6. PROPOSED IMMEDIATE ACTION

6.1 INITIAL WORK PROGRAMME

6.1.1 Physico-chemical Surveys

1. Objectives: to provide additional information on water quality/temperature/ salinity/oxygen content variations near the proposed farm site, and more generally all along the coastline.

2. Justification: there are no consistent data on temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen content of water near the proposed site. The water quality all along the coast should also be checked, especially in preselected sites; viz., south of Tartous, Baniyas power station, the flat area between Latakia and Jeble.

3. Manpower/equipment: initially, one senior officer 2 days per week for 6 months; when results are critical, measurements should continue to be taken during the following days. Variation through 24 hours should be recorded mainly when the oxygen content is low, or the temperature is maximum or minimum.

6.1.2 Fish Species Survey

1. Objectives: to provide information on the local fish species, their abundance, seasonal availability, preferred habitat, to provide further information on the juveniles of potential culture fish species, their seasonal availability, capture/transport methodology. All the main species will be surveyed in order to make further growth or breeding tests. However, Mugil sp. Sparidae, and Penaeus sp. will be given priority.

2. Justification: to date, there are no data available on the abundance, habitat, growth rate or breeding season of potential culture fish species along the Syrian coast. In order to test the availability of either local breeders or juveniles before setting up expensive breeding and rearing programmes, this survey is required immediately and should given the following information:

   1. general characteristics of the local fish species

   2. definition of an economically acceptable capture methodology

   3. assessment of the price (prime cost) of fry and breeders

   4. assessment of the commercial production which can rely on this type of supply for breeders or juveniles

3. Manpower/equipment: two senior staff, or one senior staffmember. and one technician 3 days per week; road transport; adapted fishing equipment (seines, traps), insulated and aerated container, SCUBA-diving equipment. The team must include a fisherman with a good knowledge of the coastal fishery in the area concerned.

4. Implementation:

   1. general fish species study: records and identification of species, records of length and weight, abundance on the market

   2. breeding season study: likely culture species should be studied from market samples to determine their breeding season, and if possible any spawning pattern which may occur within this breeding season. Gonads from fresh fish should be sampled, and the variations of the gonadal index be recorded

   3. habitat: detailed field surveys of coastal areas will provide the information necessary for mapping the preferred schooling areas of selected fish adults or juveniles; particular attention should be paid to estuarine areas

   4. capture methods: together with the above, study methods should be developed to capture efficiently large quantities of juveniles. Small seines made from fine soft mesh should be used for the exploration phase. Set traps should also be tried. The catch rates should be recorded, as well as the seasonal habitat and economic factors (time spent preparing the survey, travelling, sorting, treating and stocking, etc.)

   5. transport systems: efficient transport systems should also be devised to ensure that captured juveniles or breeders can be efficiently and rapidly transported from the fishing ground to the hatchery or to the fish ponds. Insulated containers and supplementary aeration will be necessary. Narcotics and chemicals should be used to reduce mortalities to a minimum.

6.1.3 Detailed Site Survey

1. Objectives: to provide basic data on the selected site for the design and construction of ponds, raceways, hatchery, and pumping station.

2. Justification: before the arrival of a specialized engineer, basic documents can easily be prepared.

3. Implementation:

   1. topographic survey: this survey should be carried out to prepare an accurate plan of the site on a scale of 1:1 000, including the selected pumping site, and the area devoted to ponds, and raceways

   2. soil survey: borings should be made to obtain more detailed information on the characteristics of the subsoil. It is suggested that 2 or 3 borings be made in the natural sandy soil and 1 or 2 in soil that was transported on the eastern part of the site

   3. water level: the tidal range (even if low) should be determined; a gauge could be placed near the pumping site; records of water level on this gauge and at the outlet of the farm should be regularly collected.

6.2 PILOT PROJECT PHASE 1

6.2.1 Objectives

1. to assist in the building of raceways, ponds and an experimental hatchery at the selected location (north of Latakia), under the supervision of the GEF

2. to adapt progressively well-known technology to local species and environmental conditions

3. to conduct feasibility studies on the production of selected fish species at an intensive level

4. to train national personnel in marine aquaculture techniques.

Collaboration should be established at different levels:

1. at the national level with the Oceanographic Research Centre of Latakia, and with the other freshwater aquaculture farms or research centres.

2. at the regional level with the Mediterranean Regional Aquaculture Project (MEDRAP) and other mariculture projects from neighbouring countries, i.e., the Department of Fisheries pilot project in Cyprus, the projects in Greece, Tunisia or Yugoslavia.

6.2.2 Work Plan for Phase 1

(a) Location: administrative support will be provided from the Headquarters of the GEF in Jeble; field work will take place near the new Oceanographic Research Centre in Latakia if the initial work programme confirms the suitability of this site:

The location appears suitable for the following reasons:

• there is sufficient surface for the setting-up of a pilot farm and a hatchery;

• the coast seems to be well protected and allows for easy pumping;

• the site is away from the town which would avoid pollution from the urban area of Latakia;

• the immediate proximity of the Oceanographic Research Centre would allow for close cooperation, especially during this first phase which is involved in research development

(b) Phasing; the phase will last for two years. It will involve several activities devoted successively or concurrently to:

• local fish fry and breeder surveys

• detailed site surveys

• raceways and pond design and building

• experimental hatchery design and building

• beginning of work on fish culture

• beginning of work on hatchery technologies

At the same time, training of senior personnel in mariculture management techniques could be obtained through training courses in other Mediterranean countries, through the assistance of MEDRAP or bilateral cooperation, and then later at the project site. Other personnel will be trained at the project.

(c) Programme elements

1. The fish biological survey will be continued and oriented depending on the results of the initial work programme.

2. Design and construction of raceways. The following facilities are needed:

   • small circular tanks, for larval stages

   • 8 small raceways (6 × 1 m) for fry rearing

   • 8 concrete raceways (3 × 23 m), in order to grow the fish to intermediate size (20 g), and during this phase to commercial size (330 g) at an intensive level

   • two circular tanks, for maintenance of breed stock of selected fish needed by the hatchery

3. Beginning of mariculture feasibility study: growing of fry of seabass imported from other Mediterranean countries. Measurements and records will be made of survival rate, growth, pathological problems, etc. First economic conclusions should be drawn as far as possible. Fry of local species (seabreams, mullets) could be collected and used during this phase (year 2).

4. Design construction of an experimental hatchery: light structures (greenhouse), tanks, hydraulic systems, biofilters, recirculation, heating system, etc.

5. Beginning of hatchery operations.

6.2.3 Support

Will be provided from two sources: national and external (technical assistance).

1. Facilities, buildings and equipment: a small building for on-growing activities, raceways and a greenhouse (hatchery) are to be built. Equipment required includes: tanks, pumps, pipes, vehicle, compressor, laboratory and field equipment, etc.

2. National staff: • 3 senior biologists
   
   • 4 technicians
   • 7 labourers

3. Miscellaneous:

   • Energy for pumping station, heating, compressor;

   • Feed imported, or locally produced;

   • Supplies for operation of laboratory, hatchery and farm;

   • Other operating costs (travel, miscellaneous).

4. Technical assistance:

   • 1 marine aquaculturist (24 m/m) with sound practical experience in intensive marine aquaculture;

   • Consultants: 4 m/m in engineering at the beginning of the project, and for the implementation of the hatchery;

     1 m/m in feed technology, in order to develop a formula adapted to local conditions;

     4 m/m in hatchery technologies at the beginning of hatchery operations.

5. Training:

   • Two training courses in other Mediterranean countries (18 m/m), attended successively by the 2 biologists

   • Study tours to countries where similar work has been done in breeding marine fish.

6. Follow-up evaluation:

   Short-term mission to evaluate the results of the feasibility study and to prepare the follow-up pilot project implementation.

6.3 PILOT PROJECT PHASE 2

Once the Phase 1 studies have confirmed the suitability of the selected species for farming, they should be followed up by a second phase. This should be planned for a 2-year period or longer as more sophisticated techniques of hatchery have to be evolved. Controlled production of fry has to be developed in order to give a reliable source of fry to the potential fish-farmers.

6.3.1 Objectives

The objectives of this phase are the continuation of preceding activities plus:

1. development of hatchery techniques

2. development of adequate feeds

3. development of commercial production

6.3.2 Programme Elements of the Pilot Project - Phase 2

1. Fish fry surveys: the routine study of the standing crop and recruitment rate of selected species in defined areas will be continued in order to follow long-term annual variations as well as short-term seasonal variations in fry availability. Together with an optimization in the capture and transport methods regarding the costs of operation, these costs will be compared with the hatchery production costs.

2. The hatchery will increase its production up to 500 000 fingerlings in year 4; the following facilities are necessary:

   • extension of larval and plankton production (1 supplementary greenhouse)

   • extension of fry-rearing facilities

   • use of external raceways for fingerling rearing (2–20 g).

3. Development of mariculture techniques

   Raceway culture: during the feasibility studies, a cautious approach will be observed concerning the stocking rates which will be sustained at around 20 kg/m³/h. During the project, an increase of this stocking rate will be programmed. Pond culture: ponds will be built, to initiate pond culture activities; these ponds will use water from the raceways; the objectives will be the same as those of the first phase for raceway culture: to conduct feasibility studies on this system, to train personnel, etc. Four ponds of 5 000 m² should be implemented.

4. Development of adequate feeds

   This development should be in cooperation with feed manufacturers, using the results obtained in Mediterranean countries. To set up a relevant research programme would be costly and also a useless repetition of what is already done abroad. Adaptation trials are all that may be required.

5. Training of specialized techniques

   The three senior staff will receive advanced practical training, if possible respectively in aquaculture engineering, farm management (including fry/survey/capture/transport) and in hatchery management. The technicians responsible for the daily management of the pilot station should also receive, as far as possible, practical training at existing fish-farms of a similar type. Specialized training sessions for all junior personnel should be organized regularly at the station by the responsible senior staff.

6. Development of commercial production

   At the end of this phase a production of 50 t of marine fish should be achieved. This production should give sufficient economic data to prepare a large-scale investment programme. If private or cooperative marine aquaculture develops along the Syrian coast, the project should also offer full support as this may shorten the time required to reach economic feasibility.

6.3.3 Estimated Costs and Returns

The total cost of investment would be approximatively £ 2 500 000, including facilities, building and equipment. Annual operating costs are estimated at £ 1 300 000. At the end of each year after year 3, a production of 50 t could generate a gross revenue of 2 500 000 t (see Appendix 8).

6.4 EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS AND CALENDAR

Although some knowledge on aquaculture has been acquired by the GEF technical staff during the last few years of the development project, it appears essential that technical assistance be provided from external sources for the implementation of both Phases 1 and 2.

By the end of Phase 1, the general management of the raceways could be handled almost completely by the staff of the GEF, so that the assistance required during the pilot project may be reduced to one hatchery manager and consultancies. By the end of this last project, the assistance will take the form of consultancies only, for example for the design/ construction of ponds, hatchery management, feed technology, fish health aspects, economics and marketing.

It is believed that Phase 1 could eventually lead to private or public investment; therefore, Phase 2 objectives include technical assistance to the private industry.

It appears that Phase 1 should be supported by a national UNDP/FAO project in order to train people, to adapt technologies, etc. A first proposal was prepared and submitted to the Government (see Appendix 16).

Phase 2 requires more financial assistance for investment, and other resources should be used, either from national sources (grants, loans, cooperative or private fundings) or from external bodies (e.g., bilateral assistance, World Bank, EEC).

The following timetable could be applied:

Table 1

PRODUCTION OF MARINE FISH IN SYRIA IN 1978 (t)

Source: FAO/GFCM

Table 2

PRODUCTION OF THE GENERAL ESTABLISHMENT
OF FISHERIES IN 1980 (t)

(including independent or cooperative production from
Lake Assad, controlled by GEF)

¹ Production in 1981: 65 t
² Production in 1981: 250 t

Source: GEF

Table 3

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS PREVAILING
AT LATAKIA STATION

Source: Meteorological Department, Ministry of Defence, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Table 4

DATA ON OPEN SEA TEMPERATURE

Sources: 1982 = Baniyas Petroleum Terminal
1956 = FAO Exploratory Trawl Operations

Table 5

FISH PRODUCTION BY MOHAFZAT 1979 (t)

Source: GEF

Table 6

PRODUCTION AND IMPORTS OF FISH (1975–1980) (t)

Source: Production - GEF Imports - General Establishment of Consumption

Table 7

IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MEAT AND FISH (1978–80)
(ALIVE, FRESH OR FROZEN)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform

Table 8a

NATIONAL PRODUCTION OF MEAT AND FISH (in t/year)

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Table 8b

NATIONAL CONSUMPTION OF FRESH OR FROZEN MEAT
AND FISH, IN 1980, COMPARED TO 1971–72

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Table 9
PRODUCTION PRICES OF GEF (£S/kg)

PRODUCTION PRICES OF PRIVATE SECTOR (£S/kg)

Table 10

RETAIL PRICES ON THE LATAKIA MARKET (£S/kg)
(12.6.1982)

RETAIL PRICES OF FISH IN DAMASCUS
(£S /kg) (9.6.1982)

No local marine fish in the 5 shops visited

Table 11

QUANTITIES AND LOCAL PRICES OF INGREDIENTS
USED BY ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION (GENERAL
ESTABLISHMENT OF FODDER)

PRICES OF MANUFACTURED ANIMAL FEEDS
(£S/t)

Source: General Establishment of Fodder

Table 12

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME CHICKEN FEEDS (%)

Prices: General Establishment of Fodder manufactured feed : £S 2.0/kg Chicken Institute manufactured feed: £S 1.8/kg

Source: General Establishment of Fodder Chicken Institute of Latakia

Table 13a

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME FISH FEEDS
(Approximative data)

Source: Mr J.J. Sabaut, Gilerna, Grandes Semouleries de l'Ouest (France)

Table 13b

ADAPTED FEED FORMULATION FOR MARINE FISH
CULTURE IN SYRIA

Table 14

APPRAISAL OF RESULTS PROJECTED FOR CULTURE
SYSTEMS CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN

Table 15

APPRAISAL OF TYPE AND QUANTITY OF INPUTS
REQUIRED TO DEVELOP CULTURE SYSTEMS

TA: Technical assistance
Tax: Tax on equipment and material

Table 16

APPRAISAL OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH CULTURE SYSTEMS
CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION IN THE STRATEGIC
PLAN FOR AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Table 17

SUMMARY APPRAISAL OF CULTURE SYSTEMS CONSIDERED FOR
INCLUSION IN AN AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

¹ The “global” estimated for “expected achievements”, “use of government inputs”, and “risks” have been qualified as high (or large), medium or low.

² The reasoning behind these estimates is found in Section 4. In the column “using cost and technologies known in 1980” the expected economic viability has been codified from very good, which has a code of +2, to poor (definite loss) which has a code of 0. The second column has two kinds of entries only: + if it is expected that viability will improve, 0 if no change is expected.

³ No formal appraisal made by the Mission.

Fig. 1 Syrian Fisheries Production

Source: GEF

From Ras el Bazit to Ras el Fasuri: 1/2 igneous massive rocks of periodotites, pyroxenolythe and serpentines; 1/2 marl (calcareous); From Ras el Fasuri to Latakia: marl; From Latakia to south Baniyas: mud, moving dunes; From south Baniyas to 9 km south of Baniyas: besalt; stony and rocky zone; From the above zone to Abde: alluvial, mud and moving dunes; From Abde to Tripoli: soft sandstone and clay (argil) with isolated hard banks Source: FAO ETAP/56/8/6072

Fig. 2 Geological formation of the Syrian coast

Fig. 3 Marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen fish in Syria

Source: GEF