Strengthening mechanisms to maximize benefits of BMPs to small-holder shrimp farmer groups : NACA

Background

Australian Centre for International Research

Better Management Practices (BMPs) in the aquaculture context outline norms for responsible farming of aquatic animals. In aquaculture, better management practices have been developed largely for shrimp and salmon aquaculture, although some efforts are presently being made to develop BMPs for other aquatic commodities such as tilapia, catfish, molluscs and eels.

Objectives

The project will build on the ongoing shrimp BMP programs in the Asia-Pacific region (e.g. Australia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Thailand) and create a robust regional mechanism for networking and exchange of information. The project will specifically focus on BMPs to help small-scale shrimp farmers in Asia reduce disease risk, improve yields, produce quality shrimp, access markets, address socio-economic sustainability and comply with international principles. Activities will be built around the ongoing regional activities of project partners to ensure continuity, optimize resources and sustain networking in the Asian Region.

Expected outputs

Regional networking mechanisms between stakeholders will be strengthened to facilitate exchange of knowledge on BMPs, based on the International Principles for Responsible Shrimp Aquaculture, to enable adoption to maximize benefits to small holder shrimp farmers.
Development and dissemination of BMPs contextualised for country, location, farming system and species.
Exploration of strategies for forward integration that maximize market opportunities for BMP-compliant farmer groups.
Development of a methodology for certification of BMP-compliant small holder farmer groups.

Progress

The first meeting of the project was held in the Marine Products Export Development Agency, Cochin, India, on 21st November. It was attended by project partners from India (MPEDA, CIBA, NaCSA), Vietnam (NAFIQAVED), Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and NACA. Representatives from other BMP projects in the region (IFC, WWF, FAO), and the Seafood Choice Alliance also participated.
A new section of the NACA website dedicated to BMPs has been developed as an initiative under this project. It has been designed to accomodate BMPs not just on shrimp, but also for other major aquaculture commodities.
The second project meeting was held in NACA secretariat on 19-21 November 2008. It was attended by project partners from India (MPEDA, CIBA, NaCSA), Vietnam (DAQ), Indonesia, Australia and NACA. Representatives from other BMP projects in the region (WWF), and the other international NGO (IUCN Netherland and Fishwise) also participated.