This report describes a training course on marine finfish hatchery protocols, which was convened at the Karabi Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Center, Thailand at the request of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. The main goal of the training was to carry out hands-on practical work in finfish hatchery techniques, with an emphasis on grouper. This work involved spawning induction, incubation and larval rearing until day 12.

The workshop was the second in a series of expert meetings to assist the development of guidelines for aquaculture certification. The workshop gave stakeholders in the Americas a unique opportunity to get together with international stakeholders to discuss certification and in particular the development of the draft FAO/NACA guidelines for aquaculture certification. The workshop identified a strong need for an aquaculture certification guideline document to inform and guide stakeholders towards responsible and sustainable aquaculture. 

This is the report of a five-day training workshop was to build capacity and awareness of relevant stakeholders in the areas of aquatic epidemiology, risk analysis, surveillance and emergency preparedness. The long term objective was to support implementation of national strategies for better aquatic animal health management with a focus on improved surveillance, reporting, early response, emergency preparedness, risk analysis, certification and quarantine.

The 5th Regional Grouper Hatchery Training Course was another success with all participants is pleased with the overall training activities and field trips. A total of 17 participants from eight countries attended the training course which was hosted by the Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre, Situbondo, Indonesia. Participants were able to involve in the broodstock activities for giant grouper, in additional to the tiger and humpback groupers, and attended field trips to backyard hatcheries and export facilities.

This is the report of the project Application of PCR for improved shrimp health management in the Asian region. The training programme included two training workshops that were designed to provide a good understanding of PCR methodology, laboratory practices and trouble shooting in detection of both DNA and RNA viruses. The workshops were followed by by two rounds of an anonymous PCR inter-calibration or ring testing exercise to allow laboratories to gauge their own performance.

In 2006 the COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture noted that many non-governmental certification schemes have resulted in higher costs for producers without delivering significant benefits to small-scale producers. An international round of consultations were commissioned to discuss the development of globally accepted certification guidelines for aquaculture production, which could provide more guidance and serve as a basis for harmonisation and mutual recognition. This is the report of the first consultation workshop, held in Bangkok, March 2007.

This report describes a training course on grouper hatchery protocols that was held in Indonesia in 2006. A total of 20 participants from 13 countries attended the training course which was hosted by the Brackishwater Aquaculture Development Centre, Situbondo. Participants came from Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA) jointly hosted a special session on Better Management Practices (BMPs) at the 3rd INDAQUA 2007, 11-13 January 2007, Chennai, India. The presentations made in the session include i) International principles for responsible shrimp farming; ii) MPEDA-NACA Village demonstration programme, India; Aquaculture rehabilitation and implementation of BMPs in tsunami affected Aceh, Indonesia; and Markets, certification and traceability and small-scale farmers.

The use of alien species is a proven means to increase production and value from aquatic ecosystems. However, alien species are now recognised as one of the most significant threats to aquatic biodiversity. There are a range of international mechanisms that have been established to assist countries in meeting international obligations and responsibilities. Implementation is often difficult due to lack of awareness and problems with enforcement. Regional coordination of policies is needed for effective national management.

This report examines the role mariculture could play in reducing poverty and providing alternative livelihood opportunities for people living in coastal areas. This includes a review of the current status of coastal poverty, coastal livelihoods and vulnerabilities within the Asia-Pacific region and the experiences and examples of sustainable economic development through mariculture. This review then identifies key follow-up actions and recommends strategies for future pro-poor mariculture development.