68. In response to the enquiry by the representative of Indonesia concerning the selection of a research station as National Aquaculture Centre linked with NACA, the Coordinator informed the Committee that he had visited one of the proposed stations and had communicated with the relevant authority. Further actions are being taken.
69. With regards to contribution to the NACA operational budget, the representative from Indonesia informed the Committee that discussion would be held with the Secretary of the Cabinet.
70. In answering the question raised by Mr. Kanaan, FAO Representative in China, regarding economic viability of the integrated fish farming systems, Mr. Shan Jian pointed out that the Centre's economic survey of the various types and models of integration of fish with livestocks, crops and sericulture was aimed at elucidating the economic efficiency and revenue of various integrated farming systems.
71. The subject of research management which is very important in ensuring success in research programmes, was raised by Dr. Pillay who requested the directors of various lead centres to share their experience on this aspect.
72. In response, the directors of the centres pointed out that the lack of funds and trained manpower were the main constraints confronting the implementation of the research programmes. It was further pointed out that the serious limitation in funds make it difficult to complete the ambitious programme. At the moment most research projects were carried out through national government's contribution.
73. Dr. Chua then added that in addition to funds, manpower and facilities, a stable conducive working environment and capable leadership are of utmost importance to multidisciplinary, production-oriented research.
74. While indicating IDRC positive reaction towards NACA training, Dr. Davy stressed the importance in maintaining quality training and suggested conducting short-term training courses through the NACA mechanism. IDRC has the intention to have some inputs in such training course. Dr. Pillay explained that the limited manpower available in NACA made it necessary to ensure additional resources are provided to conduct other short-term training courses. It is essential to concentrate efforts on the main activities of NACA including the two established training courses. He pointed out that under the framework of ADCP, short-term training in Aquaculture Engineering has been organised at the Inter-regional Aquaculture Centre in Hungary.
75. In response to the enquiry of IDRC regarding the training needs of each country in the region, Dr. Pillay informed that since the Asian Aquaculture Planning Workshop in 1975 at which an estimate of manpower requirements for aquaculture development was made, modifications may have to be made taking into consideration of new development and priority of governments, as reflected by the representative of Nepal at the previous Advisory Committee Meeting. IDRC indicated that an updated manpower requirements will assist him to justify IDRC support for training.
76. The representative from Sri Lanka informed the group that in its 5-year plan for aquaculture development, the Government has arranged with ADB to support 2 nationals for the Senior Aquaculturists Training Course in the Philippines from 1985. However, for the year 1984, provision has been made for one candidate to be sponsored by UNDP and another by ADB. As for the 4-month Training Course in Integrated Fish Farming in China it hopes to approach IDRC to fund 2 persons each year for the next 5 years, commencing 1984.
77. Thailand indicated needs of 10 more senior aquaculturists and 15 specialists in integrated fish farming over the next five years. Indonesia informed that additional manpower in the order of 40 trained persons will be required at both national and provincial levels. China indicated its need for trained senior aquaculturists, and it intends to send one to two candidates each year to the Philippines-based training course.
78. In view of the national need for more trained personnel, Nepal has arranged to finance three national personnel to participate in the short-term integrated fish culture course in RLCC and is also arranging to finance one each year in the Senior Aquaculturists Course in RLCP for 1984 and 1985 under the UNDP component of the Aquaculture Development Project.
79. In response to Mr. Kanaan's enquiry, China indicated her willingness to provide training for candidates from Africa and Latin America at RLCC but requested donor agencies such as IDRC, ACTIM, FAO/UNDP to make financial arrangement. Dr. Pillay pointed out that although there is no administrative arrangement to include African and Latin American countries in NACA training, there are no objection from UNDP or FAO to accept trainees from these regions. However, he indicated that the facilities and manpower at RLCC may need to be improved to meet the new training requirements. Since it is FAO's practice to conduct training courses for Latin America in Spanish and in French for French speaking countries RLCC will have to arrange for the necessary interpreters.
80. Mr. Mantzarlis, ADCP, FAO, illustrated the information activities of the programme. He explained the structure and the contents of the Aquaculture Information System (AQUIS), how data are collected and recorded in the computer as well as the procedure to be followed for a search of AQUIS database and the interpretation of the printed report. Assistance by all the participants has been requested in expanding the existing data base and it has been specified that the service will be free for those who participate in data collection. About 700 data units have been entered into the computer and more have to be entered before AQUIS usefulness can be appreciated. Dr. Pillay called upon institutions and scientists to cooperate in collecting the necessary data.
81. Mr. Kanaan suggested that potential and interested donors should be invited to attend such advisory committee meeting in the future so that they can understand the needs and feelings of participating governments, and also to enable government delegates to explore areas of possible support.
