Annex VI (Cont.)

V. INFORMATION ACTIVITY

The installation of the HP 3000/40 computer was finally completed in March 1984 when it began to operate normally. The collection of aquaculture numerical data for the AQUIS data base is in progress. Some 30 data units have been processed. In order to accelerate the implementation of the information activity and meet the needs of the region, a coordinated programme has been set up to collect data on different types of integrated fish farming.

Mr. George Mantzarlis, the ADCP System Analyst visited the Centre in November 1983 and provided training on the AQUIS system to the information personnel. He is expected to return in November 1984 to assist in the AQUIS Programme.

The agreement with IDRC on the use of MINISIS was signed in March 1984. Training of the Centre's staff on the MINISIS database management system was conducted by Mr. Michael Sherwood of IDRC in October 1984. About 114 bibliographic references of technical papers in Chinese with English abstracts have been collected. The tapes of the ASFA database, prepared by RLCT, have been received. However, these could not be stored into the computer probably because of the limited storage capacity of the Centre;s computer. A larger-capacity disc is required.

During the year, the Centre has also produced video tapes on various aspects of aquaculture technology in China. These have been mentioned under the previous section and have been used effectively for training. Preparation for video production of “Chinese Integrated Fish Farm” has been initiated; the film is expected to be completed by mid 1985.

VI. MAJOR PROBLEMS

As the Centre is newly established, with some of its physical facilities still undergoing construction, some problems bound to occur. However, with the strong support provided by the Chinese Government and UNDP/FAO, these understandable problems will be resolved in due course. Despite language constraint, the Centre is making every effort to expand the implementation of its assigned activities, thereby contributing to the attainment of the objectives of the Asian Aquaculture Network.

Appendix 2

REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF RLCI
(Dr. V.R.P. Sinha)

I. ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRE AND ITS FACILITIES

Infrastructural facilities such as laboratory building, hostel living quarters etc. have been established along with over 400 experimental ponds. Besides these, construction of the auditorium, farm stores, workshop and garage is completed. The construction work of central equipment store is almost completed. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has initiated action for construction of wet labs and guest house.

Construction of hatchery building is also completing. Action has been initiated to construct remaining portion of the farm and also to renovate the damaged ponds. A major part of the farm road in the back sector has been constructed. Water supply to the laboratory building and quarters which is presently done by directly pumping from the well, will soon be provided through the overhead reservoir, which has now been completed.

Equipment available at Pond Culture Division, CIFRI Cuttack and also supplied through FAO has enabled the setting up of the different labs.

II. RESEARCH ACTIVITY

1. Disciplinary Research

While interdisciplinary research projects are being undertaken, the different laboratories have been carrying out their disciplinary research, the salient features of which are presented below:

The Fish Genetics Lab is continuing evaluation of gynogenetic off-spring for culture purpose. It has also shown that polyploid mossaics could be induced in Labeo rohita with colchicine treatment 25 minutes after fertilization. When treated fish were screened for ploidy status, polyploid-diploid mossaics were observed in 6 out of 8 fish screened.

The Fish Nutritional and Feed Technology Lab has tested the freeze-dried preparation of the micro-encapsulated whole egg diet fortified with minerals and vitamins on the spawn of common carp, grass carp and silver carp in relation to the traditional feed of cake bran mixture, plankton and plankton + feed. It was observed that plankton plus traditional feed gave the best results in all cases followed by plankton alone. However, between the traditional feed and encapsulated diet, grass carp followed by common carp appears to make the best use of encapsulated diet, while silver carp that of the traditional mixture.

Estimation of proximate composition of nearly 100 feed ingredients received from different places of India viz., Karnal (Haryana), Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), Poona (Maharashtra), Badampudi (Andhra Pradesh), Lingda (Gujarat), Gauhati (Assam) and Kausalyagang (Orissa) as well as local markets have been carried out. The feed prepared were of different compositions like: (i) gingilli oil cake + groundnut oil cake (GOC) + rice bran, (ii) GOC + Rice bran (iii) Gingilli oil cake + rice bran, (iv) GOC + wheat bran, (v) GOC + salseed cake + rice bran, (vi) gingilli oil cake + GOC, (vii) chicken feed, and (viii) GOC + goat liver + rice bran along with fortified vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The evaluation of the above feeds is being continued.

Further experiment on fasting catabolism with rohu showed that they lose weight ranging from 1.63 – 6.77%, 3.11 – 9.16%, 8.96 – 13.04% and 10.83 – 17.39% during the first, second, third and fourth week respectively in plastic pools at ambient temperatures of 23.2 – 27.0 C. The weight of the fish used for the experiment ranged from 30 –1666 g. consisting of different groups. The number of fish in the weight groups of upto 50 gm, 51–100 gm, 101–250 gm, 251–500 gm, 501–1000 gm and above 1000 were 4, 2, 8, 10, 8 and 2 respectively. The experiments continued for a further period of 4 weeks and it was observed that the larger fish lose more weight than the smaller ones. The surviving animals registered a weight loss of 6.38 – 30.43% after an eight-week starvation period.

Investigations have been initiated to establish the correlation between the nutritional intake and protein deposition in muscle and alimentary canal in rohu and silver carp. Fishes fed with pelleted diet comprising rice bran + groundnut oil cake and fortified with vitamins and minerals (30% protein) indicated higher percentage of protein in muscle (72.72%) and in alimentary canal (22.4%) as compared to 54.58 – 58.18% in muscle and 16.22 – 16.49% in alimentary canal of fishes fed with conventional diet (17.99% protein).

Fish Pathology Lab has been continuing their investigation on communicable and non-communicable diseases of carps. Statistically designed field experiment showed the efficacy of malathion in pond treatment for control of larger copepods. A combination of pond treatment with malathion and prophylactic antibiotic treatment of spawn/fry gave satisfactory results in enhancing the survival rate of spawn by about 35 per cent.

A case of mass mortality of catla fingerlings has been detected due to Myxobolus sp. infection in kidney and gills. Other major carp species reared in the same pond were not at all infected. Detailed histopathological investigations are being made.

Recently, a case of mass mortality of all the three Indian major carp species has been detected and are under investigation. Infected specimens showed minute blisters throughout the body, haemorrhages and abnormal swimming behaviour, ultimately causing mass mortality within a fortnight. A large number of parasitic spores were detected inside the blisters. Causative organisms are being identified.

Quite a large number of bacterial isolations has been made from diseased carp specimens. Sixteen strains have so far been thoroughly investigated and typed. The most common among them was strains of Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from heart, kidney, liver and coelomic fluid of catla and silver carp. Diseased specimens of catla exhibited bilateral ulceration of operculum while silver carp specimens showed symptoms of high degree of emaciation, loss of scales and accumulation of fluid in the body cavity.

The Pond Microbiology Lab continued the work on the microbiological investigation and made very important observations on the sulphur bacteria bloom and on planktonic collapse.

The bacterioplankton which plays a very important role in the food chain of the biotic community in pond ecosystem, develops quantitatively at the expense of allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter. When bloom occurs, it proves hazardous for aquatic life as a result of maximum consumption of D.O. from the environment leading to its depletion. During investigations in an undrainable rural pond high rate of decomposition of organic matter in the sediment was recorded, resulting in vigorous bacterial biosynthesis, ultimately forming a temporary bloom of sulphur bacteria (14.2 million cm^-3 in the surface water and 18.6 million cm^-3 in the bottom water). Such bloom caused the high oxygen demand (Table 1) leading to oxygen depletion and mass fish kill.

Table 1 : Biochemical oxygen demand in the pond ecosystem during bloom of sulphur bacteria

Planktonic collapse during mass fish kills in undrainable fish ponds

At times, the planktonic organisms under adverse environmental conditions collapse totally along with fish biomass. With a view to find out the possible causes for such incidence, diurnal variations of physicochemical factors and plankton density were studied. Water temperature (29.0–37.5 C), free carbondioxide (0–32.0 ppm) and dissolved oxygen (0.08 – 11.6 ppm) showed marked fluctuations round the clock. Volumetric estimation of plankton revealed a considerable decline in plankton biomass (71.32%) over a period of three days. The computed loss in density of phytoplankters was 2981 u/1 and that of zeeplankton was 2354 u/1. The lethal condition for aquatic life occurred with high temperature, complete depletion of dissolved oxygen and sharp rise in carbondioxide in the night.

2. Interdisciplinary Research

2.1 Brood Stock Management

Experiments were continued on nutritional aspects of brood stock of L. rohita and H. molitrix. The fishes of 1.5 to 2 kg were stocked @ 1500 kg/ha. The feeding was done with traditional groundnut oil cake + rice bran (1:1 ratio by weight) and pelleted diet (GOC +RB + Dibasic phosphate + multivitamins including Vitamin E & C+ trace elements) comprising protein 30%, carbohydrate 35% + fat 11%. The fishes were fed daily @ 3% of their body weight in both the cases. Gonadal development and condition appeared to be better in the latter set. When L. rohita was fed with formulated feed, the percentage of success in induced breeding was 76 as against 52 with ordinary feed. In the case of silver carp and catla, the percentage of success were 100 with the formulated feed and 60 with ordinary feed. However, in the case of the latter two species, the number of sets tried was limited. Similarly, grass carp and mrigal also gave a better response though only a few sets were tried. The grass carp were in addition provided with suitable aquatic weeds @ 25% of body weight.

2.2 Fingerling raising

An initial experiment of six-month duration was conducted on the rearing of rohu and silver carp fry to fingerlings separately and in combination (1:1) at 0.1 million/ha stocking density to find out the possibilities of making available the fry and fingerlings for a prolonged period.

2.3 Water and soil management studies of undrainable ponds - use of bleaching powder as a substitute for deoiled mahua cake.

Elimination of predatory and weed fishes is the initial and most important step in the management practices of nursery, rearing and stocking ponds. This being done by de-oiled mahua cake (Bassia latifolia), a piscicide of plant origin when applied @ 250 ppm. Due to its transportation problems aquaculturists face much difficulties. On the basis of a series of experiments conducted in the lab as well as in the field, it has been found that bleaching powder, ie. Calcium hypochlorite can be used as a substitute for de-oiled mahua cake. Bleaching powder has been found effective @ 25–30 ppm for killing various unwanted fish species including Channa striatus, C. gachua, Glassogobius giuris, Heteropneustes fossilis, Mystus cavasius, M. bleekeri, Ompok bimaculatus,Wallago attu, Anabas testudineus, Etroplus suratensis, Nandus nandus, Puntius sarana, Oxygaster bacaila, Amblypharyngodon mola, Ambasis ranga, A. nama, Puntius ticto etc. It has got the additional advantage of disinfecting the pond and also retaining the toxicity for a shorter period. Plankton and benthic fauna start developing from 8th day of the treatment. Bleaching powder treatment is more economical than deoiled mahua cake and is easily available throughout. Further work on the chemical aspects of bleaching powder application in the pond is under progress.

III. TRAINING ACTIVITY

Training programmes have been undertaken by the Centre for national and international fellows on various aspects of freshwater aquaculture. The fourth training course for 21 senior aquaculturists from Asia and the Pacific was conducted from 9th to 20th August, 1984. The Centre staff have also received international training either under IND/75/031 (Intensification of freshwater fish culture and training) or RAS/76/003 (NACA). This has further strengthened the research and extension capabilities of counterpart national staff in implementing the disciplinal and interdisciplinal research programmes. In-service training by consultants provided under country project (IND/75/031) have also strengthened the capabilities of the Centre staff.

Under the Lab-to-Land programme, demonstration on carp farming were arranged for 179 farmers during five training courses conducted in the year. Extension programme under KVK (Farm Science Centre) includes twenty-six training courses for 455 fish farmers and twenty home science courses for 223 village women folk in the period under report. In addition, the Trainers' Training Centre (TTC) has conducted three programmes for 38 fishery officials of the State Governments.

IV. INFORMATION ACTIVITY

The necessary ducting for the central air-conditioned room and other site preparations for HP 3000 computer are actively progressing. A number of data input sheets to initiate AQUIS is being filled in by the staff.

V. MAJOR PROBLEM

There were no major problems encountered in the implementation of project activities. However, some procedural difficulties were encountered in the installation of the HP 3000 computer. These are presently being resolved.

Appendix 3

PROGRESS REPORT OF
THE DIRECTOR OF RLCP
(Dr. A.C. Santiago, Jr.)

I. INTRODUCTION

The Regional Lead Centre in the Philippines continues to implement its three programmes with the research activity finally establishing its momentum and gathering credibility in the national sector particularly with the successful spawning of the sea bass and grouper in captivity. The research projects continued towards the refinement of existing shrimp and finfish seed production and culture techniques for technology packaging.

The first quarter of 1984 also saw the successful completion of the Third Training Course and the opening of the Fourth. Activities centred on the winding up of lecture series and practical work towards the early part of 1984 and the preparation for graduation of the participants of the Third Training Course.

The Fourth Training Course started smoothly last March 23, 1984 as scheduled with 21 trainees from 11 countries. More funding agencies have supported the training programme this year. The participants went on a study tour to the other lead centres of NACA for 2 months from July 15 to September 18, 1984. Lecture and practical instructions resumed upon their arrival in the Philippines.

The information activities concentrate on data collecting for AQUIS. The computer unit is in the process of being reorganized following the agreement of the host institution to shoulder the maintenance cost of the equipment and the sharing of computer time with other divisions of the Department. The host institution has acquired new terminals and disc drive to beef up existing computer system in order to cope with the projected usage of the computer and the incorporation of Brackishwater Aquaculture Information System (BRAIS) into the Information Service programme.

II. PROGRESS OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

1. Training Programme

1.1 Progress of the Third Training Course for Senior Aquaculturists in Asia and the Pacific Region, 1983–1984 Session

The participants of the Third Training Course were on a study tour from July to mid September to the other regional lead centres in Thailand, India and China including Hong Kong. The study tour has become an integral part of the one year intensive course which will give the participants paractical training in various major aquaculture practices especially on species of regional importance. The trainees were requested to submit a comprehensive report on the study covering the following topics :

1. Induce breeding and seed production of some commercially important finfish in Asia, Puntius, Clarias, Pangasius, Lates, (Thailand), Rohu (India), Chinese carps (China) and Siganids (Philippines).

2. Stocking of fish in inland open waters in Thailand, India and China (Reservoirs, lakes, canals, etc.)

3. The organization and administration of aquaculture research and development in Thailand, India and the Philippines

4. The economics of cage culture

5. Comparative study on the farming techniques and economics of monoculture and polyculture systems in pond culture practices in Asia. (Monoculture: Macrobrachium, penaeid shrimps, Trichogaster snakehead; polyculture: Indian and Chinese carps culture).

6. Integrated fish farming-production technology and economics

Upon return to the Philippines, the trainees resumed their class-room and practical works on recirculating system, pond culture, mollusc culture, fish health and sanitation, seaweed culture, aquaculture nutrition, rice/fish culture and aquaculture extension.

Nutrition classes were handled by the whole team of the SEAFDEC Centralized Analytical Laboratory and the Nutrition and Feed Development group. The trainees after being exposed to a comprehensive theoretical aspect on aquaculture nutrition, prepared their own formulations as part of their practical training.

Dr. Ronald Roberts from the University of Stirling in United Kingdom was the invited lecturer for Fish Health and Sanitation. A fair number from SEAFDEC 's Pathology group also attended his lecture. His session was very well received by bothe trainees and observers.

Lecturers for other subjects were mostly from the host institution and the University of the Philippines.

Dr. Gavino Trono from UP Diliman covered the various subject topics on Seaweed Culture. In addition to practical classes in the laboratory, the trainees went on a 4-day field trip to Cebu and Bohol to observe the culture of Euchema and Caulerpa. They also visited seaweed processing plants to study the post-harvest treatment of the algae.

The participants as part of their training on Aquaculture Extension were given lessons in computer programming (HP 3000 computer) and in entering/storing/retrieving of aquaculture information. They were also trained in data collection.

The last subjects taken up by the trainees were on Post Harvest Technology and Aquaculture Economics. After the preliminary lectures in Iloilo, the participants went to an observation tour from January 11-22, 1984 to Food Terminal Inc., in Taguig, Metro Manila as part of their practical study on Food Processing. Practical work on food Harvest Technology were also conducted in the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Aquaculture Economics was handled by Dr. Wilfrido Cruz from the College of Economics in the University of the Philippines in Los Banos while feasibility studies were conducted by Dr. Khoo Hong Woo of the National University of Singapore.

The comprehensive examinations conducted by the Training Course Philippines in the Visayas were given last March 14–16, 1984. Nineteen out of the twenty-one participants passed the Comprehensive Examinations. One passed after retaking the examination two months after. Hence, a total of twenty participants were awarded Master of Aquaculture degrees by the University.

Twenty-one participants successfully completed the Training Course and received their Diploma in Aquaculture in the graduation ceremony last March 23, 1984. The ceremony was well-attended with over a hundred guests including His Excellency Hoang Nghinh, the Ambassador of the Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Pablo Tameses, head of the Training Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippines, representing the Director of BFAR and Dr. Ulrich Grieb, Resident Representative of FAO and representatives from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

Dr. Grieb gave the keynote address to the graduates. Dr. Yosuhiko Taki, Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC AQD read the speech and greetings of the Chief of SEAFDEC AQD who was away abroad.

All participants safely returned in their home country and many have written back expressing their satisfaction over the course.

Fourth Training Course for Senior Aquaculturists in Asia and the Pacific Region, 1984–1985 Session

Invitation for nomiantion has been sent by the Project Coordinator in Bangkok to all governments in Asia and the Pacific Region. Although the closing date for nomination was set on December 6, 1983 many countries were unable to nominate their candidates on time. Nevertheless, the meeting of the Selection Committee was scheduled on 10 January 1984. The date of the opening ceremony for the Fourth Course was scheduled on 23rd March 1984 which coincided with the closing ceremony of the Third Training Course.

A. Selection of Candidates for the Fourth Training Course

The Selection Committee for the participants of the Fourth Training Course met last January 10 and February 22, 1984 to screen the 31 candidates from 11 countries.

The following were accepted for the Fourth Training Course:

1. Supriyono Eko Wardoyo (Indonesia, funded by World Bank Project)

2. Asmin Ismail (Indonesia, funded by World Bank Project)

3. Djati Widagdo (Indonesia, dunded by IDRC)

4. Suppachai Summawuthi (Thailand, funded by SEAFDEC)

5. Thavee Viputhanumas (Thailand, funded by SEAFDEC)

6. Nopadol Phuwapanish (Thailand, funded by IDRC)

7. K. Upali Dias (Sri Lanka, funded by Country IPF)

8. H.P. Amandakoon (Sri Lanka, funded by ADB Project)

9. Tukabu Teroroko (Kiribati, funded by COMSEC)

10. Maximiano Rivera Jr. (Philippines, funded by SEAFDEC)

11. Abraham Gaduang (Philippines, funded by SEAFDEC)

12. Leda Handog (Philippines, funded by IDRC)

13. Gu Binhe (China, funded by IDRC)

14. Abdul Rab (Pakistan, funded by IDRC)

15. Ismael Wong Cantera (Panama, funded by IDRC)

16. K.A. Dongre (India, funded by IDRC)

17. C.H. Thippeswamy (India, funded by NACA)

18. Adrian Vijiarungam (Malaysia, funded by SEAFDEC)

19. Nani Gopal Das (Bangladesh, funded by NACA)

20. Delowar Hossain Chowdhurry (Bangladesh funded by COMSEC)

21. James N. Paw (Philippines, funded by SEAFDEC)

B. Financial Arrangement

The participants were awarded fellowships by different fun in agencies as indicated above. The host institution administers and disburses the funds sent to its account according to the budget line prepared by the Training Coordinator and will also prepare periodic expense account statements for funding agencies.

The number of candidates sponsored by the various agencies are as follows:

C. Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony for the Fourth Training Course was held on the same day as the Graduation Exercise. The Chief of the Training Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BAFR), Philippines, Mr. Pablo Tameses spoke on behalf of the Director of BFAR, Felix Gonzales. The NACA Training Coordinator, Dr. Chua Thia-Eng, on behalf of FAO/NACA, Dr. Lydia Ledesma, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, on behalf of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas and Dr. Y.Taki, Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC AQD welcomed the participants.

D. Time-Table for Session 1984–85

The following are the main events of the Training Course time-table:

The time-table together with the list of instructors and exams schedule were approved by the 7th Meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Training Course.

The course schedule followed closely the prepared time-table. Subjects covered to-date are principles of Aquaculture, Species and Site Selection, Seed Production, Rice-Rish Cultivation, Running Water System, Pen and Cage Culture, Pond Construction, Aquaculture Economics, Open Water Stocking, Seaweed Culture, Fisheries Nutrition and part of the Post Harvest Technology.

The instructors for the above subjects were drawn from SEAFDEC AQD, UPV, ICLARM, Technology Resource Center (TRC), UP Los Banos and FAO.

Dr. Oopatham Pawaputanon, Chief of the NongKhai Fisheries Station in NongKhai, Thailand was the instructor for the Open Water Stocking from Oct. 4 to October 11. This was followed by the Mollusc Culture which was handled by the Mollusc Discipline Team members of the host institution. A field trip to Batan, Sapian and Roxas City (all parts or the Panay Island, Philippines) to observe the different mussel and oyster farms highlighted this course. The Seaweed Culture Course from Oct. 18–28 was handled by Dr. Gavino Trono of UP Diliman and was concluded after a field trip to Cebu and Bohol to the different seaweed farms and processing agencies involved in the post harvest processing algae. The fisheries Nutrition Course were again handled by the whole team of SEAFDEC AQD's Centralized Analytical Laboratory and the Nutrition and Feed Development Group. As in the past years, the trainees prepared their own diet formulation as part of their practical training. The Post Harvest Handling Course was handled by a team of professors from the University to the Philippines, Diliman. The practical training on food processing will be conducted at the Food Terminal Inc (FTI) in the month of December.

E. Study Tour of the Fourth Training Course Participants

The 21 participants of the Fourth Training Course left the Philippines last July 15, 1984 for two month study tour to the other lead centres of NACA in Thailand, India and China. The objective of the trip was for the participants to observe the various aquaculture practices in the region especially of the species which are of regional importance.

Mr. Pinij Kungvankij, Aquaculturists of the Project, accompanied the trainees to Thailand where they conducted practicum on seed production of Pangasius, Puntius and Clarias. They also surveyed the different cage culture farms and learned the various sampling methods in reservoirs including field observation at Ubol Ratana Reservoir in Khon Khan Province.

The visit in India from August 8–22 focused on the composite culture and evaluation of the extension programmes. They visited experimental farms specifically those utilizing sewage effluents as nutrient source. The Training Coordinator guided the participants in India.

The Director for Training and Extension of SEAFDEC AQD, Mr. Pastor L. Torres accompanied the trainees on the first leg of tour to China where participants took active part in the field survey of aquaculture system of fish farming and management of integrated farming system. Special attention was focused on the use of cages to raise fish fingerlings in reservoirs. The Training Coordinator joined the group in the final leg of the tour in China after his meeting in Hungary. The trainees returned to the Philippines last September 18, 1984. The following were the report topics which the trainees were asked to submit after the tour:

1. Structural design, lay-out and construction of hatchery/nursery facilities

2. Structural design, lay-out and construction of grow-out facilities.

3. Hatchery/nursery operation

4. Grow-out operation

5. Farm Management and Organization

6. Farm Economics

7. Marketing and post-harvest handling

8. Administration, research and development

9. Training and Extension

10. Aquaculture Investment

1.3 Background Information fo Course Participants

In order to facilitate the efficient monitoring of participants academic performance and to help the participants better in acquiring the necessary technical know-how, the project compiled a background information of the course participants which were distributed to all instructors concerned. It also includes the results of a pre-course assessment conducted two weeks upon their arrival to evaluate the level of proficiency in basic scientific disciplines and aquaculture.

1.4 Advisory Committee Meeting

The 7th Advisory Committee for the Training Course which convened last February 22, 1984 has acted on the following :

1. Endorsed the request of Mohamad Hilmi, participant of the Second Training Course who failed the Comprehensive Examinations of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas to resit the said examinations in Indonesia.

2. Recommended the payment of stipend of trainees be based on the current dollar exchange rate prevailing in the Philippines

3. Recommended general instructors meeting be held at least twice a year to discuss various matters concerning the NACA Training Course

4. Approved the course time-table for the 1984–85 session. List of instructors and examination schedules.

1.5 Post Training Performance

Questionnaires were sent to all the past 57 NACA graduates attending the RLCP training in the Philippines to assess their post training performance.

The results obtained in the said survey have interesting implication with the training received in RLCP. Three years after the NACA training, the 20 participants of the first training course have communicated regularly with the training coordinator and the project staff. Therefore, it was possible to monitor their activities. Most of them are holding responsible positions that can enable them to make use of what they have learned. Fifty-five per cent were promoted to higher position with some having corresponding salary increases. Thirty-five per cent although not promoted, were given additional responsibilities and workload. Only ten per cent remained in their old positions with the same job responsibilities.

Of the 47 respondents (82%) from the past three batches, six of them are currently holding positions in the director level. twelve as Chief/Head/OIC of stations, twenty-nine are serving in the capacity of officers and senior officers. When compared with the pre-training activities, a large percentage of the graduates are involved in administration and research while a sizable number in planning and training. However, there is a slight decrease in research activities from 68% before training to 62% after training.

It is also interesting to note the professional activities undertaken by the graduates. While 63% are involved in aquaculture research, 17% involved in policy making, 36% in aquaculture project formulation, 44% in organizing and implementing training programme, 34% number (23%) involved in internationally funded projects such as ADB, CIDA, IDRC, FAO, UNDP and IFS. Although the exact amount of fund involved are not available the quantum of funds that are handled by these graduates are relatively sizable. This indicates the importance of the present training course in directly or indirectly helping the implementation of national and internationally aided fisheries/aquaculture programmes.

Video Production

Out of the eleven topics endorsed by the Video Production Committee, two were completed:

1. Culture of micro-organisms for fish food

2. Farming of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Spin-off productions in collaboration with the host institution the training and extension use including for public relations were made:

1. Prawn Feed Preparation

2. Milkfish Fingerling Acclimation and Production in Freshwater

3. Soil and Water Analysis in Brackishwater Ponds

4. Biology of Peaneus monodon

5. Milkfish Fry Collection, Handling and Storage

6. Prawn Pond Preparation in Brackishwater

7. Milkfish Culture System

8. Bianagonan Research Station VTR

9. Leganes Research Station VTR

10. Naujan Sub-Station VTR

11. NACA-RLCP VTR

12. Limnological Studies in Laguna Lake

13. Ammonia Determination

14. Dissolved Oxygen Determination

15. Tilapia Cage Farming

16. Prawn Hatchery, Packing and Transport

17. Prawn (P. monodon) egg andlarval stages

18. Instrumentation for water analysis particularly on dissolved oxygen determination using La Motte Test Kit (Model EDO); nitrite-nitrogen determination using the Hatch Kit, pH determination and salinity determination using hydrometer

19. Algal isolation techniques such as:

    1. membrane filtration method
    2. capillary piptte method

    3. agar streaking method

20. Algal purification process including bacteria-free culture system

21. aquatic organisms used in aquaculture

    1. Tetraselmis
    2. Brachionue
    3. Marine Yeast
    4. Artemia
    5. Chaetoceros
    6. Others

Documentation services were also conducted for the SEAFDEC AQD's Crustacean and Finfish Programs which included prawn molting experiments. The Sea bass technology joint verification project of SEAFDEC AQD and BFAR was also documented.

The video facilities are being fully utilized for the preparation of instructional materials for NACA Training as well as for the training courses of the host institution.

1.7 Aquaculture Training Needs Survey

The project, in collaboration with the International Research and Development Centre (IDRC) is conducting an aquaculture training needs survey. It is the objective of the survey to know the types and number of technical personnel needed for aquaculture development for the next 10 years in different countries in Asia so that a proper mechanism can be developed to organize the necessary aquaculture training courses in the region.

The questionnaires were sent to the different institutions, agencies/bureaus and ministries related to Fisheries in the different countries. As of this writing, concerned institutions from Brunei, Hongkong, Fiji, Kiribati, Korea, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Thailand.

The Training Coordinator, as part of this survey, will personally visit some countries to talk to the relevant authorities on their manpower requirements.

The Aquaculture Training Needs Survey Reports shall be submitted upon completion of the survey.

1.8 Fifth Training Course

Invitations to the different countries in Asia and the Pacific to nominate their respective candidates to participate in the Fifth Training Course have been sent as early as July 1984. The deadline for the submission of the nominations was set on December 7, 1984.

2. Information Programme

Editing and modification of data on existing data units were done to conform with the norms and requirements of ADCP. A total of 511 data units have already been collected.

Efren Abancio, Data Analyst, was sent to Singapore for HP 3000 computer System Management Course from June 10–18, 1984. The main objective of the training course is to develop the system manager for the responsibilities of efficiently allocating and controlling the computer system resources.

A seminar-workshop was conducted last May 31, 1984 for the fish farmers of the Iloilo Federation of Fish Producers headed by Mr. Leonardo Denila. The main objective of the seminar was to explain to the fish farmers of Iloilo the function of NACA especially the information programme, The farmers were given demonstrations on how AQUIS work and taught how to complete the AQUIS data input sheet. The farmers present promised to assist in the completion of the AQUIS input sheets. The question of withholding the names of the owner of the fish farms was raised. It was assured that no names of the owner of the farms will be disclosed. Reference numbers, however, will be utilized. A master list of names and reference number will be kept in Rome. The Officer-in-charge of the project has written and personally talked to the President of the Federation of Aquaculturists in the Philippines to assist in data inputting for the AQUIS programme.

A special meeting was held regarding the usage of the computer by the other units of the Department and the consequent sharing of maintenance cost of the unit. Several meetings among heads of division of SEAFDEC AQD was held on the matter and the concept of sharing computer time was agreed on without prejudice to the Information Programme of NACA specifically the AQUIS and the MINISIS.

The Director for Training and Extension has submitted a proposal where AQUIS will be integrated with the Brackishwater Aquaculture Information System (BRAIS). Details of the proposal is yet to be finalized upon agreement of all parties concerned. Due to this integrated function, the Director of Training and Extension has initiated a familiarization course on AQUIS Project. It was the objective of the host institution to launch an expanded data collection activity which started with a familiarization seminar for 3 days last Oct. 22–24, 1984. The participants of the course were those directly involved with the AQUIS Project as well as some extension personnel who needed to know the operation of the project. Mr. George Mantzarlis, System Analyst of FAO, Rome arrived in RLCP on October 25 to provide technical assistance in the operation of the computer programme.

3. Instructional Materials

Lecture notes and instructional materials are currently being edited with the intention for publication for wider circulation.

The project research team is preparing a shrimp training manual for the use of extension workers and private fish farmers. So far, the following are being prepared:

• Aquaculture Extension

• Basic Principles in Selecting Sites of Aquafarms

• Post Harvest Technology

• Rice Fish Cultivation

• Shrimp Hatchery Design, Operation and Management

4. Philippines National Aquaculture Centre (PNAC)

The Memorandum of Understanding among Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), SEAFDEC AQD and UNDP/FAO/NACA on the Philippine National Aquaculture Centre was signed last 21 July 1983 by representatives of these organization.

The linkages with RLCP shall be along the following areas:

1. Testing of technology established by the RLCP

2. Collection of aquaculture data for the Aquaculture Information System (AQUIS). Information collected by the PNAC shall be on the prescribed AQUIS entry sheets and will be processed by the RLCP to be stored in the HP 3000 computer.

3. National aquaculture training programme for extension workers or technicians may include conducting training courses at national level on certain specific culture system.

While the grow-out aspect of shrimp culture has been tested by SEAFDEC AQD at the 4 BFAR-Brackishwater Demonstration and Training Centres request to select a suitable shrimp hatchery site has been made by BFAR in order to submit request for financial assistance to FAO through the Technical Cooperative Programme (TCP). Mr. Pinij Kungvankij of NACA and three technical staff of BFAR conducted a series of survey in Pagbilao. Quezon, Zambales, Calape, Bohol and Lala, Lanao del Norte. The survey team recommended Pang-ngan Bay as the most ideal site.

The National Economic and Development Authority of the Philippines (NEDA) had formally endorsed to FAO the proposal last Oct. 1, 1984. The total assistance from FAO is estimated at US$ 98,080 while GOP inputs which will be provided by BFAR is estimated at Pesos 1,277,440 for one year duration.

Out of the four field centres of PNAC in the different agroclimatic regions of the country, only one field centre will be initially linked with NACA, RLCP with FAO/TCP assistance and the site is to be located in Calape, Bohol.

5. Newsletter

The fourth issue of the NACA Newsletter was released in November 1983. Several request for future subscription were received after this issue. Letters to the editor were received describing the issue as very informative. The fifth issue was released last July 1984. The sixth issue is being prepared.

6. Research Programme

The research activities of SEAFDEC AQD, FAO/NACA programme were geared towards the testing and refinement of existing shrimp and finfish seed production and culture techniques. The main objective is to generate an appropriate shrimp and finfish (Seabass and grouper) technology that can be immediately transferred to the farmer.

A. 6.1 Successful Spawning of grouper, Epinephelus tauvian (Forskal)

Grouper, Epinephelus tauvina (Forskal) were induced to spawn in captivity by hormone injection last 13 October. Spawning by stripping and fertilization was effected after dilution of milt in sea water and the larvae were subsequently reared.

6.2 Mass production and larval rearing of sea bass (Lates calcarifer Bloch)

The technique on induced spawning either by hormone injection or environmental manipulation are being tested and refined. The study was conducted in two-60 tons concrete tanks.

Meanwhile, the experiment on larval rearing was also implemented. The expected result of this study is to provide information needed for standardization and packaging. Over the month of May to August, a total of more than 1 million sea bass fingerlings were produced as a result of various production runs.

6.3 Experiment on Pond Culture of Sea Bass

The successful spawning of sea bass in captivity was achieved by the research team last August 1983 which made sea bass (Lates calcarifer Bloch) an important specie of fish with potential for culture development in the Philippines in the region.

In order to serve the needs of the regions, various studies on culture techniques of sea bass had been conducted. The preliminary trial run on optimum stocking density, feed and feeding are now ongoing. Meanwhile, with the purpose of increasing production and reducing production cost, polyculture of sea bass with Tilapia mossambica was also studied. The experiments are now ongoing.

6.4 Verification of Shrimp Larval Rearing Techniques

Experiments on verification and refinement of shrimp larval rearing techniques are mostly completed. The results are being analyzed for technology packaging. A training manual on shrimp hatchery operation and management and the NACA technical series on hatchery operation have been prepared and are being edited for publication.

6.5 Improved Traditional Shrimp Culture Technique for Increasing Pond Yield

The method of farming is aimed at increasing production output through manipulation of the traditional extensive culture technique without substantial investment. The experiment was based on the assumption that the natural food in a fertilization pond can support a higher density of shrimp for the first two months. Supplementary feeding will be given necessary nutrient for the growing juveniles.

Two experimental runs of this study were completed. The first run was to determine the optimum stocking density, followed by using the optimum stocking density from the first run, modified by transferring the animal to the new fertilized pond after a culture period of 45 and 60 days. The result showed that transfer of animals after culture period of 60 days gives the highest growth and production.

The experiment results are being further verified for technology packages for testing at the national centre or progressive farmers.

6.6 Alternative Culture of P. monodon and P. indicus/merguiensis

Shrimp farmers have always experienced poor growth rate of P. monodon during summer season or in pond with high salinity. The production per unit area can be raised if species such as P. indicus/P. merquiensis which were tolerant to high salinity can be cultured as an alternate species for P. monodon during the dry season. The preliminary trial which was conducted during the rainy season (June-October) was compelted. The second run will be implemented during the dry season.

6.7 Maturation of Tiger Shrimp

The induced maturation studies by eyestalk ablation in the concrete tanks resulted to selected wild broodstock having the significantly better maturation than the unselected animals. The criteria for selection are the following :

1. complete appendages

2. no broken backs

3. thylecum full of spermatophore

4. size of female animals should be more than 100 grams

To ensure sufficient and constant supply of tiger shrimp spawners, studies are being conducted toward inducing the maturation of pond reared broodstock. An experiment on the comparison in maturation rate of pond reared and wild broodstock is now ongoing.

B. NACA Technology Series

While the research findings by the various research studies are being prepared for publication in journals, the results of various studies on technological refinement are now being packaged and will be published for further testing by other national aquaculture centres in different countreis.

Two documents on NACA technology series are being prepared. These are :

1. A prototype warmwater shrimp hatchery (NACA Technology Series No.2)

2. An improved traditional shrimp culture technique for increasing pond yield. (NACA Technology Series No. 1)

7. Visitors

The Regional Lead Centre of the Philippines received a number of visitors during this period. The NACA Coordinator, Mr. Chen Foo Yan visited the project in early January and again this June with Dr. T.V.R. Pillay, Programme Leader of FAO. They discussed with the management of the host institution several matters affecting the implementation of the programme. The regular visiting instructors arrived as expected from different institutions. They included Dr. Ronald Roberts from Stirling University, Dr. Florian Orejana, Dr. John Sumner, Ms. Carmelita Bigueras, Dr. Gavino Trono all from the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Dr. Wilfrido Cruz and Dr. Cora Aragon from the University of the Philippines in Los Banos; Dr. Roger Pullin from ICLARM.

A delegation from the Regional Lead Centre in China visited RLCP headed by Dr. Liu Shiyeng, Director of the Shanjiang Fisheries Institute. Dr. Onil Perera, Director of National Aquatic Resource Agency of Sri Lanka and Dr. S. Subasinghe, Director of Food Technology of the same agency visited in July.

Scientist who were guests of the host institution sometimes give lectures when requested to the trainees. Among them are Drs. Lawrence Crim and Brian Harvey of IDRC.

Others who visited the project are Dr. Brian Davy, Mr. Chin, Dr. Pedro Flores of IDRC, Dr. Ismet Hakim, FAO Chief of Regional Bureau of Asia and the Pacific, Field Programme Div., Dr. Gerald Schroeder from Israel and Mr. George Mantzarlis, System Analyst of FAO, Rome.

8. Seminar on Research Management

Semi nar on Research Management and ADCP Directors meeting was held at Szarvas, Hungary last August 23 to September 1, 1984. RLCP was represented by Dr. T.E. Chua, Mr. Pinij Kungvankij, Aquaculturist (Research) and Dr. Alfredo C. Santiago, Chief of SEAFDEC AQD and Director, RLCP.

Among the topics discussed were Research Management, Goals, Plans and Strategies of Research, Personnel Management, International and National Aquaculture Research, Packing and Verification of Technology. The meeting of Centre Directors and Advisers were held on the last day of the seminar.

9. Evaluation Mission Team

As part of the evaluation programme of the FAO, an evaluation team arrived at RLCP last November 4–8, 1984 accompanied by Mr. Chen Foo Yan. While in the Philippines, they met with the Resident Representatives, Director of the National Economic Dev. Authority, Bureau of Fisheries Director, RLCP Director. They aimed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the project.

10. Problems and Constraints

1. The economic condition of the Philippines has affected financial inputs to the host institution. As a result, the operating budget of the host institution has been severely minimized which in turn affected the support of the host institution to the project. The project, aside from the contributions of FAO, is made to rely more and more on the fellowship funds from the donor agencies. Essential supplies which are necessary in the training activities are not always available in the market such as photocopying paper, mimeographing paper and other needs due to the importation restriction. Likewise, inspite of the inflationary effects in the cost of living, no substantial wage adjustment were made on the employees of the host institution which caused demoralization among its employees including those who are directly working for the project.

2. Lack of research operating funds

   The host institution has provided about US$ 10,999 for 1984 for the conduct of the research activities. This is grossly insufficient in relation to the scale of research activities. This is one of the major drawback of the research programme.

3. Peso devaluation affects sub-imprest level

   The repeated devaluation of the peso considerably reduced the value of the peso on the sub-imprest level account. The lost as a result of the devaluation is considerable. A dollar account for the project may be more appropriate.

4. Lack of manpower to collect data for computer information

   Data inputting for AQUIS and MINISIS has not progressed as expected due to the shortage of manpower who will collect data. This is also coupled with the demoralization of the computer staff which has long requested for a salary adjustment commensurate to their job description. The host institution is taking remedial action to collect information for AQUIS and BRAIS into the Department Information Service System.

5. Lack of suitable insurance scheme to covercourse participants and instructors

   While the FAO sponsored participants were automatically covered under the group insurance plant at FAO headquarters, participants sponsored by other agencies have to be coverd under a separate insurance scheme. In the absence of a local insurance company that provides comparable insurance coverage as that of FAO, the project cover those participants with AFIA, an international insurance company with locally based branch which covers accident and hostpitalization. The premium amounts to 882.75 per person or US$ 45.71, however, the maximum coverage is usually not sufficient to meet the hospital bills if the participant undergoes surgical operation. A recent case was a Panamian participant who was operated on due to acute appendicitis. His hospital bills came to 5,875.00 or US$ 326.39. The balance has to be absorved by the training programme.

   In relation to cases where participants need to be operated on, consent of guardian is usually required by the hospitals before operations are performed. The legal implication of the Training Coordinator giving consent in behalf of the parent of guardian in emergency cases is now being raised to the FAO Headquarters for clarification.

   In this connection also, the instructors teaching in the programme are not insured as they do not receive any payment of salary or honoraria but some are paid the DSA. The question of medical benefits will arise if in case some instructors become ill or hospitalized during the period of his duty with the training programme. Advise of FAO headquarters on this matter is, likewise, being sought.

6. Late nomination of candidates

   Late nominations of candidates by their governments have constantly affect the timely admission of trainees both to the training course and the masteral degree programme of UPV. Governments were advised to nominate their candidates as soon as possible and try to keep the deadline for the nominations.

7. Instability of the Project life

   Because the project existence is renewed every year, this prevents long-term planning for development of the project. This may also cause serious problem of the staff looking for opportunity of employment elsewhere due to the uncertainty of their appointments yearly.

Appendix 4

PROGRESS REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF RLCT
(Dr. Thiraphan Bhukaswan)

I. INTRODUCTION

Since the last Advisory Committee Meeting held in Wuxi, China in October 1983, the progress of work at the Regional Lead Centre in Thailand (RLCT) has been considerably slowed down because of the fish disease epidemic and the aftermath of severe floods which occurred in the Central Plains in the last quarter of 1983. Despite these problems, some progress has been made, and plans are being formulated to provide greater input into the implementation of RLCT activities in the next few years.

II. FIELD FACILITIES

The pond facilities at the Nong Sua Fisheries Station in Suphanburi Province have been found to be unsuitable for conducting grow-out experiments because of acid sulphate soil and the lack of control over water supply which is under the jurisdiction of the Irrigation Department. The Centre is presently negotiating for the use of a more suitable field facility for conducting production-oriented research.

III. NATIONAL STAFF

In view of the staffing problem at the National Inland Fisheries Institute (NIFI) where the RLCT operating office is located, the Department of Fisheries has submitted a proposal to increase the number of technical personnel by 30 within the next three years - two in 1985 and 14 each for 1986 and 1987. Strengthening of existing staff capabilities is a continuing process at NIFI, the host institution of the Thai Centre. While two have returned after completion of the NACA one-year multidisciplinary training course for senior aquaculturists another RLCT biologist is undergoing training in aquaculture economics.

IV. RESEARCH ACTIVITY

As a result of unprecedented floods in the Central Plains, grow-out and nursery pond experiments on Macrobrachium prawn and catfish culture were aborted. The monitoring of the pilot project for Trichogaster gouramy culture, and the experiments on pen culture of Puntius and tilapia were similarly abandoned, resulting in much loss of effort and research funds. Although the Trichogaster culture experiment, based on the total system approach has restarted, management problem related to the farmer's interest has made the experimental results unreliable. While netcage culture on Pangasius, Puntius and tilapia has been initiated in Narathiwas Province in South Thailand, grow-out experiments for Macrobrachium is expected to be resumed next year when suitable field facilities are made available.

Mr. G. Spiller, the former Associate Expert (catfish culture research) attached to the Centre, has finally submitted in October 1984 a hand-written report on his 2 year work on catfish culture. This is being examined for the purpose of publishing suitable results of some components of the catfish culture system.

Field survey on Pangasius culture are continuing while the Thai technology for Macrobrachium culture has been compiled.

The Centre has also implemented two experiments on fish nutrition: one is on the pantothenic acid requirement of the catfish and the other is on the growth and survival of Pangasius fingerlings fed with feed formulated with the use of brewery and cannery wastes. The results are presently being analysed.

In view of the national crisis created by the fish disease epidemic in Thailand a multidisciplinary group of researchers from various national agencies and tertiary institutions has been set up to study the problem. The scientific disciplines involved include agricultural sciences, aquaculture, aquatic sciences, medical sciences, public health, etc. The Department of Fisheries is the coordinating body with the host institution (NIFI) of RLCT playing the lead role. Research being conducted by the Centre include studies on fish diseases (bacterial, viral and parasitic) and the stress effect resulting from poor water quality and other environmental factors.

V. TRAINING ACTIVITY

The Centre played host to the participants of the RLCP-based Training Course for Senior Aquaculturists for the fourth consecutive year during 15 July - 8 August 1984. Based on past experiences and feedback from former trainees, the course conducted in Thailand has been improved and made more efficient. Much efforts have been put into its preparation and organization prior to the arrival of the participants. The most recent advances in Thai aquaculture developed through research have been incorporated into the Centre's training programme for immediate transfer to the trainees.

The 21 participants from 11 countries were given hands-on training in the artificial propagation andlarval rearing of Clarias macrocephalus and Puntius gonionotus at the National Inland Fisheries Institute, Bangkok and Pangasius sutchi at the Chainat Fisheries Station. They also visited Lopburi Province to study cage culture of sand goby (Oxyelotris marmorata) nd Uthai Thani for Pangasius culture. Training in Macrobrachium and artemia production, conducted at the Chacheongsao Fisheries Station occupied 30% of their time in Thailand. They were also exposed to the culture system of seabass (Lates calcarifer) and penaeid shrimp at the Rayong Fisheries Station. Two days were spent in Khon Kaen for the practical aspects of reservoir fisheries and open-water stocking. Field visits to private farms producing Trichogaster and snakehead were also organized in addition to those mentioned.

VI. INFORMATION ACTIVITY

The Centre continues to collect and process numerical information for the AQUIS data base. To date, 247 data units have been stored and merged with those from RLCP and FAO. The consolidated data base now contains 915 data units. A copy of the merged tape has been sent to all other centres along with a copy of the master tape for the ASFA data base which contains about 13,000 bibliographic references. An additional 70 data input sheets have been compiled; they will be entered into the computer after checking. Major effort has been placed on consolidating the existing data, and much modifications have been made since June 1984 at the suggestions of ADCP. The System Analyst of ADCP, Mr. George Mantzarlis, visited the Centre in October/November (enroute to the Philippines and to Rome) to assist in the implementation of RLCT information activity.

A checklist of available information along with computer printout of cross reference tables and selected data units have been sent to participating governments, with an explanatory note on the ways in which such information could be used for development planning, research and training. Participating governments and national aquaculture institutions have also been requested to assist in the collection of information. Hong Kong and Singapore have responded to the request.

Several requests from within and outside the region for computer searches on AQUIS and ASFA have been received. These requests were made by scientists and librarians attached to national fisheries institutions as well as by two commercial farmers located in the Indian subcontinent. Their requests have been met, but the cost of mailing is high.

Ms. Ratsame-Arporn Pipitsombut, the RLCT Programmer, underwent a week's course on Introduction to Computer Management System in Singapore in June. However, she resigned in September to join a commercial firm. Efforts are being made to recruit another programmer.

VII. OTHER ACTIVITIES

The RLCT Director and Dr. Mali Boonyaratpalin attended the seminar on Research Management organized by ADCP. The Seminar, which was held on 23–31 August 1984 at the Inter-regional Aquaculture Centre in Szarvas, Hungary, was to strengthen the management and implementation of research in the six ADCP regional aquaculture centres, of which RLCT is one. A meeting of all ADCP Centre Directors and their senior advisers was also held to review the work progress and to consider ways and means of improving contacts and exchange of experiences amongst the centres, including those from Africa, Latin America and Hungary. The RLCT staff benefited much from participating in the Seminar and the Directors' Meeting. Contacts made with colleagues in other regions have also been beneficial.

Much preparatory work has been made for the visit of the UNDP evaluation mission. The mission members visited the Centre and held discussion with the staff on 24 November. They were taken to the field the next day to observe small-scale aquaculture farming activities as practised in Thailand, and to assess the impact of the Thailand Centre's work on these practices.

The Centre also facilitated the work of the Chinese experts who visited Thailand to assist in the development of carp hatchery under TCDC arrangement.

VIII. MAJOR PROBLEMS

Limitations in operating funds, suitable manpower and field facilities have continued to impede the implementation of RLCT activities. These constraints have been further compounded by the continuing problem of fish disease epidemic and the major floods in Thailand. The Centre staff have also been diverted to other projects funded by FAO/TCP and other agencies, including activities of a national nature. Actions are being taken to resolve these problems, especially those related to constraints of manpower and field facilities.

IX. FUTURE ACTIVITIES

While continuing efforts will be directed at consolidating the three major activities of research, training and information, future work programmes will also include the implementation of TCDC activities as recommended by the latest Tripartite Review, and the establishment of linkages with national aquaculture centres in the region for technology transfer. The Centre will participate in the programmes for the secondment of young researchers to work as members of the RLCT research teams for in-service training, and the exchange of scientists and expertise, subject to the availability of NACA's funding resources.