ANNEX A
List of Participants

MEMBERS OF WORKING PARTY

BOTERO ARANGO, Julián
Jefe División de Acuicultura
Instituto Nacional de los Recursos Naturales y del Ambiente
INDERENA
Diag. 34, 5–16
Bogotá, Colombia
Tel. 2458462, 2875627
Telex: 44428 INDE CO

CLAVERIA SANDOVAL, Héctor Ronaldo
Jefe Dpto. de Pesca Continental
Dirección Técnica de Pesca y Acuicultura
Av. Reforma 8–04 zona 9,
Edifico Galerias,
Reforma nivel 4
Guatemala CA, Guatemala
Tel. 313590

JIMENEZ SANTISTEVAN, Roberto
(Chairman of the Session)
Director
Instituto Nacional de Pesca
Apartado Postal 5918
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 401773

JUAREZ PALACIOS, Juan Ricardo
Director General de Acuicultura
Secretaria de Pesca/México
Avenida Plan de San Luís, esquina con Avenida Constituyentes
Fraccionamiento Constitución
04200 Pachuca, Hidalgo
Mexico
Tel. 30967, 34566

NANNE, Herbert
Sub-Director General Recursos Pesqueros
Ministerio Agricultura y Ganadería
San José, Costa Rica
Tel. 312344 ext. 252
Telex: 48010 MINAG

PERALTA, Medardo
Jefe de la Estación Experimental Dulce-Acuícola de Gualaca
Dirección Nacional de Acuicultura e Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria de Panamá (MIDA)
Santiago de Veraguas, Panamá
Tel. 757201

SALAYA, Juan José
Presidente del ALA (Asociación Latinoamericana de Acuicultura)
Director División de Ciencias Biológicas
Universidad Simón Bolívar
Apartado Postal 80659
Caracas, Venezuela
Tel. (02) 9621215
Telex: 21910 USB VC

SALGADO, René
Director Nacional de Proyecto - investigador
Centro de Desarrollo Pesquero
Final la Av.N., Santa Tecla
San Salvador, El Salvador
Tel. 281066, 511398

SARMIENTO ARMIJO, Marco Tulio
Coordinador Acuicultura
Recursos Naturales Renovables
Avenida de la Paz frente a la OEA
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Tel. 324014. 311881

VERA RIVAS PLATA, José
Director Ejecutivo
Centro Investigación y Desarrollo Agro Pesquero (CIDAP)
Apartado 310
Callao, Perú
Tel. 519647
Telex: 20300 OPPE

FAO
Via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy

FAGETTI, Elda
Secretary of COPESCAL
Fisheries Policy and Planning Division
Tel. 57976616
Telex: 610181 FAO I

MARTINEZ, Manuel
Working Party Technical Secretary
Fishery Resources and Environment Division
Tel. 57976655
Telex: 610181 FAO I

TAPIAS, Constantino
Oficial Regional de Pesca
Oficina Regional de la FAO para América Latina y el Caribe
Casilla 10095
Santiago, Chile
Tel. 2288056
Telex: 340279 FAOCHI CK

LORIA, Luigi
Director del Proyecto GCP/RLA/075/ITA
CP 64
13630 Pirassununga, SP
Brasil
Tel. (0195) 611299
Telex: (19) 7049 FAOR BR

PAGAN-FONT, F.A.
Director Adjunto (Investigación y Capacitación)
CT/FAO-Proyecto GCP/RLA/075/ITA
CP 64
13630 Pirassununga, S.P.
Brasil
Tel. (0195) 611299
Telex: (19) 7049 FAOR BR

OTHER REGIONAL EXPERTS

BENITES RODRIGUEZ, Carlos
Director de Promoción de Acuicultura
Ministerio de Pesquería
Lima, Perú
Tel. 704118

CHAVEZ, Luís Fernando
ESPOL (Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral)
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 389232

CORDOVA DURANGO DE ALVAREZ, Gladys Beatríz
Investigador Pesquero 3
Instituto Nacional de Pesca
Letamendi 102 y La Ria
Apartado Postal 5918
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 401057

COUTTS, Richard Robert
Asesor Pesquero, Misión Británica
Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros
Ministerio de Industrias, Comercio, Integración y Pesca
V.M. Rendon 1006
Edif. Huancavilca, 3o piso
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 304311
Telex: 3006 ED

DIK LEON, Mónica
Escuela de Biología
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales
Univ. de Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 344115

FLORES ROMERO, Ezequiel
Profesional de Industrias y Comercio
Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 308360 ext. 25

LOPEZ LEON, Efrén
Subdirector
Instituto Nacional de Pesca
Apartado Postal 5918
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 405820, 401773

MARIDUEÑA, Leonardo
Jefe Sección Peces
Instituto Nacional de Pesca
Apartado Postal 5918
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 407680

RAMOS TORAL, Rafael
Presidente
Aquamundo Cia. Ltda.
Policentro Local 77
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 399176, 398309
Telex: 3957 DEREIN-ED

RIVERA, Angel
Asistente Técnico
Representante de la Organización Latinoamericana de Desarrollo Pesquero, OLDEPESCA
Av. Aviación 2555-0
Lima, Perú
Tel. 357516
Telex: 2504786

ROBERTS FARFAN, Gilberto
Prof. de Ind. y Com.
Jefe del Dpto. de Piscicultura Enc.
Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 308360, ext. 25

SAUHING RADA, Angita
Escuela de Biología
Facultad de Ciencias Naturales
Univ. de Guayaquil
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 382217

TAMAYO, Gustavo
Gerente Producción/Camaronera MARGESA
Tulcán y 9 de Octubre
Edificio Chalela 5o piso
Apartado Postal 4415
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 371081, 371102, 303576

TINOCO, M., Isabel
Directora Fomento Pesquero
Ministerio de Agricultura y Cría
Dirección General Sectorial de Pesca y Acuicultura
Torre Este, Piso 10
Parque Central
Caracas, Venezuela
Tel. (02) 5090277, 5090262

TORRES NAVARRETE, Luís
Asesor
Subsecretaría de Recursos Pesqueros
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 308360, ext. 16

ZUÑIGA ARZUBE, Manuel
Profesional de Ind. y Com.
Dirección General de Pesca
Casilla 9521
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Tel. 308197

ANNEX B
Agenda

1. Opening of the Session

2. Organization of the Session

3. Review of progress: national programmes and activities

4. Review of progress: FAO/Italy Regional Aquaculture Programme

5. Recommendations of the Fourth Session of COPESCAL (Havana, Cuba, January 1986) concerning aquaculture development in the region

6. Aquaculture statistics

7. Regional cooperation network

   1. Rural and subsistence aquaculture

   2. Conservation of fish genetic resources

   3. New initiatives

8. Coordination at regional level of ongoing and/or scheduled activities by international and regional organizations (ALA, OLDEPESCA, Regional Aquaculture Project) etc.

9. Other matters

10. Date and place of Third Session

11. Adoption of the Report

12. Closure of the Session

ANNEX C
List of Documents

Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme, 1984 Inland aquaculture engineering. Lectures presented at the ADCP Inter-regional Training Course in inland aquaculture engineering. Budapest, 6 June – 3 September 1983. Rome, UNDP/FAO, ADCP/REP/84/21:591 p.

Beveridge, M.C.M., Cage and pen fish farming. 1984 Carrying capacity models and environmental impact. FAO Fish.Tech.Pap., (255):131 p. Issued also in French and Spanish

Coche, A.G. (comp.), Aquaculture in fresh waters. 1984 A list of selected reference books and monographs, 1951–1984. FAO Fish.Circ., (724) Rev.2:30 p.

Coche, A.G., (comp.), 1985 A list of selected FAO publications related to aquaculture, 1966–1985. FAO Fish.Circ., (744)Rev.1:40 p.

Comisión de Pesca Continental para América Latina (COPESCAL), 1986 Boletín COPESCAL. Bol.COPESCAL, (3):20 p.

Comisión de Pesca Continental para América Latina (COPESCAL), 1986a Introducción de especies ícticas y conservación de los recursos genéticos de América Latina. COPESCAL Doc.Ocas., (3):12 p.

Commission for Inland Fisheries of Latin America (COPESCAL), 1983 Report of the Working Party on aquaculture. Santiago de Veraguas, Panama, 18–22 April 1983. FAO Fish.Rep., (294):23 p. Issued also in Spanish

FAO, Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service, 1984 Fishery Resources and Environment Division, A study of methodologies for forecasting aquaculture development. FAO Fish.Tech.Pap., (248):47 p. Issued also in French and Spanish

FAO, 1986 Informe de la cuarta reuníon de la Comisión de Pesca Continental para América Latina. La Habana, Cuba, 20–25 de enero de 1986. Report of the fourth session of the Commission for Inland Fisheries of Latin America. Havana, Cuba, 20–25 January 1986. FAO Inf.Pesca/FAO Fish.Rep., (356):42 p.

Pedini Fernando-Criado, M. (ed.), 1984 Informes nacionales sobre el desarrollo de la acuicultura en América Latina. FAO Inf.Pesca, (294)Supl.l: 138 p. Issued only in Spanish

ANNEX D
Summaries of the Country Statements Presented to the Session

COLOMBIA

The Colombian delegate reported on the progress achieved since 1983 and presented his country's ongoing programmes as well as its future plans. He pointed out that at the present time culture of a number of species on a commercial scale was progressing well and that relatively large outputs, especially of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), “cachama”, (Colossoma spp.), trout (Salmo gairdneri) and peneid shrimps, were being obtained. He also indicated that some dams had been restocked with mullets and that production had increased as a result.

It is estimated that some 400 ha are currently given over to freshwater fish production and some 544 ha to marine shrimp culture, annual production levels being of the order of 1 120 t and 810 t respectively. It is estimated that by 1990 some 1 500 ha will be given over to inland water culture and some 9 000 ha to pond culture of marine shrimps. The number of government permits issued for the establishment and operation of aquaculture enterprises was as follows: 40 for fishculture farms, 17 for shrimp culture and 6 for peneid seed laboratories.

He discussed the introduction and transfer of species in Colombia and pointed out that studies had been carried out on shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) culture in the Colombia Caribbean where research into the culture of P. stylirostris and the introduction of P. monodon was also underway, and cited another study on the introduction of Chinese carps (bighead, silver and grass).

Under the National Aquaculture Development Programme a network of stations was established, through which it is hoped to orient and coordinate research in the various centres attached to INDERENA, regional corporations and universities. It is planned to allow recent graduates in marine biology and related subjects to participate in the programme and to give them the opportunity to become directly involved in research development in the various field stations. Under this National Programme specific research projects are formulated for the development of shrimp, “cachama”, trout, tilapia, carp, catfish, other caracids, estuarine and ornamental species.

Reference was made to the establishment of a Mangrove Committee to advise INDERENA on issuing permits for shrimp culture. This Committee comprises professional involved in aquaculture, the environment, forestry and legal matters and aims, through an interdisciplinary approach, to provide guidance to develop mangrove shrimp culture without damaging other natural resources and the environment. Special consideration has been given to the protection of mangroves forests.

A technical cooperation agreement is currently in force with the Japanese Government. Under this agreement, an expert assists with the development and transfer of breeding technology and ornamental fish culture. Within the next few days two experts are expected to arrive from Taiwan, Province of China to work with INDERENA technicians on the breeding and culture of freshwater shrimp (M. rosenbergii).

On the subject of qualified staff, it was noted that Colombia has some 108 registered professionals capable of providing technical assistance and carrying out feasibility studies for the financial sector. The majority of these professionals are specialists in marine biology, followed by general biology, veterinary medicine, fisheries engineering, etc. Stress was laid on the need to continue training professionals in these fields and for specialization in specific areas of aquaculture, such as nutrition, genetic improvement and pathology.

It was emphasized that the level of public financing for aquaculture programmes in institutes such as INDERENA had declined. Attention was drawn to the existence of specific credit lines for aquaculture through the Fondo Financiero Agropecuario and PROEXPO (Fondo de Promoción de Exportaciones).

Current problems included the shortage of high-quality balanced feeds at reasonable prices, the lack of improved seed for tilapia, trout, “cachama” and shrimp culture, and the need for research on the marketing of non-traditional species such as freshwater shrimp and wider dissemination of economic studies on feasible rates of return from the culture of the various species.

COSTA RICA

The Costa Rican expert briefly traced the history of aquaculture which commenced in 1974 with the establishment of an Aquaculture Department. In 1975 the Reunión Consultiva Regional de Planificación sobre Acuicultura, organized by FAO and held in Caracas, prepared a master plan which has been used to guide the Department's activities ever since. Even though difficulties arose in integrating this plan into the country's development plans, construction work began on the research facilities and continued over the next few years.

The Department began by working on freshwater cultures, leaving seawater culture to the private sector in view of the higher costs involved and the budget limitations to which they were subject.

Tilapia has been the most important species in warm-water aquaculture. Work has been done on genetic improvement. At the present time, Costa Rica has two pure lines of Oreochromis hornorum and Oreochromis mossambicus which have even been exported to other countries of the region. Pure lines of red tilapia from Taiwan, Province of China, were introduced and these have also been improved genetically. There are also lines of Oreochromis aureus and Oreochromis niloticus. The users of these technologies have for the most part been small and medium producers.

One frequent obstacle to aquaculture development is opposition from the fishing sector. This became obvious following the success of the programme for the cage culture of tilapia. A yield of 5 t per year per cage measuring 72 m³ obtained. However, as a result of the pressure exerted by the opposition group, support was withdrawn from the project.

The tilapia (a polycultured species), includes a large imported component. Since it became increasingly difficult to continue providing this diet, it was decided to use large quantities of organic fetilizer (400–500 kg of dry fertilizer/ha/day). The problem of water quality loss that this causes was solved by introducing a species of giant clam (Anodontites luteola), which is an excellent filter feeder of organic matter. This species grows to some 850–900 g in 11–12 months and yield can reach 12–14 t/ha/year. It could probably be polycropped with crayfish. The clam meat content is between 55 and 60% and it has been processed into soups and sauces.

Another project centres on “cachama” (Colossoma macropomum) culture. This species is fed ripe banana and could e perfect for diversification in banana-growing areas.

Work has also focused on two species of snail (Pomacea sp.), one, local (Pomacea costarricana) and the other exotic (Pomacea zeteki). Economic studies showed a market for these species in the United States of America. The Louisiana crayfish (Procambarus clarki) has been stocked in dams and an estimated yield of some 100 t is expected. A cooperative of low-income fishermen has been formed and the crayfish is now beginning to be exported.

A new method of semi-intensive trout culture in cold water has been developed. Ponds with a low rate of water circulation are used, the feed provided has a protein content of only 18% and the water temperature is between 15°C and 18°C. This activity is being carried out by a group of some 60 small producers, with one or two ponds each. Output, some 2 to 3 t per unit, totalled some 80 t last year. A hatchery for the production of some 2.5 to 3 million eggs/year is currently under construction. Some of these eggs will be sold to Panama, where elevations are too low for the management of spawners and egg production. This programme receives support from the Canadian Government.

Further international assistance scheduled to commence in 1987 will be provided by the German Agency GTZ (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit - Technical Cooperation Organization), which has contributed US$ 1.2 million for an aquaculture project on the Atlantic side (which is extremely poor in fishery resources).

Another GTZ - assisted project is tilapia and Chinese carp culture in a dam, using both the free-swimming and cage systems. It is estimated that some 2 500 t will be obtained from the 75 000 ha impoundment, in addition to the cage output. Sea catches total some 13 000 t which suggests the magnitude of this project, which also includes the establishment of a cooperative and the setting up of processing facilities with a view to export.

Although private shrimp farmers who launched their activity in this country a few years ago failed, but lessons were learned concerning closed-cycle techniques (entire reproductive life cycle) and the inadvisability of destroying mangrove forest, which causes soil acidification. A new enterprise is now launching operations in the largest of these farms which had remained idle for six years.

A project consisting of small shrimp-producing units is operating in salt marshes. Salt producers are currently experiencing serious difficulties due to the fact that there are too many of them. The project is being assisted by the government of Taiwan, Province of China. Seven experts are currently assessing the location, quantity and seasonal variation of peneid postlarvae, so as to be able to determine the size of operation that this resource will be able to support. In the same context, farms with a surface area exceeding 200–300 ha are allowed to draw postlarvae from the natural environment during their first year of operation. This gives them time to establish their own hatchery.

An Israeli company recently opened in the country for production of some 80–100 t/ha/year of tilapia for export, using superintensive culture methods. The Asociación Bananera Nacional (ASBANA) has developed a closed-circuit system for production of M. rosenbergii larvae, using a combination of Taiwanese and Costa Rican technologies. The system has proved to be very efficient and it is hoped that culture of this species will provide an excellent alternative for the country's Atlantic coast.

Since Costa Rica is one of the countries which has developed various new technologies for the region, it is quite striking that little transfer has taken place and that even in the country itself, the technologies are little used. The fact is that progress in this sector has been slowed down by other food-producing sectors. Furthermore, the failure of the large shrimp-producing companies had an extremely negative effect on the country's economic and political sectors. Added to this is the economic crisis affecting the entire region. It is thought that the recent successes of the projects described above are helping to improve the activity's image. As regards transfer to other countries, some cases were cited, such as the shipping of giant clams to Panama and Brazil.

In the opinion of some of the delegates present, these technologies have not been sufficiently publicized with a view to possible exchanges with other countries of the region.

ECUADOR

G. Beatriz Cordoba de Alvarez, a scientist working at the Instituto Nacional de Pesca, presented a summary of the main fishery and limnological research studies recently carried out in Ecuador and drew attention to Ecuador's environment which was highly favourable to aquaculture development and the participation of the Institute's limnology section.

She described the results of a project for extensive tilapia culture using organic fertilizer and the activities of a small fish culture training school in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, in the Province of Pichincha. One objective is to offer the inhabitants of the area viable production alternatives to counter rural/urban migration.

She noted that by 1985, the Universidad Técnica de Machala, through the School of Agriculture of the Faculted de Veterinaria y Agronomia, had trained a total of 70 persons who would receive degrees in aquaculture as “Ingenieros Acuicultores” upon acceptance of their research thesis.

Margarita Campos, a scientist with the Fundación Ciencia, presented a report on the objectives, results and achievements of the “Proyecto Chame”, sponsored by the Fundación, which receives financing from the Canadian Agency, International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

“Chame” (Dormitator latifrons) is a species native to Ecuador which has now begun to be semi-cultivated in marshes. It has proven extremely tolerant of variations in salinity and traditionally, has been used for food. Its ability to withstand long periods of transportation (up to three days) without refrigeration makes it attractive for marketing in isolated communities where logistical facilities are inadequate.

The first stage of the “chame” project focussed on a species biology study which produced significant results, confirming high Chame fertility and success with induced breeding. The major problem was the larval stage: the larvae are highly microphagous. This is the area of research on which the greatest emphasis is being placed at the present time. Nutritional and growth studies are planned under the second phase of the project.

A brief account was given of other aquaculture activities carried out in the Sierra, including studies on the common carp, tilapia and “cachama”. Ecuador has received assistance from the Belgian Government for “cachama” studies.

Mr Gilberto Roberts F., Head (E) of the Fish Culture Department of Ecuador's Subsecretariá de Recursos Pesqueros, briefly summarized some current activities in trout culture in Ecuador.

The government is involved in extensive trout culture, including annual restocking of national waters with some one million fingerlings. Intensive trout culture by private industry on two major farms uses pond and cage rearing techniques.

The Ecuadorian Government has been promoting trout culture among a number of indigenous communities, with extension work and lectures supported by a British mission. Attention was drawn to the case of the Salina community where there are approximately 200 ponds in operation. Many of these communities practice closed-cycle trout cultivation, using their own methods of spawning, fertilization, incubation and production of fingerlings in their own rearing facilities.

It was pointed out that the government was interested in promoting aquaculture in the province of Guayas, where pollution from fertilizers and other agriculture products has led to a decline in catches.

Next to take the floor was Dr Roberto Jiménez Santistevan, Chairman of the Session of the Working Party and Director of the Instituto Nacional de Pesca, who discussed peneid shrimp culture in Ecuador.

He noted that total estimated shrimp postlarvae requirements for the country's 100 000 ha of ponds amount to 12 500 million, the average stocking rate being 50 000 postlarvae/ha on the basis of 2.5 stocking operations/year. It has been established, he said, that current supply amounts to 4 253 million, which means that 66 percent of the demand is not met. On the other hand, 27.3 percent of these 4 253 million postlarvae are provided by laboratories, and 16.7 percent come from the natural environment.

In July 1986 some 62 laboratories were authorized to produce peneid postlarvae. Of these 62, 23 are operational, 9 have been set up but have not yet commenced operations, 15 are under construction and another 15 are in the planning stage. It is estimated that some 100 laboratories will be producing shrimp seed in Ecuador in 1987.

Of the 23 laboratories already in operation, 21 are producing marine shrimp and two, freshwater shrimp, M. rosenbergii. Fourteen use the maturing process and the remaining nine buy nauplii from different laboratories and raise them.

Approximately 160 persons work in the existing laboratories. Sixty are involved in biology, 27 in the technical sector, 5 work in a number of areas and 68 are laboratory assistants.

The importance of the government's action was stressed. It is providing training for national technicians at the laboratory of the Escuela Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), where programmes for the production of marine shrimp postlarvae are also being carried out. Attention was also drawn to the research being conducted on the occasional occurrence of red tides, which have destroyed biological material both in rearing ponds and in the country's shrimp laboratories.

EL SALVADOR

The Salvadorian expert explained that his country had not attended the First Session of the working Party on Aquaculture and, therefore, he would give a brief summary of the status of the activity in El Salvador.

The main species with which work has been done is tilapia, in combination with “guapote tigre” (Cichlassoma manguensis). Results were disappointing for reasons which he discussed later and, so attention was shifted to other species such as Chinese carps and freshwater shrimp.

Estimates show that only 35.5% of the potential of existing ponds is presently being used. Cage culture of tilapia however has been particularly successful and is being expanded. The major difficulty is producing the large number of fingerlings needed for cage culture. Tilapia is the second most significant species where supply of inland water fishery products is concerned. The government's research infrastructure comprises six centres, in one of which a laboratory was built for the production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Chinese carp seed, in response to the new development trend for this activity, which is culture on a commercial basis.

Some 2 000 ha have been earmarked for marine shrimp culture, of which 200 ha are now ready. The plan provides for a first phase involving a maximum of 1 000 ha. Any subsequent increase will be contingent upon the construction of larvae hatcheries, which would reduce the need to collect larvae from the natural environment. The speaker pointed out that whilst the private sector had invested some US$ 4 million, public sector financing had been reduced to US$ 60 000, which left a very narrow margin for research and development. At the present time, the only technical assistance received by El Salvador is provided by Taiwan (Province of China). Formerly there had been assistance agreements with the IDB, USAID, CIDA and other agencies.

In his analysis of the constraints to aquaculture development, he referred to the lack of a national aquaculture programme and noted that ongoing activities were basically dependent upon international cooperation.

Lack of planning was the reason why seed requirements could not be accurately estimated. In most cases this meant that this input was in short supply, a serious constraint to the development of the sector.

The crisis experienced by the El Salvador aquaculture sector, due to technical as well as other factors, produced the above mentioned effects but also had other consequences, such as the loss of trained staff and the subsequent loss to the Government of their technological skills.

He explained that the main reason why plans for tilapia culture on a commercial scale failed was because the technology adopted involved the production of quantities of tilapia hybrids greater than the capacity then available to the public sector.

This prompted comments concerning the need to draw up a compendium including this and other tilapia culture projects giving the causes for their total or partial failure with respect to the technical side of the operation. The Working Party decided unanimously that this was a topic which should be approached collectively so as to determine whether certain species, hybrids, etc., should be used in programmes being launched in the region.

GUATEMALA

Guatemala's expert explained that in 1983, some 587 ha had been given over to aquaculture, 29 ha of that total being used for rural aquaculture and the remainder for peneid shrimp culture. In rural aquaculture, work was being done on O. hornorum, O. niloticus, (Cichlassoma managuense), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and small (Pomacea zateki). Part of the tilapia and carp seed output was stocked in lakes and dams.

Beginning in 1984, the inland water sector acquired further momentum. Attention focussed on two areas: inland fisheries and the use of existing man-made water bodies. With respect to inland fisheries, output in the four or five water bodies under management has so far amounted to 64 t.

Rural aquaculture ponds cover an area of some 39.4 ha and produce 19 t of tilapia annually. Tilapia is also reared in 13 cages (963 m³), producing an output of some 7.3 t/year.

A further 1 065 ha of ponds are currently being used for peneid culture.

The infrastructure supporting these developments comprises six fish stations, one of which produces seed tilapia exclusively, and another, carp seed. There is also a laboratory for the production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii seed and another, in the experimental phase, for the production of peneid seed.

Research work has centred on the use of local agricultural by-products. A current experiment is carried out using cages stocked at a rate of between 300 and 500 specimens/m³ and a research study on snail and the local fish species Ramdhia guatemalensis is due to be relaunched.

Guatemala has received support from a number of external agencies, such as FAO, USAID, Taiwan (Province of China) mission, Mexico's Secretaria de Pesca (Department of Fisheries) the US Peace Corps, CARE, the German Agency for Rural Development (COGAAF), and the Friends of the Americas Foundation.

The Japanese Government has sent a peneid culture expert to work in the country for one year.

The major constraint to rural fish culture development was identified as the lack of an adequate budget to cover the requirements of a project of this nature.

HONDURAS

The Honduran expert reported that USAID had built a station to produce and distribute tilapia fingerlings to local users. Two working groups were established: one, in charge of station management, fingerling production and distribution, and the other responsible exclusively for extension work. A total of 8 technicians are involved.

In view of the growing demand for fingerlings and the increased area given over to aquaculture, the Government reopened two substations which were not operational and built two more. All these stations produce O. nilotica, the hybrid (O. nilotica x O. hornorum) and carp (Cyprinus carpio). At the main station work is also carried out with silver and grass carps. The Instituto Nacional Agrario (INA) will shortly open an Aquaculture Station, comprising some 3 ha of ponds, designed to lend support to small-farmer projects.

The country has no training centre to provide know-how in aquaculture. The few trained people that there are had to go abroad for their training, which was made possible by the Mexican Government, CERLA and USAID. Fish culture and aquaculture classes have now been introduced at the Escuela Nacional de Agriculture (ENA) and agronomy and biology courses at the Universidad Nacional.

A technical assistance programme, which included the construction of the aquaculture centre mentioned above and the training of its first technicians, was carried out jointly by USAID and Auburn University (USA). The Programme terminated in 1980. Over the same period assistance was also provided by the Fisheries Technical Mission of Taiwan (Province of China).

Since 1984, another USAID-Auburn University Programme has been underway and the Taiwanese Government mission is continuing their project. The Government has done a feasibility study on the expansion of aquaculture to the western region of the country. The study projects the construction of 40 semicommercial modules covering 3 000 m² each and 16 commercial modules each 12 300 m². Financing in the amount of US$ 2 million is being sought for this project which is expected to take some 10 years.

A centre for training and practical work in marine shrimp culture is under construction. This activity is completely in the hands of private enterprise and is geared to export. An estimated total water surface area of some 1 300 ha is used for this culture.

MEXICO

The Mexican expert referred to the two reports that his country has submitted to date, describing the status of aquaculture up to 1982. Since then, significant strides have been made in the areas of technological development and support services.

Discussing the institutional side, he cited a programme of work approved early this year. Its organizational focus involved designating areas within the coastal states as aquaculture districts, in which aquaculture would be integrated with other components of the agriculture sector. He gave the example of Sinaloa, where dam construction and operation were being coordinated with the coastal shrimp fisheries affected by these activities.

Freshwater aquaculture is being integrated with the Programa de Desarrollo Rural Integral (Integrated Rural Development Programme) through the promotion of Granjas Integrales de Policultivo (Integrated Polyculture Farms). It has been determined that the aquaculture production potential is some 800 000 t/year. The 1985 yield totalled 133 t (16 percent of the potential): the 1988 output is expected to be 35 percent of the total potential.

With respect to technological development, the most significant strides have been made in shrimp culture. Under Mexican law only cooperative societies are allowed to carry out this activity. Private bodies. In 1985, some 1 200 ha were used for the culture of P. vannamei and P. stylirostris: the projected figure for end 1986 is 2 000 ha. Shrimp yields are still low and it is thought that some type of external assistance would be useful. In so far as the extensive culture of these species is concerned, productivity is roughly 200 kg/ha/year. For semi-intensive culture in lagoons productivity ranges from 298 and 700 kg/ha over a period of 180 days. There are plans for the establishment of a production unit based on the super-intensive culture system using raiseways which it is estimated, will produce 50–60 t/ha over a cycle of 197 days.

Work is being done toward establishing shrimp culture standards covering rearing in mangrove areas, taking postlarvae from the natural environment, and the size of the installations used to produce these postlarvae.

Mexico already has the technology to produce Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae. The Federal Government has two laboratories for the purpose and the private sector, twelve (private companies are permitted by law to culture this species).

The large oyster (Crassostrea spp.) is another species which can only be cultured by cooperative societies (there are now 112). Crassostrea has been cultured in Mexico for more than 25 years. Over the past five years the output has averaged 20 000 t/year. In the last three years this figure rose considerably. Hatcheries have been established for seed production. The main unit has encountered problems which would justify some form of technical assistance.

Private firms have recently undertaken mussel (Mitilus edulis) culture in floating rafts.

Two stations have been built to produce abalone (Haliotis spp.) seed to offset over-fishing in the natural fishing grounds. This species is already being cultured in cages and raiseway culture is to begin shortly.

There are 59 fish culture stations. In 1983 a range of support policies were applied to this activity. Formerly, as part of their social guidance projects the Government used to construct production units free of charge. Nowadays, it produces the necessary seed and promotes the activity through pilot culture facilities, but users must obtain financing from the banks. It is thought that seed will be sold during the first year, but the intention of the extension bodies is to encourage the users to produce fry themselves and so terminate their dependence on the public and private bodies that produce this input.

Production units totalled 1 371 in 1985. An inventory, not yet completed, indicates a 60% increase, distributed according to species: carp- 30%; tilapia - 21%; trout - 10%. Other species include shrimp and large oyster which, for the most part, have not yet been inventoried. Total area under ponds is estimated at 6 428 ha. Although intensive aquaculture has been expanding, the extensive method continues to be used.

Other technological advances have included the consolidation of lines of research in nutrition and fish pathology. Progress has also been achieved in induced breeding of species such as black and bighead carps. Peje lagarto (Lepisosteus sp.) and Colossoma spp.

Work has also been done with “robalo” (Centropomus undecimalis), using juveniles taken from the natural environment, and results have been promising.

Studies on the biology and culture of other species have also been carried out.

With regard to support services, technicians number 500. This figure both professional and medium-level staff. There are 15 institutions involved in aquaculture research and 20 involved in the training of human resources. They all grant first degrees and one grants a Master's degree. Efforts are being made to encourage the further involvement of the universities in aquaculture research.

PANAMA

The Panamian expert stated that in recent years there has been a clear trend towards the development of commercial aquaculture activities: research programmes have incorporated cost/benefit analyses for aquaculture. He named the species on which research programme focussed and those exploited commercially.

Problems arose with concentrated feeds, and so studies were launched to determine the feasibility of producing feeds from plant protein supplemented with shrimp heads (a by-product of processing operations) to provide the required animal protein and thus reduce the cost of the diet.

He informed the meeting that international bids would soon (latter part of 1986) be tendered for the extension of the Experimental Marine Station “Ing. Enrique Ensenat”, where work will fucus mainly on peneid shrimps and Artemia salina as well as on pathology studies. In this way, the station would fulfil both training and research functions. The IDB will finance the project (approximately US$ 500 000) under the Support Infrastructure Sub-Programme.

It is also planned to build a centre for the production of trout fingerlings and develop this culture in areas which lend themselves to this type of activity. He drew attention to the fact that the technical assistance of three experts was required to train staff for the research and training centre. He reported that the Gualaca Station, geared to research and technical assistance, was completed at the end of 1984. The Moja Pollo Station would soon be completed and would focus on the restocking of lakes and rivers.

PERU

Peru's expert spoke of aquaculture for export purposes as well as for domestic consumption. The former focusses on peneid shrimps and “concha de abanico” (Argopecten purpuratus), and the latter on Colossoma sp., Brycon sp. and Prochilodus sp. Trout was produced both for export and for domestic and Prochilodus sp. Trout was produced both for export and for domestic consumption but the export sector was encountering difficulties, owing to strong competition from other countries. Results with tilapia had not been very positive due to a lack of technological know-how and because it is not a traditional food. This led to the intensification of studies on local species, such as Colossoma sp., which has given good results.

He reported that the present Government has given priority status to the food sector and has granted credit in the amount of US$ 1 350 000 in support of national inland fisheries and the development of aquaculture.

The Project “Piscicultura en la sierra y selva” was allocated a budget of US$ 329 000 for 1986. This project will focus particularly on the socalled “trapecio andino” zone, which comprises 7 departments. The funds are being used to put into operation fish stations to produce trout, tilapia and “gamitanas” (Colossoma spp.), but the budget is thought to be inadequate because of the small sum allocated to operational expenses. This is a fairly commom problem in all the countries of the region.

One of the constraints to trout culture is the lack of sufficient quantities of eggs and broodstock. Current egg output amounts to 10 400 000 but 30 000 000 are needed. Efforts are being made to close the gap. At the present time, fresh trout production totals 427 t/year. Aquaculture production of tropical fish species remains small (9 t/year) and includes gamitanas, tilapias and carps. Some 2 500 ha are used for peneid shrimp culture, which generated US$ 14 millions in 1985. another species which is exported is “concha de abanico”. Catches totalled 12 036 t in 1984 and 47 470 t in 1985. This year catches have totalled 7 000 t. Some 180 ha are given over to the culture of this species, operated under government concessions, and productivity totals 20 t/ha/year. Output in 1984 amounted to 3 600 t. There was no output in 1985 due to mortality caused by environmental changes.

“Pejerrey de rio” (Odontesthes bonariensis), is being widely distributed in the northern part of the Titicaca watershed. This species will make good use of the upper Andean lakes and lagoons, whose present fish population is not very significant when considered in terms of the human diet and will help raise fish culture output in regions which now lack animal protein.

VENEZUELA

Basing his statement on the Report of the previous meeting on aquaculture development, held in Venezuela, the Venezuelan delegate described the progress which had taken place since 1983.

As from May 1985, the former Dirección General Sectorial de Desarrollo Pesquero (DGSDP), attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Ministerio de Agricultura y Cria), became the Dirección General Sectorial de Pesca y Acuicultura (DGSPA). At the same time, the Aquaculture Division was established under the “Dirección” mentioned above. The major objectives of this Division will be to prepare aquaculture development policies and plans at national level.

This change of name and the establishment of the Aquaculture Division is a further step toward raising the level of priority that the country accords to this activity, now that it has been earmarked in the nation's VII Plan for the agricultural sector which accords priority to strengthening the (VII Plan de la Nación para el Sector Agricola).

Other measures designed to boost aquaculture development include those taken by the President of the Republic's Office (Decreto No. 59,02.03.1984) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Resolución MAC-OPSA No. 153, 05.04.1984), obliging the Banca Comercial to earmark a percentage of not less than 17 percent of its investments for the financing of agricultural activities, including the culture of aquatic species.

With a view to developing shrimp culture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock issued resolution MAC-DGSPDP No. 391 in November 1984, laying down rules concerning the import into the country of live specimens of the genus Penaeus for culture and research purposes (Gaceta Oficial de la República de Venezuela No. 33118). The Ministry also issued instructions regarding the introduction into the country of non-native peneid shrimps

With respect to Government aquaculture research, as from 1 January 1983, the Dirección de Investigaciones Pesqueras (Fishery Research Agency), attached to the Dirección General Sectorial de Desarrollo Pesquero, became part of the Fondo Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (FONAIAP), which centralizes all official agricultural research in Venezuela.

In addition to pursuing aquaculture research projects begun by the Dirección de Investigaciones Pesqueras, FONAIAP received an IDB loan in the first quarter of 1985 for the implementation of the Programa de Dessarrollo Tecnológico (PRODETEC). Under the fishery component of this Programme there are plans for three research and technology transfer projects focussing on the culture of shrimp (Penaeus spp.), “cachama” (Colossoma macropomum) and mussel (Perna perna). The amount approved for the implementation of these projects is US$ 2.6 millions over three years.

In general, projects for research on and the culture of the following species are continuing: trout (Salmo gairdnerii), “cachama” (Colossoma sp.), marine (Penaeus spp.) and river (Macrobrachium spp.) shrimp, mussel (Perna perna), “pampano marino” (Trachinotus spp.) and oyster (Crassostrea spp.). In addition, research studies are being carried out on “lisa” (Mugil spp.), “pavón” (Cichla spp.) and river catfish (Pseudoplatistoma spp., Leiarius marmoratus and Hipostomus watwata).

The fish pathology group has continued its research into the diseases encountered in a number of cultured species. Notably, talks which have initiated between the fish pathology section of the Veterinary Faculty of the Universidad Central de Venezuela and CERLA with a view to establishing a regional fish pathology subcentre. Attention was also drawn to the results obtained by researchers from the Universidad Centro Oxidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCOLA), with spontaneous breeding of “cachama” in captivity.

Aquaculture output in 1985 totalled 903 t, an increase of 248 percent over the 1980 figure of 364 t.

During the same period there was little significant change in the number of firms working in trout, “cachama” and mussel culture, since 1982, although efforts are being made to increase production and productivity. With respect to shrimp culture, over the same period eight firms registered with the Aquaculture Division and submitted projects with a view to obtaining a technical guarantee. However, so far none of these firms have started production on a commercial basis. It is estimated that by 1990 their output will have reached 7 500 t for a culture area covering some 2 900 ha. Investment is expected to total Bs 307 millions (US$ 1 = Bs 19.75). The number of professionals involved in aquaculture at the end of 1986 was estimated at 85. There is nevertheless a shortage of professionals in the socio-economic side of the activity.

In 1982, investment in the different aquaculture projects totalled Bs 40 million. It is estimated that by September 1986, investment in aquaculture projects had risen by more than Bs 35 million, 85% of which was used to purchase land and to carry out feasibility studies on marine shrimp culture.

The problems mentioned in the report of the previous meeting are the same being encountered today. However, it is worth repeating what the urgent problems are and how they can be dealt with:

1. the problem of red tides as it affects mussel culture;

2. marketing and distribution problems which affect “cachama” culture development;

3. analysis of the impact aquatic cultures may have on the environment;

4. intensification of socio-economic assessments of culture projects.

ANNEX E
1985 Aquaculture Output in the Countries Participating in the Working Party

ANNEX F
Action Taken in Response to Recommendations and Other Initiatives

ANNEX G
Survey on Tilapia Culture

GUIDELINES

1. Introduction of the Species

Briefly give the date(s) of introduction(s) of the species, the names of imported species, their origin(s) and any other details considered relevant.

In another paragraph of the same chapter (a) give background information concerning taxonomical registration of introduced species: mark yes or no and comment on the reliability of the operation; (b) list the species giving their valid names and, in brackets, the synonym by which they were originally identified.

2. Dissemination of the Species

2.1 Dissemination

Give the dates (in chronological order) of the most important disseminations, the major characteristics of the water bodies (location, size, average annual temperature, etc.) and production units where the species was distributed; list the results obtained and, where applicable, the major constraints to the development of the culture (over-stocking, unfavourable environment, etc.).

2.2 Fingerling production estimates

Give a list (in chronological order) of the fingerling-producing stations established to provide tilapia seed to producers. Give a brief description of breeding methodologies and, where applicable, methods of selection, used in the broodstock/breeding/process and the main result indices.

3. Cultures

3.1 Systems used

State, in chronological order, the culture systems used (ponds, cages, etc.). Should the information be available, provide average yield figures for each case and other results (i.e., rates of growth, food conversion rates, economic rates of return, etc.).

3.2 Nutrition and health

In this paragraph, stress the major points with respect to these two items and state briefly their impact on the cultures.

3.3 Genetics and cross-breeding

Mention the work carried out, hybrids produced and culture systems used. Report briefly on the standard achieved in pure-line management, culture results and prospects for same.

4. Marketing

Give details of marketing performance and state the role to be played by the sector on the basis of future prospects for tilapia culture. Describe the main industrialization methods used and give this sector's prospects for the future.

SUGGESTED PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THE DATA

1. The minimum guidelines will be received by the representative of each country at the Second Session of COPESCAL's Working Party on Aquaculture.

2. He will distribute it to the country's senior experts involved in the management of this species and will receive the data from them.

3. It is recommended that the replies to this chapter of the minimum guidelines be specific. When data is not available or if no particular activity has been carried out, this should be clearly stated.

4. It is recommended that failures, recognized as such by the country's experts, even when they may not be due to technical reasons, should be clearly stated and further data provided to support each expert's point of view or opinion.

5. It is recommended that when considered necessary by the expert, supplementary data should be included for the sole purpose of expanding or justifying the views contained in the report.