million

- Trade (1990):

• Value of imports : US$ 3.94 million
• Value of exports : US$ 2.40 million

II. Status of Aquaculture Production

Species Cultured and Technologies

- Inland aquaculture

The tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus was first introduced into Trinidad in the late 1940's from Southeast Asia and once again in the early 1950's by Texaco oil company to stock their dams in an effort to control mosquito breeding. However, although experimental farms were established, the culture of this freshwater fish species did not become commercialized. Due to the poor marketability and acceptance of the black tilapia, and following a recommendation of an Aquaculture Review Commission established by the Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation (MFPME), in 1986 the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) started an aquaculture unit with red hybrid and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) imported from Jamaica. At present, the red hybrid is the only freshwater fish species cultured throughout the country on a small-scale. Other freshwater species being cultured to some extent are the Nile and black tilapias and the armoured catfish, Hoplosternum littorale. Although the biology and culture technique of this latter species are fairly well known, presently only few farms are in operation, possibly as a result of the relatively small local and export markets.
The Asian freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is presently the only other freshwater species which has recently attracted considerable attention and interest. Although the prawn is not yet commercially cultured, one large commercial hatchery and approximately 10 hectares of ponds have been constructed by a state-owned agro-industrial company (Caroni (1975) Ltd.). A smaller operation is also being constructed at the Government operated Bamboo Grove Fish Farm, with technical assistance from the Government of Taiwan (Province of China).
Additionally, the IMA has conducted a number of hatching trials of the freshwater prawn and has supplied post-larvae to several small-scale fish farmers.

- Coastal aquaculture

Presently no commercial coastal aquaculture operations exist in Trinidad and Tobago. Attempts have been made to culture various species of penaeid shrimps (Penaeus monodon and Penaeus vannamei), however, to date none of the former farms and pilot projects are in operation. General interest in coastal aquaculture activities is growing, particularly as a result of the substantial catch reduction of the capture marine fisheries, large imported quantities of marine fish and a strong local demand and preference for marine products. The potential for coastal aquaculture development is clearly shown by the strong market demand of the mangrove oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae). The above mentioned oyster was once very abundant in the Caroni and Nariva Swamps, however, due to over-harvesting, the numbers are much reduced and now collected mainly from the Claxton Bay region.

- Aquaculture technologies

Efficient aquaculture production in Trinidad and Tobago is constrained largely by the lack of transfer of appropriate technology and the provision of effective services. The subsistence technology being transferred and utilized will not lead to the commercial viability of the industry. In order to obtain the overall national objective to diversify the economy through the development of the fisheries sub-sector, and more specifically the aquaculture industry, the technology presently being utilized must be up-graded. Any efforts to stimulate the industry's development must address the deficiencies associated with the technologies being utilized. To this end, a special task force appointed in 1991 by the Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation to make specific recommendations for the development of the national aquaculture industry, recommended that collaboration efforts between the agencies involved are critical imperatives. The University of the West Indies, the Institute of Marine affairs, Caroni (1975) Ltd., Sugarcane Feeds Centre and the Fisheries Division, in conjunction with the farmers, will have to improve coordination of their efforts in developing appropriate technologies.
The technology adopted by the majority of the farmers for culturing tilapia and cascadura is relatively simple, due to the present small-scale operations. In order to encourage the establishment of large operations, a more adequate technology must be developed and efficiently disseminated.
The production technology for the giant freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii) in the country has reached relatively good standards, particularly through the Caroni (1975) Ltd. pilot project implemented in 1990. A special task force comprising members from the University of the West Indies and Caroni (1975) Ltd. was responsible for the development and implementation of the pilot phase. The technology is presently being further refined, and with the coming into operation of the prawn facilities at the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm, it is hoped that a simple but technically efficient technology will be developed for transfer to interested parties.

Aquaculture Statistics

The total number of registered fish farmers in December 1991 was 1,028, while the total area of ponds (ranging in size from 0.05 to 5.0 hectares) amounted to approximately 120 hectares compared to the 23 hectares in production in 1985. Most of the farmers practicing small extensive backyard operations, are presently located in the counties of Caroni, St. Patrick and Victoria. No reliable production statistics are available to date, however, the Aquaculture Unit of the Fisheries Division, reported that in 1991 approximately 2.5 metric tonnes of fish were sold in the fresh form, mainly red-hybrid tilapias followed by the silver and black types. The combined production figure for the cultured freshwater fish species is likely to be an underestimate as very little of the total production reaches the local markets. Tilapias, as well as the highly regarded cascadura, usually serve the farmer and his immediate family. The former species are rarely sold, while serve the cascadura, when sold, are taken to the fresh market and retailed by the farmer or his/her agent.
With regard to the Asian freshwater prawn, the Caroni (1975) Ltd. Pilot Project produced in 1991 approximately 6.0 metric tonnes from 5.5 hectares.
In the ornamental fish trade, expanding export markets have been identified in North America and Europe. In 1990, 10 ornamental fish exporters sold a total of 1,375,000 fish generating on income of approximately US$ 130,000. It must be noted, however, that not all of these fishes were produced locally by aquaculture, and that some are captured from local rivers while others are imported from South America using Trinidad as a transshipment point.

III. Policy Making, Planning and Management

The Fisheries Division (FD) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources (MALMR) is the official agency responsible for the management and development of the fishery sector, including aquaculture. The division is headed by the Fisheries Director who reports directly to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
In the Ministry's 1988–92 National Agricultural Development Plan, aquaculture development was identified as an economic priority and a development strategy was proposed seeking the mobilization of resources of several agencies (both public and private). Under the above plan fish farmers were supported with the required credit, marketing assistance, research, extension and training through an integrated package of services provided by the respective agencies. The public agencies which play a key role in the implementation of aquaculture strategies are: (i) the Fisheries Division through the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm, (ii) the Institute of Marine Affairs, (iii) the University of West Indies and the (iv) Agriculture Development Bank.
The Fisheries Division is essentially a centralized structure whose main activities are the overall promotion, development, organization and regulatory support to the industry through policy making and strategy implementation.
Extension, training and information activities are carried out in decentralized structures down to the country and district level through the coordination and assistance of the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm which is administered by the Fisheries Division. The above facility is the arm of the Fisheries Division actually in closest contact with the farmer.

IV. Technical Capabilities

Education and Training

The only institute in Trinidad and Tobago which carries out formal education at the graduate level in the field of biology and related subjects is the Campus of St. Augustine of the University of West Indies (UWI). The Department of Zoology has no specific programme in aquaculture, however, courses on fishery/aquaculture/estuarine sciences are available as part of the zoology degree. The UWI, however, expressed interest on a possible tough M.Sc. course in fisheries and aquaculture, provided that it is fully conducted in only one of its campuses. It is generally felt that there would be sufficient interest for such a course which could be conducted on alternate years.
Hands-on training can be received at the Institute of Marine Affairs, the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm and at the small Aquaculture Unit of the Sugarcane Feeds Centre. So far training courses are organized when required and mainly on the culture of tilapia and cascadura.
Its is foreseen that training on the culture of the giant freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii) will soon be available as a result of the interest being generated by the Caroni (1975) Ltd. operation and the establishment of a prawn hatchery and pilot farm at the Bamboo Grove station.

Research

Several government institutes are presently involved in applied aquaculture research and are relatively well equipped. In 1952 the Government decided to encourage aquaculture research and extension and therefore established the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm also called the Aquaculture Unit of the Ministry of Food Production. This facility was constructed as an experimental station to carry out mainly research work on tilapia and other food fish. During the same time the black tilapia was introduced into the ponds at the experimental farm, which subsequently escaped in flood waters to the Caroni Swamp via the St. Joseph River. A population has since established itself and is still thriving today. The Bamboo Grove farm is located some 12 kms from the Island's capital Port-of-Spain and covers an area of about 4.5 hectares. Total pond acreage is approximately 2.5 hectares in surface area. The facilities presently employs 23 staff among which one fisheries research officer and one fisheries assistant. The buildings at the fish farm are several concrete structures including an aquarium house, raceways, storeroom, a main office building and a newly constructed freshwater prawn hatchery. The prawn hatchery, along with a number of newly dug earth ponds, will soon become operational. The above project is being carried out through the technical assistance and expertise of the Government of Taiwan (Province of China). Although the objectives of the Aquaculture Unit are mainly to disseminate biological and technical information to prospective fish farmers, to conduct training programmes and to provide extension services, applied research and grow-out trials on commercially important species are also carried out in support of the above mentioned activities.
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) is an autonomous government institute established with the objectives to (i) promote the better understanding of all aspects of the marine environment, (ii) to disseminate in the Caribbean knowledge of the various disciplines relevant to marine affairs, and to (iii) increase the capabilities of the Government in the formulation of policies in marine affairs. Aquaculture research is one of the programmes of the Institute. The Pilot Aquaculture Project was initiated at the IMA in 1985 and was intended to conduct field and laboratory trials with a view to identifying potentially suitable culture species for Trinidad and Tobago. Presently production and culture trials are conducted on the cascadura (H. littorale), the red hybrid tilapia and the freshwater giant prawn (M.rosenbergii). Some work is also being carried out with the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus), the freshwater black conch (Pomacea urcea) and seamoss (Gracilaria spp.). Applied research is being concentrated on the following topics: (i) polyculture of freshwater prawns and cascadura, (ii) production of red hybrid tilapia and cascadura fry and fingerling, (iii) production and cage culture of the grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and pompano (Trachinotus spp.), and (iv) seamoss raft culture.
The aim of the aquaculture programme is to produce simple culture technologies to be transferred to existing and potential fish farmers. The Institute is equipped with office space, a library, an analytical laboratory for water analysis, a wet laboratory, hatchery, nursery and nine small earth ponds (total surface area approximately 0.5 hectares). Presently, seven out of the total 36 professionals employed at the Institute, are involved in the aquaculture programme, four of which hold degrees in aquaculture (2 in freshwater and 2 in marine aquaculture). The IMA has established close contacts and has been collaborating with the University of West Indies and the Bamboo Grove Station.
The Sugarcane Feeds Centre (SFC) is a research and development project funded through the Ministry of Food Production, Marine Exploitation, Forestry and the Environment. Although the main objective of the project is to develop animal feeds utilizing sugarcane, a fish hatchery has been constructed and experimental grow-out trials are being carried out utilizing both red tilapias and cascadura.

The Zoology Department of the University of West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, has been carrying out some basic studies on freshwater and brackishwater species of commercial interest. The campus is not equipped with research aquaculture facilities, however, through it close collaboration with the IMA, the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm and Caroni (1975) Ltd., the university staff has been able to develop and implement applied research projects. A good example is the Pilot Freshwater Prawn Project which was implemented by a special task force comprising members from the UWI and Caroni (1975) Ltd.

Technical Assistance and Extension

Technical assistance and extension services to the small-scale fish farmers is presently provided mainly by the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm and the Sugarcane Feeds Centre. The above centres usually provide free-of-charge the following assistance: (i) assessment of the land and water resources of an applicant, (ii) preparation of feasibility studies, (iii) advice on the biological aspects of the species being considered and/or cultured, (iv) advise on pond design and construction, and (v) advice on farm management practices.
Technical assistance is also provided by the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm in the form of oneday training courses for farmers as well as teachers, government institutions, and schools at the centre itself, and in community centres in the field.
The objectives of the Aquaculture Extension Programme of the Aquaculture Unit are therefore (i) to demonstrate certain fish culture practices so that the farmers can be acquainted with the scientific method of fish farming, (ii) to act as liaison between the research units and the farmers, so as to ensure that new and improved techniques are transferred to the farmers in a language readily understood, and (iii) to support farmers in all aspects of their aquaculture project.
The Sugarcane Feeds Centre, with its small hatchery and few culture ponds, has adopted an open-door policy where all interested parties can observe and receive advice on the management of small-scale cascadura and tilapia operations.
The Institute of Marine Affairs also provides technical assistance and extension services to fish farmers in the form of hands-on technical workshops, seminars and technical manuals. In 1990 the Aquaculture Unit held a tilapia/cascadura practical workshop and nine seminars. A number of site visits were also made in response to requests for site evaluations by private farmers. So far the IMA has published two practical manuals, one on “Fish Farm Ponds Design, Construction and Maintenance” and a second one on “Cascadura Farming: From Hatchery to Production” intended for fish farmers or other persons interested in pursuing aquaculture.
The University of West Indies, through the staff members of the Department of Zoology, also provides technical assistance, however, usually at higher technology level rather than at small-scale farmers operating backyard facilities.
The Fisheries Society of Trinidad and Tobago is an Organization of aquaculturists of both food fish and ornamental which was incorporated in September 1991. It seeks after the interest of aquaculturists in Trinidad and Tobago and makes representation to Government on their behalf. The Society has thus hosted one technical seminar and has produced one technical bulletin and is attempting to assist farmers in the development of plans for fish farm projects to be funded by the Agricultural Development Bank.

V. Potential for Aquaculture Development

Physical Potential

Trinidad and Tobago are the Southern-most islands of the Lesser Antilles chain in the Caribbean. Trinidad, the largest island of the chain, is separated from Venezuela by the 11 kilometre-wide strait of the Gulf of Paria. Three relatively low mountain ranges cross Trinidad from east to west. Their highest elevation reaches 940 metres in the heavily forested Northern Range. Between the Northern and Central Ranges the land is flat and well watered; between the Central and Southern Ranges it is rolling, and the water supply often falls short in the dry season. Tropical forest covers half of the island. Swamps are found along part of the east and west coasts. The island's low latitude places it outside the usual path of hurricanes.
The island of Tobago lies 30 kilometres northeast of Trinidad and is characterized by long stretches of sandy beaches and a ridge of volcanic origin which lies along the centre of the island.
Although the aquaculture industry is still at an early stage of development, a certain degree of potential exists in Trinidad particularly if the industry develops in areas of the island where land and water resources are available and suitable, in terms of their physical and chemical characteristics, for this kind of operations.
Generally good quality water in adequate supply are found on the eastern side of Trinidad in the Oropouche, Nariva and Ortoire basins and along the north coast between Chupara and Grand Riviere. With regard to freshwater swamp land, extensive unpolluted areas are available at Nariva in the east and Los Blarquizales in the southwest.
Most of the more extensive areas of brackishwater swamp are under pollution risk, but the southern half of the Caroni Swamp and the southern Oropouche still have reasonably good quality water. Sheltered marine areas suitable for mariculture are available in the Gulf of Paria and in certain bays on the North coast, but pollution problems and other commercial activities may present serious difficulties.
With regard to Tobago, freshwater of good quality is available although in limited quantities. Excellent conditions are available for mariculture in Buccoo and Bon Accord and in the deeper west coast bays.

Species

The aquaculture industry as a whole is still at an early stage of development and potential for expansion exists, however, factors such as market demand, availability of technology and resources must all be taken into account in order to determine whether the culture of any particular species is economically attractive and justifiable. A brief survey of local species indicated that Trinidad and Tobago have many organisms with value for culturing. These organisms as well as a number of non-endemic species would fill the various needs in the country, i.e. as basic or luxury food items, recreational fishing and aquarium export trade. Some species could be successfully and profitably cultured within one or two growing seasons(e.g. cascadura, mullet and oysters), while other require more research before their future economic returns can be assessed (e.g. queen conch, crabs, marine plants, marine shrimps).
Beside tilapias, cascadura and the giant freshwater prawn, the potential exists for the following types of culture:

• culture of brackishwater shrimp in coastal ponds;

• culture of indigenous ornamental fish species (e.g. Corydoras aeneus, Hypostomus robinii);

• mariculture of tilapia and other indigenous marine species in cages;

• culture of indigenous freshwater species in ponds; and

• culture of bivalves in coastal areas (C. rhizophorae, Perna spp.).

Finance

The Aquaculture Task Force, reported that one of the major impediments to the development of the industry is the stringent requirements in accessing available capital. The Task Force is of the view that the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) should provide the best available loan conditions for aquaculture projects and that the industry as a whole should maintain its high priority in the ADB's loan programme. In the 1991 report prepared by the Task Force, a recommendation indicated that the Government should give consideration to an integrated package of fiscal incentives to stimulate greater interest for investors in the industry. These should include (i) tax holidays, (ii) duty-free concessions, (iii) corporate tax reductions, and (iv) improve foreign exchange availability.

VI. Fish Handling, Processing and Marketing

Aquaculture production is mainly subsistence in nature with a very small portion of the catch being marketed-fresh to local consumers. Presently none of the existing fish processing plants handle aquaculture products, mainly due to the small annual outputs. However, should production from aquaculture substantially increase, the present facilities could possibly acquire the raw material for processing.
Marketing information and facilities have been identified as major constraints to the development of the aquaculture industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Presently, there is little or no current market information available to the industry. Production decisions are made in the absence of adequate market information and as such, producers are probably not able to maximize their true potential and exploit market demands. The Aquaculture Task Force recommended that the National Agricultural Marketing Development Cooperation, with the assistance of the Export Development Corporation and various trade missions, develop a comprehensive marketing information gathering system, which would provide important information on a regular basis to the industry.
With regard to marketing facilities it has been recognized that adequate storage facilities are not available as well as the need for an efficient and low cost supply of packaging materials. There is also need for greater coordination among agencies involved in the inspection of fisheries and aquaculture exports. The strengthening of the organization and support services to the industry is recognized as a priority to enhance the development of the sector.

VII. Conclusions and Future Developments

Due to the deficit of fisheries products in Trinidad and Tobago, aquaculture products would possibly find a generally favorable market conditions but, a proper marketing strategy needs to be implemented. Investigations into consumer acceptance of some of the cultured species (e.g. tilapia) have been undertaken by the IMA. Further expansion and development of the industry can only be foreseen if the economic viability of any particular culture operation, either a large-scale multi-million dollar facility or a small-scale unsophisticated backyard cultivation operation, can be clearly demonstrated to potential entrepreneurs and farmers. Although aquaculture activities in the country have been in existence for several decades, the sector has yet to develop a strong commercial basis. It appears, however, that the private sector, supported by the various concerned public institutions, is increasingly gaining confidence and feel for the numerous opportunities both for immediate investment and longterm development of the industry in the country.
The most urgent need at the present moment is for a detailed technical and economical feasibility study to investigate these opportunities and to identify specific options for profitable investments. In summary, both the Government and the private sector seem seriously committed to the promotion and development of the industry.
To further support and encourage the developmental process of the aquaculture industry in Trinidad and Tobago, the following actions should be promoted as near future priorities:

• assess the market size for aquaculture products and develop a marketing strategy to familiarize and encourage the consumption of aquaculture products;

• develop a marketing information/intelligence gathering to assist the development of the industry;

• develop and/or adopt culture technologies for new potentially commercial species such as oysters and mussels; and

• establish a permanent authority to monitor and regulate the development of all aspects of the industry.

VIII. Background Information

• Background notes: Trinidad & Tobago - April 1989. United States Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs. Office of Public Communication, Washington D.C. 7 pp.

• FAO Fishery Country Profile: Trinidad and Tobago - December 1989. FID/CP/TRI/Rev.2. 4 pp.

• The Potential for an Aquaculture Industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Port-of-Spain, 16 to 17 June 1981. Proceedings of the Advisory Service Division (AS/81-1) of the Institute of Marine Affairs, St. James, Trinidad and Tobago. 69 pp.

• Aquaculture Potential in the Nariva Swamp, Trinidad, West Indies. FAO Mission Report, 3–29 March 1985. 49 pp.

• Small Scale Aquaculture Development and Demonstration. FAO/UNDP Project Document for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, April 1985. 13 pp.

• Fish Farm Ponds: Design, Construction and Maintenance - March 1990, by Paul Gabbadon and Gregory de Souza - Institute of Marine Affairs Aquaculture series-1. IMA, Trinidad and Tobago. 27 pp.

• Cascadura Farming: From Hatchery to Production - July 1990, by Gregory de Souza and Paul Gabbadon. Institute of Marine Affairs Aquaculture Series-2. IMA, Trinidad and Tobago. 20 pp.

• Institute of Marine Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago - 1990 Report. 36 pp.

• Institute of Marine Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago. 1991/1992 Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Programme, Status Report. 20 pp.

• Aquaculture. A publication of the Institute of Marine Affairs - June 1989. - (pamphlet).

• Trinidad and Tobago Country Paper - The Status of Aquaculture in Trinidad and Tobago. Aquaculture Planning and Sensititzation Seminar. Jamaica, 6–8 April 1987. FAO FI: TCP, 185–190 pp.

• Report of the Task Force appointed to make recommendations on specific issues for the development of a National Policy on Aquaculture in Trinidad and Tobago - November 1991. Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. 34 pp.

• National Agricultural Development Plan 1988-1992 - March 1988, Revised Draft. Ministry of Food Production, Marine Exploitation, Forestry and The Environment. Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 81–222 and 277–325 pp.

• National Agricultural Development Plan 1989–1995: Summary of Proposals - October 1988 - National Planning Commission - Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 12–90 pp.

• An Evaluation of the Bamboo Grove Fish Farm 1980–1985 - April 1986. Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Food Production, Agricultural Planning Division. 30 pp.

• Annual Report - 1989. Aquaculture Programme, Bamboo Grove Fish Farm. Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation, Fisheries Division. 35 pp.

• Annual Report - 1990. Aquaculture Programme, Bamboo Grove Fish Farm. Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation, Fisheries Division. 30 pp.

• Aquaculture Activities - August 1991. Ministry of Food Production and Marine Exploitation, Aquaculture Unit, Trinidad and Tobago. 13 pp.

• Sugarcane feeds Centre: Its objectives and Operations - April 1988. - (pamphlet).

• Caroni (1975) Limited. Aquaculture Project: Production of the Malaysian Prawn - May 1992. 7 pp.

• Caribbean Food Corporation: Promoting Agribusiness Development in the Region. - (pamphlet).

• Marine Fisheries Computerized Databases - FISMIS. A Project of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. - (pamphlet).

Appendix I

ADDRESSES OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF FISHERIES

PUBLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS
OF THE
REGIONAL PROJECT ON SUPPORT TO AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES
IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
AQUILA II (GCP/RLA/102/ITA)

Field Documents

Progress Reports

Informe: Marzo-Agosto, 1992. (in Spanish). 98 p.

Status report on caribbean aquaculture

Se terminó de imprimir en MDV, editor
en el mes de febrero de 1993.
La edición consta de 200 ejemplares.

Impreso y hecho en México

Printed and made in Mexico