As a part of the original plan of the Preparatory Assistance in Seafarming in Indonesia (UNDP/FAO Project INS/80/005), a training workshop in seafarming for counterparts and other personnel in similar capacity was conducted in the period 1–6 March 1981. Since it was thought that such an approach would limit both the number of persons and therefore deprive other interested fisheries workers of the benefit of the occasion, the organizing committee had decided to have as wide a representation of participants as possible.
Annex A shows a total of 43 registered participants, but the actual number eventually increased to over 50. These included extension workers and research scientists, in addition to counterparts who participated in the actual survey and related work of the project. Of particular note, was the participation of fisheries staff from provincial offices who would be eventually expected to undertake the task of at least the initial phase of seafarming development on the one hand, and to assist in coordinating the work between local and expatriate colleagues.
The objectives of the workshop are three-fold:
to introduce the participants to seafarming;
to attempt assessment of the development potential of each of the three main groups of organisms of culture value; and
to note the requirements in seafarming, and to identify problems.
Lectures and discussions were stressed primarily on:
A practical exercise on site evaluation technique was held in Benoa Bay; and another field visit was made to seaweed farms in Tarura where the various operational aspects were assessed.
Films and other visual aid materials relating to seafarming operations in other parts of Asia and elsewhere were used extensively and followed by considerably stimulating discussions.
The participants were very rightly concerned about the extrapolated viability of the culture of each of the organisms discussed. In this line of thinking they were particularly concerned about the lack of reliable market outlets for seaweeds and some of the bivalve molluscs.
On the cage culture of marine finfishes, the participants queried the possible policy conflict that while increasing fish production is a priority development objective, the conversion of cheap to high value fish protein at a conversion ratio of greater than 4:1 would appear to contradict with this objective.
The participants were explained that although both issues were valid at their face value, the future success of these culture systems would appear to depend upon collective approaches to their development and flexibility in development policy to suit differences in development requirements.
Annex B provides a list of background papers used and distributed at the Workshop. Part 2 of this report gives the papers not previously published.
The overwhelming interest in seafarming expressed and shown by the participants is considered one of the major factors responsible for the very successful conclusion of this workshop. Despite the large number of participants and the unavoidable handicap in communication, views were freely exchanged and on many occasions discussion periods had to be prolonged. This enthusiasm on the part of the participants clearly showed that the workshop as a whole had at least achieved its aim.
