Development of Alternatives to the Use of Freshwater Low Value Fish for Aquaculture in the Lower Mekong Basin of Cambodia and Vietnam: Implications for Livelihoods, Production and Markets

Lead Institution: University of Connecticut

Project Team

Robert Pomeroy, University of Connecticut Sylvain De Guise, University of Connecticut Tessa Getchis, University of Connecticut David Bengtson, University of Rhode Island So Nam, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (IFRDI) Prum Somany (IFRDI) Hap Navy (IFRDI) Tran Thi Thanh Hien, College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University, Vietnam (CTU) Le Xuan Sinh (CTU)

Development Theme

Enhanced Trade Opportunities for Global Fishery Markets

Introduction

In the Mekong River region, many capture fisheries resources have been largely overexploited and, as a result, development of aquaculture has been encouraged to provide the protein, income, employment and export earnings for some countries. There is increasing demand and trade in the region for low value/trash fish for both aquaculture and animal feeds. The main driver of this project is the continued expansion of aquaculture and its dependency on capture fisheries for low value/trash fish for feed.

Introduction

Introduction

The focus of this project is equally on the aquaculture of carnivorous fish and the management of lower value/trash fish. Investigations 1, 2 and 5 address the uses and bioecological characteristics of low value/trash fish. Investigations 3 and 4 address alternative feeds for freshwater aquaculture and feed technology adoption.

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Investigations

Investigation 1 Competition and impacts between use of low value/trash fish for aquaculture feed versus use for human food Topic Area 1: Marketing, Economic Risk Assessment, and Trade This investigation is a study Subcontracting Partner Institution: College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University, Vietnam (CTU) Host Country PIs: Dr. Le Xuan Sinh, College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, CTU, Vietnam Mrs. Hap Navy, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Objective: The objective of the study is to describe and analyze the status and trend of supply and demand of low value/trash fish, and to assess the impacts of utilization of low value/trash fish in aquaculture on food security and livelihoods of households in the lower Mekong basin of Cambodia and Vietnam. A second objective is to support development of a policy framework addressing aquaculture/capture fisheries interactions, the sustainable exploitation and use of low value/trash fish in the lower Mekong basin, and human food security issues.

Investigations

Investigation 2 Title: Assessment of diversity and bio-ecological characteristics of low value/trash fish species Topic Area 2: Mitigating Negative Environmental Impacts This is a study type of investigation Subcontracting Partner Institution: Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Host Country PIs: Dr. So Nam, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dr. Le Xuan Sinh, College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University, Vietnam Objectives: The overall objective of this study is to investigate the environmental impacts of aquaculture development in the Lower Mekong Basin of Cambodia and Vietnam as the biodiversity “hotspot” areas, and to research into potential negative impacts of aquaculture operations on wild fish species diversity and their stocks (i.e. populations).

Investigations

Investigation 3 Title: Alternative Feeds for Freshwater Aquaculture Species Topic Area 3: Sustainable Feed Technology Investigation is a study Lead PI: Dr. David Bengtson, Professor and Chair, Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Rhode Island Subcontracting Partner Institution: College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University, Vietnam Host Country PI: Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Hien, Vice-Dean, College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University Objective: The objective of the study is the development of cost-effective alternative feeds for carnivorous freshwater species to replace or reduce the dependence on low value/trash fish.

Investigations

Investigation 4 Title: Feed Technology Adoption and Policy Development for Fisheries Management Topic Area 4: Technology Adoption and Policy Development This is an activity type of investigation (b) Lead PI: Tessa Getchis, Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut-Avery Point, Groton, CT USA. Sub-contracting Partner Institution: Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Host Country PIs: Dr. Prum Somany, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dr. Le Xuan Sinh, College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cantho University, Vietnam Objective: The overall objective of this activity is to develop appropriate feed technology and provide technology related information to end-users of aquaculture and aquatic resources to change their use patterns.

Investigations

Investigation 5 Title: Maximizing the utilization of low value or small size fish for human consumption through appropriate value added product development Topic Area: Food safety and value-added product development This investigation is a study.

Lead PI: Dr. Robert Pomeroy, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics/CT Sea Grant, University of Connecticut Avery Point, Groton, CT, USA Subcontracting Partner Institution: Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Host Country PI: Dr. So Nam, Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Objective: The overall objective of this study is to ensure high quality, safe and nutritious low value or small-size fish processed products for local consumers and the competitive international markets.