11. The NACA Coordinator presented his annual report covering the period December 1981 - November 1982. The report, along with the annual report of each of the four Directors of the lead centres is reproduced in Annex VII.
12. In highlighting the project achievements and progress he informed the Committee that most of the project activities along with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee and the Tripartite Review Team were in different stages of implementation. The increase in momentum of implementing NACA activities has been largely due to the increased efforts of the host governments and host institutions, and the recruitment of the remaining project staff.
13. As in the previous year, priority has again been given to the implementation of training activities. A total of 54 participants from 15 countries have graduated from the two group-training courses. The lead centre in China (RLCC) has completed two 4-month training courses on integrated fish farming, while the centre in the Philippines (RLCP) has completed its first training course for senior aquaculturists. Its second course will be concluded in March 1983. Nominations for the third group-training courses commencing in April 1983 are being processed for the two centres.
14. The Coordinator also drew attention to the encouraging feedbacks from the two group-training courses, which represented some examples of regional cooperation in action, underscoring the strength and benefits of NACA.
15. With the recent initiation of the shrimp culture research project in RLCP all the centres are now implementing their research programmes, adhering to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee. Summarised research results of RLCT and RLCI have been disseminated to participating governments through progress reports and the NACA newsletter.
16. With the installation of computers and AQUIS software along with staff training by the ADCP System Analyst, both RLCT and RLCP have initiated the information activity. Agreement with IDRC on the use of MINISIS has also been finalized for the two centres. The information activity at RLCI and RLCC will be implemented in 1983.
17. The Committee was also informed of the progress of other activities of NACA, including the follow-up actions taken in establishing National Aquaculture Centres in Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, and the publication and distribution of two issues of the NACA six-monthly newsletter.
18. NACA has continued its policy of collaborating with other organizations and agencies in achieving common goals. A Memorandum of Understanding on the operation of RLCP has been signed by SEAFDEC and NACA. Under the SEAFDEC Fellowship Programme, the Aquaculture Department has provided 10 fellowships for SEAFDEC Member Countries to participate in the 1983/84 session of the training course for senior aquaculturists. These are in addition to the 18 fellowships offered for the first and second training courses.
19. Discussions with IDRC on collaboration in NACA activities have been encouraging and fruitful. In addition to the donation of MINISIS package it has also responded positively to the request for four fellowships by Sri Lanka (1), Nepal (1), and Indonesia (2) for participation in the third postgraduate training programme for senior aquaculturists.
20. Encouraging discussions have been held with ADB on collaborative support in the development of manpower. A decision will be made soon.
21. Meanwhile China has further enhanced the NACA's TCDC activity by making available $130,000 from its UNDP Country IPF to provide 16 fellowships to countries within the Asia-Pacific region to participate in the third training course on integrated fish farming.
22. In addition to the activities as identified in the project document, it is proposed to document the ‘state of the art’ on fish culture systems selected for studies by NACA. Production of audio-visual aids including video cassettes on these systems is in progress. Brief mention was made of the possibility of organizing a second regional workshop on aquaculture planning in Asia in 1985 to evaluate the progress made since the first one held in Bangkok in 1975. Subject to the approval of the Second Advisory Committee Meeting, follow-up action will be taken to establish a governing council of NACA as recommended during the Committee's First Meeting. However, all these activities will depend very much on the availability of funds and manpower which are the major constraints, as experienced in the course of project implementation.
23. In the ensuing discussions the Committee expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of NACA activities. However, since the establishment of a governing council is dependent on the nature and source of funding, the committee considered it premature to discuss the matter.
24. The Directors of the four Lead Centres were then invited to present their annual progress reports on the activities of their respective centres.
Activities of RLCC
25. In 1982, continued progress in training, research and information collection and documentation has been achieved. In addition, the facilities for these purposes within the Centre have been increased and improved, and the staff has been expanded in the areas of research and training.
26. The second training course in integrated fish farming was conducted from 15 April to 3 August 1982, with sixteen participants from ten countries in the Asia-Pacific region successfully completing the course. In addition, a ten-day study tour to RLCC by the current course participants of RLCP was conducted in September 1982.
27. It is gratifying to find that the training provided is being utilized. Reports of a number of achievements by the participants following their return to their home countries have been received by NACA and the Centre.
28. The research programme was initiated this year with the design and implementation of two experiments. This included testing the effects of different livestock manures upon fish growth, and a study of the impact of different pond sizes on fish yield. The data are presently being analysed and detailed reports of the results will be completed shortly.
29. Information collection from fish farms in the Wuxi area has also begun. The data from these surveys are being used for comprehensive reports of farm activities, and the information is also being entered on the AQUIS format to be used in the computerized information system.
30. The Centre itself continues to be developed. Construction is in progress and research laboratories and training facilities are being outfitted further with additional equipment contributed from the UNDP/FAO and the Government of the People's Republic of China.
Activities of RLCI
31. Most of the infrastructures needed for implementation of the disciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects proposed to be undertaken under the project have been completed. However, as a result of the unprecedented floods in August 1982, there were some major damage of the back sector of the farm and minor damages in certain installation and equipment. Action is afoot to repair them.
32. The laboratories on fish genetics, fish diseases, fish nutrition, feed formulation, reproductive physiology, etc., the required staff, both scientific and supporting staff have already been provided by the host institution. Highlights of research achievements are the success in producing gynogenetic common carp, rohu, catla and silver carp, freeze-dried preparation of micro-encapsulated diet of whole egg fortified with minerals and vitamins, pelleted diet preparation, role of vitamin C in preventing scoliosis and lordosis in the early stages of rearing of spawn/fry, and the role of prophylactic treatment in reducing the mortality of fry, spawn and also the brood stock.
33. Preliminary multidisciplinary research on major components of carp farming system such as brood stock management, seed production and production of table-sized fish have shown some promising results. While rearing of carp fry and fingerlings with aeration has given significantly better growth compares to control, quick bath in antibiotic and a dip in KMnO4 and feeding with balance diet showed considerable reduction in the mortality rate in the nursing operation. Considerable reduction in the mortality rate of spawners through prophylactic treatment of Columnaris disease, and better performance of rohu in comparison to catla and mrigal in weed-infested undrainable ponds, have also been observed. Further experiments are in progress to confirm the above observations.
34. The NACA Senior Aquaculturist trainees underwent training in composite fish culture and integrated farming at RLCI.
35. Future activities of RLCI in 1983 will involve intensification of the multidisciplinary research on brood stock management, particularly of catla, seed production and farming of table-sized fish in undrainable ponds. The training component will be continued. It is hoped that as soon as the HP3000 computer is installed, information activities as envisaged in the project document and suggested by the Advisory Committee will be initiated.
Activities of RLCP
36. In 1982, RLCP has implemented all its project activities in training, research and information.
37. The first training course for senior aquaculturists concluded in March, 1982 with 20 participants from 13 countries graduating. The second training course started on 1 April 1982 with 16 participants from 8 countries. The practical training in Thailand, India, China and Hong Kong commenced on July 19 and concluded on 24 September 1982. The training, resumed in RLCP is expected to be concluded on 31 March 1983. RLCP maintained constant contact with past graduates, and so far had obtained favourable feedback with respect to their performance after training. An implementing guidelines for the award of a Master in Aquaculture degree by the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) is being finalised. The Centre is in the process of producing 2 video cassettes for instructional and extension purposes.
38. The research work on the farming of shrimp in ponds has been initiated with the appointment of NACA Aquaculturist (research). A broodstock-hatchery-nursery complex has been constructed and will be operational early January 1983. Research activities for 1982 was concentrated on shrimp production in grow-out ponds. All the existing 32 ponds are fully utilized for research studies in accordance with the research outline proposed by the FAO Task Force.
39. The Centre has now installed a HP3000 minicomputer and a MINISIS package. The technical staff of the Centre has also been trained in the use of the Aquaculture Information System and the MINISIS. The Centre has taken active steps to collect and enter available aquaculture information in the data base. Operational guidelines on the use of the computer has been drawn up to ensure maximum and efficient use of the equipment.
40. The Centre has produced two issues of NACA newsletter for distribution to the participating governments, various Lead Centres, international organizations, FAO and UNDP representatives in Asia and the Pacific and other relevant agencies and individual aquaculturists.
41. The Government of the Philippines has designated the Pagbilao Brackishwater Demonstration and Training Centre in association with three other BFAR Centres located in Paombong-Hagonoy, Bulacan; Calape, Bohol; and Lala, Lanao del Norte, as the Philippines National Aquaculture Centre to be linked with the RLCP. These centres were established by BFAR with the assistance of UNDP/FAO.
Activities of RLCT
42. During the year, the implementation of RLCT activities has accelerated. Research has again dominated the activities of the centre while effort has also been directed at implementing the information and training activities.
43. Research facilities and participation of national professional staff have increased. The updated details of RLCT facilities has been prepared as a working paper (NACA/WP/82/4) and distributed. Priority has been placed on adaptive and production oriented research, in close cooperation with small farmers. It involved minor changes to the artisanal practices aimed at increasing yield per unit area and lowering production cost by means of improved technology and management. This approach has more than doubled the yield of Trichogaster farmed in uncultivated ricefields, increasing from 850–930 kg/ha/8 months to 2,200 kg/ha/8 months. Similar study for catfish culture has also yielded encouraging results.
44. The centre played host to the participants of the second training course for senior aquaculturists during their 5-week stay in Thailand from 19 July to 20 August.
45. Preparations for the RLCT information activity started early in the year. This involved the setting up of a special computer and operation room, the training of 5 information personnel and the installation of the computer hardware and the AQUIS package. The ADCP System Analyst assisted in installing the AQUIS package and training the staff in using it. He also conducted an introductory course on the operation of the HP3000 computer.
46. Agreement with IDRC on the use of MINISIS has been signed. Arrangements are being made to conduct a training course on MINISIS early next year.
47. The proposed programme of activities for 1983 has been prepared. Continuing effort will be made to improve training capabilities on aquaculture systems as practised in Thailand for future NACA training programmes. Efforts will also be directed at documenting bibliographic information on aquaculture operations in Thailand upon the completion of the MINISIS installation and training.
48. Limitation of operating funds, manpower and facilities have continued to impede the effective implementation of RLCT activities. Eventhough actions have been taken by DOF to provide additional operating funds and facilities, these are not adequate to implement all RLCT activities. Further funds must be provided to enable the hiring of temporary technicians or graduate students and purchasing equipments needed for the research, training and information activities of the Centre.
