ANNEX A

PROJECT PROPOSAL ON SHELLFISH FARMING FOR THAILAND
PROJECT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THAILAND

PROJECT DOCUMENT

Title: Shellfish Farming Project - Thailand

Number:                                   Duration: Three years

Primary function: Fisheries development - shellfish farming

Secondary function: Direct support to government development plans

Sector (Govt.Class.): Agriculture (Donor Class. &Code) - 05 Agriculture Forestry, Fisheries

Sub-sector (Govt.Class.): Fisheries (Donor Class. &Code) - 05 30 Fisheries

Government implementing agency: Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives Department of Fisheries

Executing agency: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Estimated starting date: January 1978

Government inputs: Baht 11 171 000 (in kind) Donor inputs: US$240 000 (local currency) (US Dollars)

PART I - LEGAL CONTEXT

This Project Document shall be the instrument (therein referred to as Plan of Operation) envisaged in Article I, paragraph 2, of the Agreement between the Government of Thailand and the United Nations Development Programme, signed by the Parties on                            . The organizational and procedural conditions governing the project are detailed in ANNEX 1.

PART II - THE PROJECT

II-A. Development objectives

The Government of Thailand submitted a ten-year Aquaculture Development Programme during the FAO Regional Workshop on Aquaculture Planning in Asia held on 1–17 October 1975 in Bangkok. The Programme has now been adopted as the National Plan for Aquaculture Development in Thailand. Included among the long-and medium-term objectives, the items relevant to shellfish farming, are the following:“

1. To conserve the fully-exploited fishery resources of the country through sound management programmes to ensure maximum sustained benefits from them.

2. To develop coastal aquaculture with special emphasis on shrimp culture.

3. (Not relevant)

4. To accelerate the production of fish from inland resources.

5. To raise the standard of living of small-scale fishermen.”

In more specific terms, objective (1) seeks to conserve shellfish resources through regulations or management of the resources and their habitats. Obviously coastal aquaculture and acceleration of their production should include development of shellfish or mollusc farming (Items 2 and 3). Aquaculture, in this case shellfish culture, is also being considered seriously as a possible alternative employment and source of income for the displaced fishermen from coastal areas.

II-B. Immediate objectives

1. To introduce and promote improved techniques of shellfish farming.

2. To establish a lead demonstration station on shellfish farming, preferably one selected from the eight existing government brackishwater fisheries stations. Subsidiary demonstration units may be established subsequently in focal centres of development.

3. To survey and identify suitable sites for the expansion of shellfish farming.

4. To train extension workers and shellfish farmers on improved techniques of shellfish production.

5. To provide improved ways of utilizing and marketing shellfish in order to derive maximum benefit from the expected increase in production.

6. To assist the government in the formulation of policies and/or regulations for the protection of existing shellfish resources and habitats.

II-C. Special considerations

In addition to the pursuit of the above objectives, the project is also concerned with other economic and social goals that have been established on a global basis by the United Nations, and in furtherance of which it is required to undertake appropriate responses. These goals include:

1. Preservation and improvement of environmental conditions in the natural habitats of economic shellfish species.

2. Promotion of technical cooperation that is maxumum possible among the developing countries, particularly in the training of extension workers and shellfish farmers in ASEAN and other South China Sea countries. The facilities of the project, its experts and the lead station to be developed would be very useful to this training programme.

II-D. Background and justification

The Government of Australia has been donating the amount of US$80 000 per year to support activities of the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council (IPFC), based in Bangkok, Thailand. This yearly donation has served to support the operations and activities of this regional commission of FAO. However, within recent months, it has been realized that this assistance would have greater impact in the region than it has now if it supported action programmes, especially for the promotion of fisheries activities that can easily and quickly contribute to the increase of essential food in the area. Of these activities, shellfish farming especially for mussels, oysters and cockles seems to have the highest potential.

The whole IPFC region has a vast potential for shellfish farming development and this project to be hosted (located) in Thailand can serve as a lead centre for future development among the IPFC Member Countries.

Thailand has a coastline of 2 850 km, along which extends a shallow shelf of 120 000 km². A recent evaluation of the mudflats and mangroves further inland to this shelf, by Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) imagery, showed that the area of littoral and sublittoral mudflats (including mangroves) is 3 695 km² (369 500 ha). These areas include the estuarine zones which provide excellent habitat for many species of economic shellfish (Fig. 1).

Many species of shellfish especially mussels (Mytilus spp. and Modiola sp.), oysters (Crassostrea spp.) and cockles (Anadara granosa) are extensively used for food in Thailand. In addition, the Modiola or horse mussel is extensively used as feed in the large and highly productive duck industry. A recent assessment (1970) showed that there is a population of about 4 million ducks in the country, and about 1.7 million come from the coastal provinces. This flock utilizes at least 10 000 tons of shellfish (mainly horse mussel) per year valued at Baht 20 million (US$1 million) (ANNEX 2).

A great portion of the extensive acreage of aquatic areas enumerated could be suitably used for the culture of the various shellfish species. The production of shellfish had increased gradually till it reached a peak in 1971, but a decline followed and production dropped sharply in 1974. This drop has been attributed to the rapid increase of population in the coastal communities and to the development of industries as well. However, increase in the acreage used for cultivation improved production in 1975 (ANNEX 3 and Fig. 2).

The Government gives high priority to shellfish culture in its coastal and rural development programme. It has established eight brackishwater fisheries stations, the activities of which include shellfish farming demonstration. With this project, the Government plans to develop one lead station mainly for shellfish aquaculture. Training and fielding of more extension workers and direct technical assistance to shellfish farmers are planned.

An important component of the project will be fellowships/training of technicians from the IPFC Member Countries, the inputs of technical expertise from other more developed Member Countries, like Australia and New Zealand, and the transfer of the technology developed in Thailand to the other Member Countries in the IPFC Region.

It has been noted that the shellfish production from year to year fluctuates widely, especially with more and more dependence on supply from wild sources. Shellfish farming should stabilize the supply and make shellfish available whenever and wherever it is needed. It should also be pointed out that the various species for culture are dependent on natural food supply that are readily available from the aquatic environment, with the result that production per unit time and space are high compared with other cultivated species (penaeid shrimp, most finfish, etc.).

It should also be pointed out that the extension of economic zones in territorial seas by neighbouring countries has reduced the operational areas of the large trawling fleet of Thailand. Shellfish farming could provide a sound alternative employment and source of income for displaced coastal fishermen and their families. A systematic and action-oriented programme organized to rehabilitate, revive and promote this shellfish industry will have a large impact in the food supply as well as in the economy of the country.

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, created in 1975 a new technical division, the Brackishwater Fisheries Division. This Division has among its duties, the development of shellfish farming. The Division has at present two technical units, Aquaculture Survey and Aquaculture Research Sections. It also supervises eight brackishwater fisheries stations (Chanthaburi, Phuket, Prachuap Khirikhan, Rayong, Samut Sakhorn, Satul, Songkhla, and Surat Thani).

At present the Department through the Brackishwater Fisheries Division is implementing a national loan programme for pond culture, mainly for shrimp culture development. Recently, the Government has made representations with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for an inland fisheries development loan that would include shellfish farming. This project can provide the necessary technical base for the forthcoming loan programme.

II-E. Outputs

1. Eight brackishwater fisheries stations implementing demonstration programmes on shellfish farming by 1978;

2. One lead station dealing mainly on shellfish farming established by 1978, and used for the conduct of training;

3. Assessment of coastal areas available and suitable for the expansion of shellfish farming completed by June 1979;

4. At least 40 extension workers and 60 farmers on shellfish farming will have been trained by 1980;

5. Forty private cooperator demonstration projects started by the end of 1979 and at least 100 in 1980;

6. Thirty to 100 percent increase in shellfish production attained by the end of 1980;

7. Formulation of national policy for the protection of shellfish resources and habitat completed by September 1980.

II-F. Activities

II-G. Inputs

2. Donor inputs

(a) International staff - International staff will be assigned as shown below:

The services of short-term consultants in certain specialized fields will be availed of by the project. These include such fields as hatchery technology, shellfish parasites and diseases, product development and utilization, quality control and marketing.

General support personnel for the project will be recruited locally. The services of one secretary and one driver will be required for a total of 72 man/months.

The services of associate experts will be useful if these are available.

(b) Training provisions and fellowships

1. Group training for local extension workers and shellfish farmers will be undertaken. Training per group not exceeding 20 individuals will start at the last quarter of the first year and two groups each for the second and third years.

2. In-service training in the region will be provided for four and in selected countries outside the region for two government staff.

3. One year study fellowship will be given to one staff member of the project.

The Team Leader will finalize the timing and the countries and institutions involved in the training programme.

The demonstration units in the lead station and the other brackishwater fisheries stations and those with private cooperators will be open to all interested parties.

(c) Assignment of supplies, equipment and other services

II-H. Work plan

II-I. Preparation of the framework for effective participation of national and international staff in the project

The activities necessary to produce the indicated outputs and achieve the project's immediate objective will be carried out jointly by the national and international staff concerned. The respective roles of the national and international staff will be determined by their leaders by mutual discussion and agreement at the beginning of the project, and set out in a Framework for Effective Participation of National and International Staff in the Project. The Framework, which will be attached to the project's Project Document as an annex, will be reviewed from time to time. The respective roles of the national and international staff shall be in accordance with the established concept and specific purposes of technical cooperation.

II-J. Development support communication

Development communication will be undertaken by the project as follows:

1. In-service training will be given to counterpart staff and government extension workers.

2. Technical information will be conveyed to shellfish farmers through in-service training to be given by the project staff and through demonstration by fisheries stations and private cooperator units.

3. Training and demonstration facilities of the lead station will be offered for the training of shellfish workers from the region.

4. Based on results of studies and surveys, the project will formulate the policies which the Government should adopt to protect shellfish resources and habitat.

II-K. Institutional framework

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, will be the Government cooperating agency for this project. This Department has a Brackishwater Fisheries Division which implements development programmes of fisheries in estuarine and coastal waters including shellfish culture. Besides its Administrative Service, this Division has two technical units: (i) Aquaculture Survey Section, and (ii) Aquaculture Research Section. The Division also supervises eight government brackishwater fisheries stations including (ANNEX 4 and Fig. 1).

1. Songkhla Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Songkhla, Songkhla province

2. Prachuap Khirikhan Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Klongwan, Prachuap Khirikhan province

3. Chanthaburi Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Khlung District, Chanthaburi province

4. Surat Thani Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Kanchanadis District, Surat Thani province

5. Samut Sakhorn Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Kogham, Samut Sakhorn province

6. Satul Brackishwater Fisheries Station, Langoo District Satul province

7. Rayong Fisheries Station, Brackishwater Substation, Banpae, Rayong province

8. Phuket Fisheries Station, Brackishwater Substation, Aokham, Phuket province

It is envisaged that all these brackishwater stations will put up shellfish farming programmes and that one of them will be selected and developed as a lead station for shellfish studies, demonstration and training.

From mid-period and towards the end of the project, studies will be made on existing methods of processing shellfish and improved methods of processing and utilization will be tested. The Fisheries Technology Division of the Department of Fisheries will participate in this activity. Likewise, in the marketing studies, the Fisheries Economics Unit of the Department will take part.

Other activities in the country or in the region related to this project include the following:

1. The IPFC/FAO Regional Office has been providing intermittently the services of a regional fish culture adviser;

2. For the development of freshwater fisheries the Canadian International Development Authority (CIDA) is assisting in the establishment of the National Inland Fisheries Institute (NIFI);

3. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is rendering assistance in brackishwater fisheries specially in penaeid shrimp culture;

4. Thailand is member of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) which maintains an Aquaculture Department in Iloilo, Philippines;

5. The FAO/UNDP South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme (SCSP), based in Manila, Philippines, is a regional project which has aquaculture as one of its major activities. Thailand is one of the participating countries. The SCS Programme will continue to render technical and management support to the project.

II-L. Prior obligations and prerequisites

A. Prior obligations

There are no actions whose fulfillment is a condition for donor assistance in this project as the Government has the necessary initial capabilities to cover counterpart needs of the project.

B. Prerequisites

There are certain actions that need to be fulfilled for efficient and effective project implementation after the project has been started.

1. Development of premises of the brackishwater fishery station that will be selected as lead station for the demonstration of shellfish farming. Although the Department of Fisheries can allot a small amount for this purpose in its project budget, more funds will be required to put up physical facilities for training, demonstration, storage of equipment and supplies and working space for project staff.

2. Additional counterpart technical staff and general service support staff that are not available now under current budget will have to be provided for in future appropriation.

3. Additional funds to acquire local equipment and supplies and for the expanded operations and maintenance resulting from the implementation of the project should be provided.

4. Additional funds to support local group training of extension workers and shellfish farmers should be provided in future budget periods. In this case, the first batch of training for 1978 can be shouldered by the Government but future group training scheduled for the second and third years should be provided for.

5. In consultation with the experts, the Government should select, prepare and release national staff who will undergo regional or international in-service training or fellowship.

II-M. Future assistance

Further continuation of technical assistance in this sector will be determined after the review and evaluation of the project.

It is possible that if the targets set for this project are achieved, and technical feasibility is demonstrated, a new level of assistance will be required consisting of detailed economic feasibility studies followed by funding assistance through regional or international funding institutions.

PART III. SCHEDULE OF MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTS

A. Tripartite monitoring reviews, technical reviews

The project will be subject to periodic review in accordance with the policies and procedures established for this purpose by the Donor for monitoring project and programme implementation.

B. Evaluation

The project will be subject to evaluation in accordance with the policies and procedures established for this purpose by the Donor. The organization terms of reference and timing of the evaluation will be decided by consultation between the Government, the Donor, and the Executing Agency concerned.

C. Progress and terminal reports

1. Progress reports

   Progress reports are to be prepared at six-monthly intervals during the life of the project.

2. Terminal reports

   The consultants assigned to the project will prepare reports at the termination of their assignment and the Project Manager will collate them into a terminal report.

3. Technical reports

   Individual experts or consultants will be requested to prepare technical reports.

¹ Available in current budget
² 80% of the amount under this item is available in current budget
³ 20% of the amount under this item is available in current budget
⁴ 10% of the amount under this item is available in current budget
⁵ 50% of the amount under this item is available in current budget

B. BUDGET COVERING DONOR CONTRIBUTION

¹ Most expenses are local and budgeted in Government counterpart budget.

PUBLICATION OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING PROGRAMME

Working Papers

NOTE: Copies of these papers can be obtained by writing to the Programme in Manila, Philippines.

WORKSHOP REPORTS

PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS

SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING PROGRAMME

Fisheries Technical Papers

FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Eastern Indian Ocean (Fishing area 57) and Western Central Pacific (Fishing area 71). Rome, FAO, 1974. 4 vols.

(ADB/FAO Market Studies)

TECHNICAL REPORTS CONTRIBUTED TO SYMPOSIA/MEETINGS, ETC.

Rabanal, H.R. 1975 FAO activities in inland fisheries and aquaculture with particular reference to Asia and the Far East. Manila South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 17p. (Contributed to the First Fisheries Research Congress, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research, 7–10 March 1975, Legaspi City, Philippines)

Rabanal, H.R. 1975 Preliminary report on the Macrobrachium fishery in the Indo-Pacific region. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 20p. (Contributed to the International Conference on Prawn Farming, Vung Tau, Vietnam, 31 March – 4 April 1975)

Rabanal, H.R. 1975 Distribution and occurrence of milkfish Chanos chanos (Forskal). Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme, 1975. 18p. (Contributed to the National Bangos Symposium. Manila, 25–26 July 1975)

Rabanal, H.R. 1976 Mangrove and their utilization for aquaculture. Manila South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 20p. (Contributed to the National Workshop on Mangrove Ecology held in Phuket, Thailand, 10–16 January 1976)

Rabanal, H.R. 1976 Report of project identification mission to Bangladesh on inland fisheries and aquaculture. Manila, Asian Development Bank. 56p.

Rabanal, H.R. 1976 Aquaculture 1976: Focus Southeast Asia. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 12p. (Talk delivered at the National Convention of the Federation of Fish Producers of the Philippines, Iloilo City, 26 August 1976)

Simpson, A.C. 1976 Some proposals for research related to the understanding of mangrove ecology and the utilization of mangrove areas. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 10p. (Contributed to the National Workshop on Mangrove Ecology held in Phuket, Thailand 10–16 January 1976)

Cook, H.L. 1976 Some aspects of shrimp culture research with particular reference to Philippine species. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 7p. (Contributed to the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research (PCARR) Fisheries Workshop, Subic, Zambales, Philippines 15–17 January 1976)

Rabanal, H. R. 1976 The resources in inland waters: their utilization and management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 21p. (Talk delivered before the Phi Sigma Biological Society as a contribution to the Deogracias V. Villadolid Memorial lecture series. Manila, Philippines, 26 November 1976)

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Aquaculture in the Philippines. Manila, South China Sea Programme. 15p. (Talk delivered before the United States Peace Corps Volunteers, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 11 January 1977)

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 10p. (Paper contributed to the Fifth FAO/SIDA Workshop on Aquatic Pollution in relation to Protection of Living Resources. Manila, Philippines, 17–27 February 1977)

Simpson, A.C. 1977 Fisheries research and development in the Philippines: Some recommendations with special reference to resource management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 16p.

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Aquaculture management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 12p. (Contribution to the BFAR/FAO-UNDP Training of Regional Trainors in Aquaculture. Lucena, Quezon, Philippines 19 September to 27 October 1977)

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Recent trends in aquaculture. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 13p. (Paper contributed to the Seminar/ Workshop for Fishery Schools' Administrators, conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Manila, Philippines 24–28 October 1977)

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Forest conservation and aquaculture development of mangroves. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 15p. (Paper contributed to the International Workshop on Mangrove and Estuarine Area Development for the Indo-Pacific Region. 14–19 November 1977, Manila, Philippines.)