May 15, 2007

Thailand to train Pacific Islanders on hatchery operations

Thailand is conducting a three-week course in Thailand on operating a marine finfish hatchery for islands in the Pacific which has expressed an interest in aquaculture.

The effort was jointly organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and Pacific aquaculture specialists and the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific, to produce training and research opportunities.

Participants would hail from various fisheries departments in the region and private sector operations-from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia and the focus would be on grouper species.

SPC Aquaculture adviser Ben Ponia said the marine fish farming sector is one of the most dynamic in Asia and that the training would enable the islands to take stock of the successes of Asian operations and use it in their own operations.

World aquaculture production of groupers data is around 6,000-7,000 tonnes per year, valued at about US$60 million. The bulk of this production comes from wild seed stock.

As hatchery production of groupers is still low and irregular and stock are difficult to rear because of their specific nutrient and environmental requirement, much knowledge and expertise is required in the field.

Given the growing interest and demand for fish on local and international markets, there is a high requirement for education and knowledge transfer, the course organisers said.