The discussions at the Round Table clearly showed that there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of aquaculture both in the developing and developed world since the first Round Table was held under the auspices of the Svanøy Foundation in 1974.
Based on a review of the state and potentials of this sector to contribute significantly to solving the food problem in Third World countries, it was concluded that there is an urgent need for expanded aid for these countries to achieve their targets of production. As development of this sector is likely to benefit the poorer sections of populations and contribute substantially to rural development, it deserves high priority consideration.
Aquaculture development requires concerted efforts of the public and private sectors. It would therefore be very appropriate for governmental as well as private organizations in donor countries to be involved in aid programmes. The Round Table recommends that Nordic countries adopt aid programmes in aquaculture, including participation in activities such as research, training and information, as well as in investments and pilot projects. The developing countries are urged to take appropriate actions for obtaining the necessary aid.
The Round Table is of the view that lack of experience in tropical aquaculture should not be a major constraint to the involvement of Nordic countries in aid for aquaculture development in the Third World. Aquaculture research and development requires multidisciplinary expertise. Nordic countries have expertise in a number of disciplines involved and experience in cold-water aquaculture. If the available specialists in different fields are given opportunities to work in bilateral and multilateral programmes/projects as members of technical assistance or research teams with personnel with experience of tropical aquaculture, not only aquaculture programmes/projects can be successfully implemented, but capabilities in both the donor, as well as recipient countries can be enhanced. It is also recommended that an active programme for training of warm-water aquaculturists be initiated in Nordic countries, e.g. through the wider utilization of FAO's associate expert scheme and the opportunities offered by the ADCP regional aquaculture centres for on the job training of associate scientists in aquaculture research.
Lack of experienced specialists in donor countries can be met by utilizing the services of nationals from other countries.
The network of ADCP regional aquaculture centres and the national centres linked to them is an important mechanism for provision of essential support services to aquaculture development and should be maintained on a continued basis. The Round Table recommends that the Nordic aid agencies favourably consider participation in their financing and operation. The Aquaculture Information System initiated in the regional aquaculture centres would be of considerable benefit to the aquaculture industry and to science, both in developing and developed countries. It is therefore recommended that support to this system and participation in it should be considered by aid agencies and relevant institutions in Nordic countries.
