July 26, 2006

Tsunami relief efforts rebuild aquaculture projects in Indonesia

Even though it has been nearly two years since the tsunami of 2004 swept away thousands of lives in Indonesia, the rebuilding efforts are still ongoing.

Among the efforts is the Fund for Rebuilding Aquaculture in Tsunami-Affected Areas, which is administered by Aquaculture without Frontiers.

Working with local citizens and Indonesia's Directorate General of Aquaculture, with donations channeled through the World Aquaculture Society, three aquaculture-related recovery projects has been achieved over the past 18 months.

The first project restored coastal ponds and water supplies for fish farmers in Banda Aceh, one of the worst-hit regions in the tsunami while the second project involves developing seaweed cultures in a village.

Another project underway is a wild shrimp broodstock project in Province Nangroe Aceh Darussalam.

Most shrimp facilities were swept away during the tsunami. Of the 223 hatcheries in Aceh, 193 were extensively damaged.

The project would supply fishing gear, rehabilitate ponds and tanks, and train farmers to ensure high quality fry stock.

Among the contributors is YSI incorporated, a company providing technology and systems for monitoring ecosystems. Tim Grooms, YSI Product Manager, notes that each funded project helps to restore small segments of the aquaculture sector and provide localised, long-term aquaculture infrastructure.