Fish culture development in Bhutan was first examined by Rabanal and Lee (1974). They proposed to set up a fishery development programme, and to establish a Fishery Unit within the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.
Later, Dubey (1978) evaluated the potential of different lakes and rivers for fish culture, and proposed sites in different parts of the country suitable for fishpond construction. He attempted to culture common carp at different altitudes in 1978.
In 1981 Rajbanshi (aquaculturist) and Cśavás (aquaculture engineer) visited the country. They drew up the plans of the proposed Fisheries Development Unit, selected the site of the Fish Seed Production Centre, and also sites for future development, and made cost estimates for the project Establishment of a National Warmwater Fish Seed Production Centre, Gaylegphug, Bhutan, BHU/80/007 (1982).
Csávás returned in 1982/83 and began construction of the Centre, ordering equipment, the most important materials and books, and transported common carp and Chinese carp broodstock from Nepal. He also drew up the terms of reference for two consultancies (1983).
After the departure of the aquaculture engineer, the local staff, under the supervision of the National Project Manager carried out the construction work, training activities, and the purchasing of potential broodstock as recommended by the consultant.
By the time of the aquaculturist's arrival in Gaylegphug (1 March 1984) all the broodstock and nursery ponds were completed and also one of the fingerling ponds, the water reservoir of the hatchery, together with the feeder and drainage canals. Moreover, the garage and workshop, the hatchery, and its indoor and outdoor tanks were also constructed.
The Assistant Fishery Development Officer was trained abroad according to the plans, and six technicians also completed their 3–4 months training in Nepal. The National Project Manager participated in a study tour in Nepal and Thailand.
A part of the equipment (tranquilizer, books, air-blower) was delivered to the site. The project also received from Nepal grass carp, silver carp and bighead carp for later use as broodstock.
