Sipam Network Document

Final version

MEDRAP II

FOREWORD

In the elaboration of this document, the following previous existing sources have been considered:

-   project Document RAB/83/016 - RER/83/001, 1984, (MEDRAP Phase I).

-   Project Document RAB/89/005/A/01/12 - RER/89/009/F/01/12, 1990. (MEDRAP Phase II).

-   SIPAM, an Information System for the Promotion of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean Region, conceptual design prepared by S.R. Coppola, in Seminar on Documentation and Information, Cairo, 11–13 December 1991 (due to its basic importance, a part of the document - the Conceptual Design - is given in annex 1).

-   “Third Phase of the Mediterranean Aquaculture Cooperation”, ad hoc Committee report, June 1992.

-   MEDRAP II proposed future organisational structure, activities and budget, report of a consultancy to MEDRAP II y Z.H. Shehadeh, July 1992.

-   MEDRAP II Steering Committee Meeting Report, Tirana, December 1992.

A. BACKGROUND

1. Description of subsector

The Mediterranean region presents the following charateristics:

-   Total population of 364 million (1985, World Bank).

-   Total consumption of fishery products: 5 140 000 T.

-   Net deficit in fishery products consumption is around 1200000 t, that is closed to 3.4 Kg per capita per year.

-   Most part the natural fisheries are now at their upper limit of exploitation.

-   Most of the countries involved in a process of rapid development of aquaculture, backed by the demand of the regional market for high quality sea-products, by the need to make the best use of certain coastal areas and at last by the need to create employments in these areas.

-   Regional aquaculture production estimated at a rounded yearly average of 700 000 t.

2. Mediterranean Regional and National Strategy

Common concerns and interests (needs, priorities, problems and opportunities) between the Mediterranean countries have provided basic reasons to start a regional programme, under the name of MEDRAP, Mediterranean Regional Aquaculture Development Project, funded by UNDP, to help countries to become more self-supporting in their ability to train and manage human resources for aquaculture development support, in their capability for the supply of essential physical inputs for aquaculture and in their ability to supply good fish products to the consumer.

After two preparatory phases over the years 1979 (RER/78/004) and 1980–1983 (RER/78/004 and RAB/79/033) during which the activities and priorities of the Mediterranean countries have been reviewed and a programme of activities selected, the projects RAB/83/016 and RER/83/001 have been decided, with FAO as the implementing agency.

Total contribution of UNDP for these projects, implemented over the years 1984–1986 has been over 1 400 000 USD. In addition Italy has contributed with important funds (3 000 000 USD) and permanent experts, as well as, to a lesser extent, France (around 250 000 USD in trust funds, experts and kind) and Spain (around 50 000 USD in kind).

Tunisia as hosting country for the headquarters (Institut National Scientifique et Technique pour l'Oceanographie et les Peches) has contributed for an amount estimated at 50 000 TND. Other participating countries (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Malta, Marocco, Portugal, Syria, Turkey, Yougoslavia) have also contributed in kind at their national level.

During this phase, now called MEDRAP I, the strategy has been:

-   to select pilot projects in different countries

-   to organize training session in the participating countries (6 sessions on applied hydrobiology, aquaculture and environment, pathology, nutrition, 6 sessions on aquaculture technology, 1 session on socio-economics aspects, 3 study tours),

-   to provide technical assistance to the pilot projects from a small permanent team, to the training session with consultants from the region and to the national administrations for the formulation of aquaculture development plans when relevant.

At the end of MEDRAP I, Italy was considering an increase in its involvment in a regional project, under the name of AQUAMED, which would have been a continuation, giving special emphasize to the information aspect.

This project never began, and UNDP thus decided to finance (RAB: 1 830 000 USD, RER: 400 000 USD) a second phase of MEDRAP for the “Promotion of aquaculture development through the establishment of a permanent mechanism for cooperation/ coordination in the Mediterranean region. The project aims at the creation of networks of regional aquaculture development institutions together with the strengthening of such institutions and aquaculture inputs supply industry”.

3. Prior or ongoing assistance

The strategy of MEDRAP II in supporting aquaculture development is the establishment of a permanent regional mechanism, conceived as a complement to national efforts and intended to mobilize regional capabilities and financial resources.

The MEDRAP II Project Document has initially foreseen the establishment of the following specific regional networks:

-   Research

-   Training

-   Extension

-   Production

During its first session, the Network Steering Committee decided to add the Information Network.

In Research field, some specific sub-networks have been created and others are planned to be constituted with focal points in selected countries:

Lagoon Management, in Morocco

Environmental aspects of Aquaculture, in Tunisia

Diversification of Production, in Cyprus

Pathology, in Malta

Nutrition, in Portugal

Freshwater Culture, in Egypt

A project core team at the MEDRAP Coordination Centre, together with national staff in four subregions (see paragraph 4.1), supported by FAO Headquarters, the Associated Countries and consultants, organize the activities, by using the facilities, personnel and equipment available.

These various MEDRAP activities and the national priorities lead to the amendment of the initial options regarding the Networks. The following networks have been retained for a permanent regional cooperation:

-   Technology: to promote mainly the Research and training activities related to Aquaculture technology,

-   Social, Economic and Legal Aspects of Aquaculture: to develop activities on the economic, marketing, financial, and planning aspects,

-   Environmental Aspects of Aquaculture Management: to support the programmes related to aquaculture and environment.

-   Information: to develop a system of collecting, processing, storing and reporting of data and information.

4. Institutional framework for subsector

4.1. Present organization of MEDRAP II

The present organization consists of :

-   National Coordinators: in each participating country, there is an overall focal point of national coordination activities in aquaculture development. With a view to coordinate action within the country and between the Project and the participating countries, the Governments have each appointed a National Project Coordinator who is a member of the Network Steering Committee.

-   Network Steering Committee: overall responsability for decision-making concerning common action under the Project is vested in the Network Steering Committee, who meet periodically, at least once a year, and in which all concerned parties including members and associated countries participate in addition to UNDP and FAO.

-   Project Coordination Center: is located in Tunis and provides overall coordination, secretarial and information services to the member and associated countries. Because of the diversity of subjects and long range difficulties, the participating countries are grouped into four sub-regions and sub-centres.

-   Subregional Centers: for each sub-regional centre, a sub-regional coordinator is designated to ensure the promotion, the organisation, the management and the follow-up of the Project's activities. The subregional Centers are located in :

• Algiers for the subregion of Algeria, Marocco Tunisia and Portugal;

• Tripoli for Lybia, Egypt and Malta;

• Nicosia for Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria;

• Dubrovnik for Croatia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Albania.

4.2. Future organization

Taking in account the need of a mechanism to link permanent activities of the regional programme with those funded by donors through other channels and a focal point for external assistance to regional activities, and after review by an ad hoc committee, it has been confirmed that the best way towards perennity, at the end of MEDRAP II, was to rely on the existing institutions, namely General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean (GFCM), Mediterranean Action Plan /Priority Action Programme /Regional Activity Centre (MAP-PAP/RAC) and Centre International des Hautes Etudes Agronomiques pour la Mediterranee (CIHEAM), who undertake to support the Networks and coordinate their activities. (a detailed presentation of these organizations is given in annexe 2).

At the third session of the Steering Committee (Tirana, December 1992), the following recommendations concerning the future structure of the Mediterranean Cooperation in Aquaculture were adopted:

1. The GFCM will ensure the General Coordination of the future activities and will have to establish a Committee on Aquaculture for the purpose.

2. The PAP/RAC should carry out the aquaculture and Environment Network activities.

3. The CIHEAM will be in charge of the Technology Network and the Social, Economic and Legal Aspects of Aquaculture Network.

4. The Tunisian Government will host the SIPAM Project.

Thus the organisational framework consists of:

-   General Coordinating Body: The GFCM, through its permanent overall coordinating mechanism, will allow all the parties involved in the cooperation, to be regularly in consultation.

-   Coordinating Unit: GFCM Secretariat.

-   Network Coordinators:

• CIHEAM: to coordinate the Networks on:

  -   Technology of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (TECAM) and,

  -   Social, Economic and Legal Aspects of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (SELAM).

• MAP/PAP/RAC: Environmental Aspects of Aquaculture in Management in the Mediterranean (EAM)

• TUNISIA: System of Information for the Promotion of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean Region (SIPAM)

-   Sub-Committee on Aquaculture: to be established as an Advisory Committee under the GFCM. Members of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture are all member countries representatives, along with FAO, the Network Coordinators and delegates from other Organisations/Institutions concerned. The Sub-Committee on Aquaculture will hold, at least, one regular session each year.

The networks are complementary. Each network coordinator should nominate a representative who will be the operational correspondent with GFCM and other networks.

This framework is presented in figure 1.

B. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

1) Needs for Information System:

The proposed regional Information System, SIPAM, originated mainly from three factors:

-   the strong demand for corporate information from the many scientists and administrators involved in planning and promoting aquaculture activities and evaluating projects at the national and regional levels,

-   an urgent need of public and private investors, producers, suppliers, researchers, economists, managers, for regional and inter-regional information on aquaculture in order to promote the production technics, the technology, the import/export of aquaculture products and equipment, research and training possiblities, prices, national and international rules and standards, legislation, etc.

-   The necessity to disseminate these information and the conclusions of the various Mediterranean Cooperation activities in different subjects through a unique consistent network.

The proposed system will produce useful and usable information through organised methods of selecting, storing, retrieving and reporting of data available from national, regional and inter-regional sources. The outcome will produce a continuous flow of information which could be used for evaluating, measuring, maintaining and controlling events and performance in aquaculture.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1

The current widespread availability of reasonably low-priced computers and micro-computers of great capacity makes a project for incorporating a large amount of such multi-disciplinary information into a Desk Information System possible.

It is emphasized that this proposal was discussed and agreed at the Seminar on Information and Documentation held in Cairo from 11–13 December 1991.

2. Expected situation at the end of the project

a) A currently running, self-sufficient and permanent information system with an instrument and methodology for rapid targeted access to data and information of different types (including production, markets, legislation, technics, etc…) and from different sectors and sources in order to increase the production, to improve the technics and the products quality and the commercialisation.

b) This system being part of permanent cooperative networks for Aquaculture Development in the Mediterranean.

3. Target beneficiaries.

1) Scientists and administrators involved in planning and promoting of aquaculture activities and evaluating projects at the national and regional levels;

2) Public and private investors, producers, suppliers, researchers, economics, managers, who have urgent needs for regional and international information on aquaculture in order to promote the production technics, the technology, the import/export of aquaculture products and equipment, research and training possibilities, prices, national and international rules and standards, legislation, etc…;

4. Project strategy and institutional arrangements.

SIPAM Regional Centre is located in Tunis. A National Centre will be established in each concerned country.

The national centres will manage the flow of the data between the various national sources of data and themselves and will be responsible for the interfacing procedures (installation, training, setting-up, etc…) to the Regional Module (see figures 2, 3 and 4).

Figure 2. Regional Desk Information Network

INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR AQUACULTURE PLANNING
IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
SIPAM

SIPAM-Conceptual design

Figure 3 - System Overview

INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR AQUACULTURE PLANNING
IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
SIPAM

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

Figure 4 - Decision-Making Process

SIPAM Project consists in 3 phases, two of them of 12 months each, the first being a development phase with the acquisition and/or development of the hardware and software necessary for its function; the second being the proper implementation of the operational phase and the third phase will lead to meet the objective of permanent and self-sufficient activities.

MEDRAP Project Coordinator will SIPAM during the two first phases. The first phase is to be considered as a prototype one and its duration limited to one year, starting the 1st June 1993. At its third phase, the Project will be guided by a Management Board composed of Representatives of Participating Countries, GFCM, Network Coordinators and Donors.

The SIPAM Project will start initially with a restricted number of countries; Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Portugal, Tunisia and Turkey. Countries interested to benefit from services and/or activities of SIPAM should notify the MEDRAP Project Manager of their interest to join the SIPAM Project before the end of the first phase.

C. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

SIPAM has two objectives in relation with two functions:

1. Information:

The primary objective of SIPAM is to provide the MEDRAP Project, and through it the countries adhering to the project, with an instrument and a methodology for rapid and targeted access to data and information of different types and from different sectors and sources. This technology could allow, in a further step, all users to establish their own “made-to-measure” research procedures tailored each time to suit their requirements.

This objective will be reached through the development of:

1. a Regional Information Centre,

2. a Documentation Centre,

3. a Newsletter

2. Inter-connecting role:

The SIPAM System is designed as Central Data Bank connected to all the Mediterranean Aquaculture Networks. Specific non-confidential information generated from other networks on Technology, Social, Economic and Legal Aspects, Environment, etc… will feed the system for an inter-connection role.

D. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES, OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES

1. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE 1

The elaboration of a Methodology for the establishment of a data base.

Based on the already developped conceptual design approved by the countries of the region, a system design will be made by the project staff with the participation of the users in order that their precise requirements can be met adequately. A design confirmation meeting will be held to verify that the user needs are met and if necessary introduce the change requests in the design. The programming of the modules of the confirmed design will be develpped by the system programmers within a approved Data Base Management. System (DBMS) shell. The modules developped will be walked-through (tested) to verify that they meet the design specifications as soon as they are available, at the end of which process a final system test will be conducted to ascertain the integrity of the system as a whole. When the developped prototype system is accepted as operational, it will be tested by those countries that may have the equipment and the capability to run the prototype on their system or in the Regional Centre. The intitial data input to the system will be provided by those countries that have the data elements identified as those required for the regional system. The successfull implementation of the prototype system development will complete the phase 1 of the SIPAM project.

Meanwhile, two data modules will be provided to SIPAM, one module from FAO HQ and one regional module including socio-economic data about the countries from the area (see description of modules in annex 4, SIPAM, the Conceptual Design). This two modules will receive data available at the national level.

OUTPUT 1.1: relevant methodology

The adaptation of the methodology will be the result of a cooperative work between the SIPAM staff in charge of the project and the FAO experts.

Activity 1.1.1: System design

The system analysis phase will, in practice, define the feasibility and at what cost (in terms of resources, risks, etc.,) the project can be implemented.

SIPAM will be composed of “blocks”, each defined by its area of application. The blocks will not be bound to interact to specific external specifications (hard/software); instead, it will be possible to tailor each block to different external formats as necessary according to the interfacing systems (hardware/software platforms) all converted to the same format. This approach has the advantage of enabling the System to be developped stepwise with the possibility of adding to and expanding the elementary modules.

Activity 1.1.2: Design and Set-up of a regional module

The Project will design and implement a Regional Module and put at the disposal of the countries available information in a readily access manner to regional data. This Module will be fed with non-confidential data and information of regional interest which each country has put at the disposal of the Project.

OUTPUT 1.2: Establishment of a Data Base

In order to rationalise the development and implementation of a data base, to chance the possiblity of its success, increase its use and interest by the concerned parties, the system should be linked to national sub-systems structured to allow retrieval and feeding processes.

Activity 1.2.1: Design and Implementation of the Data Base and Set-up of the Sub-System linking the national base with the national sources.

Three major components are normally involved in the design and implementation of any Information System: the Design Unit, the Developing Unit and the End-Users. Each of the application to be developped will be considered as stand-alone applications with certain INPUT/OUTPUT or LINKAGES constraints to be fitted into each of the Modules. The design Unit is composed of the SIPAM System Manager, Representatives of Member Countries, Selected Representatives of Producers and Suppliers and any other qualified end-users. This group of experts coordinate by the SIPAM System Manager, will decide which applications should be developped and the priorities, as and when required. The Application specifications should contain inter alia: Objective, Possible Source of Data, Users of Particular Interest, Data Entry Format, Data Manipulation, Data Retrieval Format. To be obtained from a certain type of data/information, and design the INPUT/OUTPUT requirements as if they were to be carried out manually. It is also recommended to always bear in mind the scope, type and nature of the data to be entered into the system.

Once the Application has been conceived, the Analyst and/or Programmer will translate the request into a software tool. For the successful implementation of this work, it is imperative that the project provides the services of a System Manager. In order to ensure the permanent control of the system, the Manager should be recruited on a full time basis.

Activity 1.2.2: Training of staff

The Personnel user of the national centres should be trained on the data management and the use of the system.

2. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE 2

Extension of the System

The System Extension is the second phase of the project and will commence upon the completion of the prototyping and its acceptance. The description of the second phase is provided to give a complete picture of the project, but is will be subjected to a confirmation exercise at a meeting of the system users after the trial of the prototype by the users. The objectives of phase 2 may be revised with the experience gained in testing the prototype system and will include the hardware and software requirements of the network nodes, which may effect the total funding of the second phase. This phase foresees the extension of the system to those users who may wish to participate in SIPAM.

OUTPUT 2.1: Extended System

Extension to other countries, including eventual end-users, will be possible once the system is tested. This extension will take place after briefing of Member Countries Representatives on the results of the initial phase and after training of national staff.

Activity 2.1.1: Seminar on Evaluation and Information

In order to motivate the national centres, a seminar will be organised to demonstrate the success of the structure, its use and its development possibilities as will as its technical and financial implication at the national level. This seminar will allow the evaluation of the possible evolution of the system.

Activity 2.1.2: Training of national personnel

This activity will be envisaged in the SIPAM Regional Centre or in any other National Centre.

OUTPUT 2.2: Inclusion of External Information

The system, thanks to its architectural design, will allow the use of data bases from other external sources.

13.-

Activity 2.2.1: Selection and establishment of an Extented Module

As complementary data, an Extended SIPAM Module containing information from other data sources, external to MEDRAP and FAO, will be developped. In this Module, data from commercial and non-commercial remote networks may also be considered if found necessary and useful for the completeness of SIPAM.

OUTPUT 2.3: Documentation Centre and Newsletter

The proposed activities will include the development of a Documentation Centre and a Newsletter, for which the funds will be secured by Donors.

Activity 2.3.1: Documentation Centre

The Documentation Centre will collect and hold hard copies and microfiche of textbooks. selected periodicals reports and reprints on subject matter of interest to the programme. Lists of material on hand will be incorporated into the Regional Information data base for access by members. Copies or microfiche of articles will be provided to member on request.

Activity 2.3.2: Newsletter

A Newsletter will be prepared on a PC and issued quarterly to circulate news from members and the Coordinator on progress of work, national developments in aquaculture and related matters.

3. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE 3

Perennity of the Network

The longer-term objective of the project is to attain the self-sufficiency phase.

OUTPUT 3.1: Continuity of the System

The perennity of the System will rely on the training of a management team, working permanently in the SIPAM Regional Centre, and on the set-up of procedures covering the operating costs of the system after completion of MEDRAP's assistance.

Activity 3.1.1: Financial procedures

This 3rd phase of the project will depend on the successfull implementation of the first. two phases, and will require a meeting of the responsible national node managers to discuss the modalities of funding the SIPAM to meet the cost of services expected to incur. The total services cost will include the in kind contribution of the network nodes commensurate with the levels of input they provide to the regional system.

E. GOVERNMENTS INPUTS

1. The Hosting Country Government will provide for the Regional Center:

-   The basic necessary facilities (offices, furniture)

-   Administrative support personnel (secretary, clerk, driver and security staff)

-   Full-time Analyst/Programmer.

2. Governments of the countries members of the Project will provide their national centres the necessary professional staff and equipment as well as maintenance and operating expenses.

F. RISKS

The major risks may originate from:

1. the methods and technics to be used in the system;

2. the know-how of the experts in the Regional Centre and/or in the National Centres.

The first risk (a) may be eliminated by a study on the capacity of the system to answer to the users'needs and to the financial procedures proposed.

The second risk (b) may be eliminated by the securing of the necessary expertise and the provision of training as required.

To avoid these risks, The Management Board will ensure a follow-up on a regular basis.

G. PREREQUISITES

1. The Government of Tunisia shall:

   1. agree to host the Regional Information and Documentation Centre on a permanent basis.

   2. support the Network through a Specialised Institution with qualified staff.

2. MEDRAP Project will support SIPAM during the first phase and eventually extend the assistance to the second phase.

3. The French Authorities will contribute to SIPAM running costs during the first phase and eventually extend their assistance to the second phase.

4. The FAO will assist the Project particularly through the GFCM Secretarial who will contribute to the coordination of the SIPAM activities with those of the other Networks.

5. SIPAM, in consultation with FAO, will study the legal aspects of collating , copying and providing online any propriatery data to users, when required obtain waiver of copyright for printed documents, including CD ROMs, it intends to provide to requestees.

H. PROJECT REVIEWS, REPORTING AND EVALUATION

An evaluation report should be prepared, after completion of Phase I, by SIPAM Regional Centre in concert with MEDRAP and FAO Experts. The report will be submitted to the concerned parties through their Representatives in the SIPAM Management Board.

I. BUDGET

1. Information Centre

Costs are based on, and amended from, the document entitled "An Information System for the Promotion of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean Region", by S.R. Coppola. Concerning the Source of Funds:

-   "MEDRAP funding" includes the contribution of the Tunisian Government already provided to MEDRAP (Premises, Staff, Operating Costs, etc…)

-   The running costs of the Information Centre and other common costs at the 3rd phase will covered by the SIPAM prospective funding sources including member countries, incomes, and donors if any. The yearly participation shares will be decided by the Management Board.

1.1 At regional level:

N.B.:

- The budget estimation and source of funds for years 1 and 2 are indicative.

- The system is costed for one language only.

- Average DSA= $120/day; average air fare = $1,000/ea.

*   To be confirmed

**  Donors to be identified

*** Including information communications

1.2 At national level: (Estimated contributions mostly in kind)

*   Part time
**  Full time or part time as required
*** Donors to be identified if necessary.

2. Documentation Centre

Costs Basis:

-   Assumes the centre will be part of the regional information centre, located in Tunisia.

-   Assumes local staff salaries.

Cost:

The Documentation Centre is subject to the identification of donors for contributions.

The regional centre should negotiate with ASFA to find ways and means to provide SIPAM with the relevant reference and hardcopies of literature concerning Aquaculture.

3. Newsletter

Cost Basis:

-   No. pages: 12 (8.5 × 11")

-   Master copy by P.C.

-   Reproduction: printing two colors

-   Language: English (carrier language for Fisheries Sciences)

Cost:

The Data Manager, assisted by the SIPAM Regional Centre Staff, will assume the responsibility of editing the Newsletter.

ANNEX I
SIPAM-THE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

(S.R. Coppola, 1991)

The Conceptual Design phase must identify the objectives and requirements of the SIPAM Information System.

Once the objectives and goals have been defined, the information system SIPAM can be seen as being made up of the following components:

1. A predefined architecture

2. A set (assembly) of human resources

3. A set of automatic and manual instruments for the collection, aggregation, retrieval and processing of data.

4. A set of procedures and techniques to meet the objective

5. A predefined data-information model.

1. A predefined architecture

As described in the following section, the System will be constructed using a totally open architecture, i.e., a modular architecture. SIPAM will be composed of “blocks”, each defined by its area of application. The blocks will not be bound to interact to specific external specifications (hard/software); instead, i will be possible to tailor each block to different external formats as necessary according too the interfacing systems (hardware/software platforms) all converted to the same format.

This approach has the advantage of enabling the System to be developped stepwise with the possibility of adding to and expanding the elementary modules. It also enables more than one building team to work on different part of the System independently and simultaneously. In fact, in the development of the overall System, different tasks will be assigned to different units.

The SIPAM Structural Hierarchy will be as follows:

SIPAM Information System: A Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS) to manage a collection of three Base Modules as well as two Accessory Modules, one for data processing operations and one reserved for System maintenance.

The Five modules are the following:

REGIONAL MODULE
FAO-HQS MODULE
EXTENDED MODULE
DATA PROCESSING MODULE
SYSTEM MANAGEMENT MODULE

Each Module is a collection of many Elements each representing one Stand-alone Application of various types:

Numberical Application
Bibliographic Application
Descriptive Retrieval
Graphical Application
Data Communication
Data Base Management Application
Access to Commercial Analytical/Graphical/WordProc. Tools
Access to Specialised Analytical/Graphical/WordProc. Tools
System Maintenance Routines
etc.,

Each Element of the Base Modules will consist of three standardised functions:

Interphase to Source of Data
Perform pre-defined Retrieval/Processing Functions
Output to Pre-defined Formats (Screen/Paper/Export)

The Data Flow will be the following:

Import/Export Data will also follow a pre-established time pattern. Data should be captured, compiled, normalised and distributed for three different time schedules:

and constitute three different Up-loading/Down-loading procedures. Data up-loading and down-loading must be made according to type, frequency and use of the information regardless of whether it is aquaculture data, fishery data or complementary data.

2. Human Resources

Three major components are normally involved in the design and implementation of any Information System.

In the SIPAM Concept, the above become reorganised as follows:

(a) The Design Unit

Each of the applications to be developpped (Elements) will be considered as stand-alone applications with certain INPUT/OUTPUT or LINKAGES constraints to be fitted into each of the Modules.

The Design Unit is composed of the following:

1. The SIPAM System Manager

2. National MEDRAP Coordinators from member countries

3. Selected representatives of Producers

4. Selected representatives of Suppliers

5. Any other qualified end-users

The Tasks of the Design Unit

This group of experts, coordinated by the SIPAM System Manager, will decide which application should be developped and the priorities, as and when required.

The SIPAM System Designer should assist this unit at the beginning in order to establish a consistent working method. It is not important that a data processing expert assist the unit at the outset of the work.

To be successful the Deign unit should foresee the optimum that can be obtained from a certain type of data/information, and design the INPUT/OUTPUT requirements as if they were to be carried out manually. It is also recommended to always bear in mind the scope, type and nature of the data to be entered into the system.

(b) The Developing Unit

Once the application has been conceived, the Analyst and/or Programmer will translate the request into a software tool. At this moment modifications or suggestions may be incorporated into the original design.

In addition to the System Manager, the project has to foresee the following personnel inputs:

-   Top-level analyst/computer programmer Consultant for the development of the Regional Module (based in Rome, FAO HQ or MEDRAP HQ).

-   Contract for a computer programmer to assist in assembling the FAO Moduel into SIPAM (based in Rome FAO HQ).

-   Programmer to ensure the system maintenance, undertake data downloading/uploading, train regional and national experts in the use of SIPAM, participate in the development, improvement and maintenance of the system (based in MEDRAP HQ).

-   consultants to prepare reports and technical material.

Each country participating in this activity should involve national aquaculture planning and computer programming experts in this exercise as required.

(c) The End-Users

The end-users can be classified by group according to the position they occupy and the field of their interest. The major end-user group is the staff of the fisheries and aquaculture service in the various national offices in the Region who will be using SIPAM mainly for reporting and planning purposes, but also to answer queries from their private sector. This group is also the most important one for data supply. Among a second group of end-users are aquaculturists, economists, fishery specialists, investors and traders in the industry, trade, and educational institutions, in both the public and private sectors. The SIPAM National Coordinator should organise its own national end-user group.

3. Automatic and Manual Instruments

This system will be designed as an integrated information system, that is a homogeneous system in which the end-user is not aware that it is built of different basic elements. It is important to note that in designing this system the end-user and his needs, and not the wish to produce one more instrument of data dissemination without a pre-established target, are the main consideration.

For reasons of compatibility with FAO standards, and for other technical and cooperative reasons, the networking hardware is configured around a platform based on the INTEL 80386 micro-processor family.

4. A Set of Procedures

The development of the software is strongly influenced y the structural design of this network (STAR) which has been conceived to allow the integrated system to be developped in a modular way independently from the two levels of implementation. To make full use of the above structure a slightly unconventional approach has been chosen in the development of the system. The first level network which covers the project headquarters, FAO-HQ and the remote centres applies a so-called “TOP-DOWN” strategy. This strategy is typical of a vertical initiative in which, without taking too much account of the final characteristics of the user, the application is develpopped and imposed. For the application of this strategy the initial components (FAO databases with their ‘known’ specifications and environments) of the system are known beforehand. The FAO information module will be developpped and implemented using this strategy and will distributed by the project headquarters to the end-user centres.

The national centres will manage the flow of the data between the various national sources of data and themselves and will be responsible for the interfacing procedures (installation, training, setting-up, etc.) to the Regional Module. This Module, to be developped in the SIPAM Headquarters (regional information module), will have the dual task of interacting with the project headquarters and with the country. Since this module is strongly dependent on the various national contexts, a “BOTTOM-UP” strategy is applied. For this, a methodology which permits the identification of many simple problems and their solution independently is applied. This module will therefore be developped by consolidating and expanding the system, both in dimension and application, as new blocks are added from the bottom upwards. This is a strategy where the analyst does not need to know initially all the situations he will be faced with (different national contexts).

One of the most interesting features of this programme of work at the cooperation level is the direct involvement of national personnel and the end-users in the development and system enhancement of the Interfacing Modules. This approach (to use national staff) is considered a basic condition for the success of the programme of work during and after project implementation.

The software to be developped is limited to that for the management of the FAO and regional information modules and the input/output protocols for uploading/ downloading FAO and regional databases, maintenance systems and the interphases with the various and different national systems. Towards the end of the project procedures for tele - maintenance and tele - updating via modem through a “carbon copy” approach, both from Rome FAO-HQ and from the project headquarters in Tunis, should be in place. This approach will allow the System Manager to temporarily control the remote work station through a modem and special software.

The analytic function of the system, as well as the works processing, statistical analysis, graphics, project management, etc will be carried out in one area of the system (Data Processing Module) which will make use of commercial software possibly standard within the FAO family. This Module may also contain programs and procedures developped by the project to allow standardised and repetitive data processing, report generation, etc… The commercial software may be integrated with built-in macro instructions to perform certain operations.

For the SIPAM software development, DBase IV is the selected Relational Data Base Management System, not only because it is an internationally accepted de facto standard, but also because many FAO applications, as well as national applications, have already been developed using DBase; For the supporting software the uses of the following, classified as FAO standard is foreseen:

The above package are acceptable at the time of writing and, in any case, are only indicative and may be changed and/or added to at any moment.

5. Pre-established Data Information Model

The data information flow will be developped within a strategy defined by a working group, composed of national, regional and project experts, which will indicate the information needed. The major concern here is the possible inadequacy of some national infrastructures to support the proposed strategy and the obligation to provide additional resources for this work. The data/information flow will grow in a selective manner without duplicating existing work already carried out by other organisations / institutions, The members of the working group will be in contact with each other to identify and disseminate information of interest from various national, regional and informational sources. At this point the project must make a great effort, both in the research of data/information and in reaching agreement with the various institutions, to obtain authorisation to receive and utilise the data/information needed.

In fact, as far as the relationship with FAO is concerned, this subject is regulated by Director General Bulletin No. 90/22, and is the object of discussion by a working group set up by the Director - General to give guidelines on this matter. the project MEDRAP will be responsible for obtaining the data/information alimenting the FAO Information Module (FAO sources).

Regarding the national data/information to be integrated in the sub - regional and regional systems (Regional Information Modules), the national coordinators will be responsible for obtaining such authorisation. However, the project should prepare a standard draft letter of agreement between the project and the national institution concerned or other supplier of data to be used as a basis.

It is essential for the present and future life of this system that all data entering the SIPAM Network be appropriately authorised.

The data / information model used in this system will be of a complex type, data and information are linked at three levels. At the basic level the data collected through a system is processed and published according to given methodology, standards and frequency (output).

At the second level, some of the information produced at the basic and second levels becomes data (input) to be processed and analysed together with data and information coming from sources of a different nature.

ANNEXE 2
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF GFCM, CIHEAM, MAP-PAP/RAC

(Z.H. SHEHADEH, 1992)

The General Fisheries Council of the Mediterranean (GFCM)

The GFCM has been in existence for about 40 years and is coordinated by the FAO. Membership includes all countries of the Mediterranean rim as well as those bordering the Black Sea. (Therefore, all current member countries of MEDRAP are represented in the Council.) A modest membership fee is paid by all country members in support of the Secretariat.

The organizational structure includes the Council, the Secretariat and the Fisheries Management Committee. The The Council is the governing body and is constituted by one representative of each country, FAO, associates and observers. The Secretariat is provided and supported by FAO; it receives technical support from various technical divisions of FAO's Fisheries Department. The Secretariat is responsible for carrying out activities approved by the Council and for the planning of all meetings of the Council, its Executive Committee and the Fisheries Management Committe. The Fisheries Management Committee is an advisory technical body to the council. It convenes Ad Hoc working groups and expert consultations to deal with matters referred to it by the Council. Many of these activities are supported by external donors through the efforts of the Secretariat. At present, the GFCM does not include an aquaculture committee, but it can be established with the Council's approval.

The GFCM has been active in promoting research cooperation in aquaculture in the Mediterranean through the Cooperative Programme of Research on Aquaculture (COPRAC). the COPRAC was discontinued largely due to the jack of an action programme to underpin the meetings of researcher workers, and because of the development of regional aquaculture activities through MEDRAP I, which was coordinated by the FAO/UNDP Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme (ADCP). Unfortunately, the ADCP replaced , rather than strengthened, the GFCM's role in aquaculture research and development in the region. As a result, the opportunity to create a permanent coordination mechanism under the GFCM was temporarily lost and MEDRAP activities were continued as a fixed-term field actvity under MEDRAP II.

The Rules of Procedure of the GFCM permits to undertake activities in order “to encourage, recommend, coordinate and, as appropriate, undertake research and development activities, including cooperative projects in the area of fisheries (includes aquaculture) and the protection of marine resources” (Article III, Agreement and Rules of Procedure of the General Fisheries Council of the Mediterranean, as amended on 22 May 1963; FAO, 1977. Basic Texts, Volume III, Fascicle 7).

The GFCM Secretariat also has the authority to establish project or programmer accounts outside the Funds-In Trust as long as the funds are allocated for a specific activity (special studies, projects and / or programmes).

The Centre International des Hautes Etudes Agronomique pour la Mediterranee (CIHEAM)

The centre was established by the OECD and the Council of Europe on the request of the General Directors of Agriculture of Southern Europe, and the General Directors of Agriculture of membership has expanded with time and now includes Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Albania, Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, Of the MEDRAP II countries, Syria, Libya, Bulgaria and Cyprus are not members, though Syria is expected to join shortly.

The organisational structure consists of the Board of Directors, the Scientific Advisory Committee and the four Regional Institutes, the Board of Directors is the governing body; its constituted by one representative from each of the member countries, representatives of the Secretary General of the OECD and the Council of Europe, which also have advisory status. The Scientific Advisory Committee is composed of a variable number of persons appointed by the Board. Members are selected mainly from country representatives and other institutions that contribute to the center.

The committee convenes on the request of the Board to discuss and provide opinions on matters referred to it by latter. Ad Hoc Groups composed of specialists assist the committee in its tasks. The General Secretariat is composed of the Secretary General (appointed by the Board) the Directors of the four Institutes and support personnel. It carries out the activities approved by the Board, prepares the plan of work and budget and plans the meetings of the Board, its Advisory Committee and the latter's Ad Hoc groups. The Institutes (one in each of Spain, France, Italy and Greece) carry out programme of work through networking . Their directors are appointed by the Board.

All members pay an annual fee in support of the General Secretariat; in addition, countries which host the Institutes provide all financial support for their respective institute.

The Center provides post-graduate training in agricultural research for higher level staff and conducts research through networks managed by its four regional centers. Programmes are focused on (a) rural development and economics (France), (b) irrigation and virology (Italy), (c) forestry, sub-tropical green house practices (Greece) and (d) plant genetic improvement and animal production (Spain). The Center currently manages 20 research networks. It has carried out short training courses in aquaculture through its Institute in Zaragoza, Spain, and is in the process of expanding this activity. It has not carried out any research on aquaculture topics and its infrastructure does not at present include specialised institutes for this purpose.

The Center has cooperative agreements with the FAO, the CEC (Commission of European Communities) and the AOAD (Arab Organization for Agricultural Development). Observers from these organisations participate in the meetings of the Board. There are also strong linkages with donors, especially in Europe, and many activities have been supported with external funds.

The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)

The MAP was established in 1976 by the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution and become operational in 1978. It has 18 members, including all countries of the Mediterranean rim and the EEC. of the MEDRAP II countries, only Bulgaria is not a member.

The organizational structure is composed of the following units: (a) the Ordinary Meeting of the Contracting Parties which is the governing body. It is constituted by one representative from each of the member countries and meets biennially, (b) the Bureau which is the equivelant of an executive committee (4 members) which meets in between the meetings of the Contracting Parties to deal with urgent matters; (c) the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Socio-Economic Committee which meet annually to consider technical matters and draft recommendations to the consider countries, for approval by the Contracting Parties, and to review the programme of work and budget (biennially); (d) the Coordination Unit (MEDU, Athens), in charge of implementation and coordination of the work programme approved by the Contracting and coordination Regional Activity Centers (RAC) -- four; one in each of France, Croatia, Malta and Tunisia, which coordinate activities in their respective fields and (f) the National Focal Points constituted by individuals nominated by member countries to coordinate activities with the Centres.

The Action Plan has four components:

1. Socio-Economic: implemented by BP/RAC, France and PAP/RAC, Croatia.

2. Scientific & Technical: MEDPOL, implemented by MEDU, Greece.

3. Legal: implemented by REMPEC, Malta and SPA/RAC, Tunisia.

4. Institutional: which consists of MAP's institutional arrangements.

The MAP has a substantial action programme in aquaculture which includes all the priority interests of MEDRAP II. (In fact, cooperation with MAP/PAP-RAC environmental matters of mutual concern was initiated during Phase I of the MEDRAP Project). The aquaculture element of MAP is the responsibility of the PAP/RAC in Split, Croatia, although MEDPOL, in Athens (MEDU) also deals with technical aspects related to the impact of aquaculture on the environment.