SEAFDEC/AQD experience in mangrove-friendly aquaculture training and extension

Abstract

SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) is mandated to develop human resources and disseminate and exchange information in aquaculture. Towards this direction, AQD’s recent thrusts are focused on the verification, packaging, and commercialization of the technologies developed through research. AQD disseminates and exchanges information on aquaculture research and technology through training, extension services, community-based projects and mass media. Through these strategies, AQD aims to reach out to more clientele which include among other sectors the private industry, research and academic institutions, regional and international organizations, policy-makers, non-government organizations, resource managers, SEAFDEC member-countries, local and national government and the fisherfolk.

For the past two years, the scope of training courses and extension services of AQD have been expanded from technological viability to sustainability i.e., technological feasibility, economic viability, environmental sustainability and social equity. To attain sustainable aquaculture the following elements were considered: status of technology, conditions of the coastal resources, socio-economic attributes of the community and other stakeholders and institutional arrangements on sustainable aquaculture.

Starting 1997, subjects on mangrove-friendly aquaculture and coastal resource management were incorporated into the curriculum of training courses. These courses are the following:

<ul><li>Third Country Training Program on Coastal Aquaculture and Resource Management for trainees from Asian countries</li> <li>On-site Training on Sustainable Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Management in Vietnam</li> <li>Sustainable Aquaculture and Coastal Resource Management for extension workers and fishery school teachers</li></ul>

In terms of technology verification and extension, the culture of mudcrab (Scylla sp.) was tested in mangroves or tidal flats with existing mangroves in two different sites (Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Kalibo, Aklan) in collaboration with local government units and the fisherfolk. These activities started in 1997 and will be replicated in other areas of the country. Also in 1997, AQD published and distributed an issue on integrated farming with aquasilviculture in its SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture newsletter. In 1998, AQD produced a 12-minute video on Conserving Mangrove Resources.