Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki met Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda on November 06, 2023, and discussed aid of 435 million Sri Lankan Rupees (USD 1.33 Million) for the development activities of Fisheries in Sri Lanka, following a request made by the President of Sri Lanka to the Japanese Government. This money is to be utilized for Fisheries development activities of Sri Lanka such as providing fishing nets and other accessories to Fishing Community, developing cold storage facilities for Sri Lanka Fisheries Corporation and the Fisheries Harbour Corporation, and providing fuel subsidy for fishing boats.

At the discussion, the Minister explained to the Japanese Ambassador that there are 15 Fisheries Districts in Sri Lanka and in addition the freshwater fishing industry is being carried out in all the districts through-out the country. The Minister has further said that he hopes to discuss with the Japanese Ambassador and implement a programme to provide boats with solar panels for boats operated by Kerosene and that he would be very grateful if the Japanese Government takes measures to provide aid and assistance in this regard. The Minister has also discussed at length actions to be taken for the welfare of Fishing Community and to develop the fishing activities. Higher Officials of the Ministry including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Indu Rathnayake and the Director General of Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawaththa attended this event.

Source: https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/11/09/local/220245/japan-to-provide-rs-435-mn-for-fisheries-sector/

The 2023 International Training Workshop on Mariculture Technologies held in Qingdao last week has inspired Pakistani scholars to develop sustainable aquaculture practices in Gwadar. Focusing on advanced aquaculture techniques, the workshop provided scholars from various countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Ghana, with valuable knowledge and expertise, enabling them to contribute to the growth and sustainability of aquaculture in the region.

Aidah Baloch, a PhD scholar at the Ocean University of China (OUC) College of Fisheries, specialising in Fisheries Resources and with a passion for promoting sustainable aquaculture practices in Pakistan, was selected to participate in the workshop. During the workshop, she actively engaged in various sessions and discussions with renowned experts, particularly those from the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences. One of the highlights of the workshop was the practical training sessions, during which participants had the opportunity to visit mariculture facilities and observe firsthand the implementation of different technologies.

Along with other participants, Aidah took part in the China-ASEAN Fisheries Cooperation Forum & 26^th China International Fisheries Expo and visited mariculture enterprises and research and development bases, gaining valuable experience and insights into the practical aspects of mariculture. During the workshop, she was exposed to various mariculture technologies, including fish breeding, feed management, disease control, and water quality monitoring.  The comprehensive training provided her with an in-depth understanding of the latest advancements and best practices employed in China’s highly successful aquaculture industry.

Aidah pointed out that many people’s livelihoods in the coastal belt of Baluchistan related to the fisheries sector, and there were numerous challenges, such as non-seasonal fish catches and incomplete market size due to a lack of knowledge and awareness. Inspired by the knowledge gained during the workshop, Aidah is dedicated to applying the skills and knowledge she acquired to further her research and implement sustainable aquaculture practices, leveraging the rich coastal resources of her shometown, Gwadar, after graduation. Reflecting on her experience, Aidah expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the workshop. She stated, “The training workshop in Qingdao has been an incredible learning experience for me.”

“I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in mariculture technologies that will greatly contribute to my research and future endeavours. I hope this workshop can serve as an inspiration for other researchers and scholars in Pakistan to explore opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of marine sciences,” she added.

Source: https://inp.net.pk/news-detail/pak-china/mariculture-workshop-inspires-gwadar-aquaculture

Under the second-year implementation of the Regional Capacity Building Network (RECAB), the SEAFDEC Secretariat and SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) co-organized the “Regional Training Course on Advanced Aquaculture Technologies for Commercially Important Commodities in Southeast Asia” from 9 to 26 October 2023 at AQD in Tigbauan Main Station, Iloilo, Philippines. A total of 20 trainees from the ASEAN Member States (AMSs), namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam participated in the Training to enhance their knowledge and skills on various aspects of aquaculture i.e. biology, broodstock management, hatchery and breeding technology, nutrition, feeding, disease management, biosecurity measures and protocols, food safety of aquaculture products, and effects of climate change. The aquaculture technologies developed by AQD on several economically important aquatic species including marine fishes, mangrove crab, sandfish, giant freshwater prawn, and tilapia will be imparted to the Trainees through lectures, hands-on learning, and field visits to local aquaculture operations.

The RECAB program covers a series of intensive technical training courses provided by SEAFDEC Departments to enhance the capacity of relevant fisheries officers from the AMSs as well as strengthen regional cooperation and network among the AMSs on various disciplines of fisheries and aquaculture. The RECAB is a part of the project “Assistance for Capacity Development in the Region to Address International Fisheries-related Issues” funded by the Government of Japan through the Japanese Trust Fund.

Source: http://www.seafdec.org/2nd-regional-capacity-building-network-recab-on-aquaculture-launched/