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Pacific- Australian scholarships to study aquaculture (among others)
The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is offering scholarship for students from French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna as well as French-speaking part of Vanuatu. 2010 campaign just started in Tahiti and registration will be open until May 7th. Since 1992, 250 Polynesian students received such scholarship for studying in many areas, including aquaculture
[21].
- The future of tilapia farming: Keeeping it sustainable and profitable
In many places an environmental cost from past introductions of tilapia has already been paid. How best can Pacific Islands obtain the expected social benefits? This emerged as the main theme of a regional meeting hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea, New Caledonia, in December. The Pacific Islands will face an increasing shortfall in availability of fish for domestic consumption. SPC analyses show that an additional 100,000 tonnes of fish will be needed by 2030 if present dietary levels are to be maintained. Two main options exist—allocating more of the region’s tuna catch to domestic food security needs and developing small-pond aquaculture. Farming tilapia for food security is not a new idea in the Pacific. Fiji Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) both have long-standing policies of government support for tilapia farming in rural areas. PNG’s representative at the meeting, Peter Minimulu (National Fisheries Authority), reported that roughly 20,000 household-scale tilapia farms now exist, making PNG the Pacific region’s leader in tilapia farming. But Dr Aaron Jenkins of Wetlands International includes feral tilapia among several threats to indigenous river fish biodiversity, of which deforestation along riverbanks and clear waters turning muddy are chief offenders. “In Fijian streams, we’ve found that presence of tilapia along with deforestation is associated with the absence of as many as 10 of the indigenous fish species”
[30].
China- Chinese Aquaculture Industry - Review of 2009
Cui Lifeng, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture gives a review on the fishery achievements in 2009. Summarised by TheFishSite junior editor Charlotte Johnston. There has been huge leap in both the quantity and quality of aquatic products in fishery production. Both the quality and quantity have been ranking first in the world for 20 consecutive years. The hold of aquatic products per capita has reached 36 kilograms, 1.6 times more than the world average. Another major achievement of the industry was the development of the industrial structure and development mode. He said that aquaculture has overtaken ocean fishing and natural fishing as the dominant industry. The fishing industry has also offered job opportunities to many farmers and fishermen. There are nearly 15 million people employed in China's fish industry. Mr Lifeng said that the quality of fishing boats and equipment had improved significantly, as had the technical support for the industry. This resulted in improvements in breeding technology for Chinese carps, seaweed, kelp, prawns and crabs. A historical leap has been made in the ability of fishery on the construction of legal system and law enforcement management. There are now more than 600 laws, regulation and regulatory documents on fishery management in China, through the Fishery Law of the People's Republic of China
[9].
- Development of aquaculture in Qingpu district
In 2009, the total aquaculture production area has been 4200 ha of which 3900 ha in ponds (1820 ha intensive farming). The main species are freshwater prawn
, Penaeus vannamei, crabs and other special aquatic animals. The production in 2009 reached 25000 tons (3.9% increase), with a value of 420 millions yuans (4.5% increase). The price did not vary [27].
- Development of a cold weather contingency plan
Following arrival of a very cold weather and subsequent 5°C decrease in minimal temperature on February 13, a cold weather plan has been activated. Farmers must be informed of the threat as soon as possible, using communication tools such as SMS. The top priority is to preserve breeders, particularly for the shrimp
vannamei. Second objective is to implement preventive disease monitoring methods, particularly for saprolegniasis, so that inappropriate currative treatments and drugs use can be avoided. Third, all knowledge and technology should be used to prevent animals weakening by cold temperature, including for the feeding. Technologies that permit to increase warm water should be encouraged. These include deeper ponds or deep water cages, greenhouses, urban tilapia or shrimp aquaculture etc. Aeration can be used appropriately to manage water layers mixing and reduce cold water. Finally, support to marketing should be considered to avoid economic losses
[28].
- Major economic losses for aquaculture industries after sea freezing
Freezing of Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea on surface is a rare disaster that will have a major economic impact on aquaculture of oysters, sea cucumber and other marine organisms. It is estimated that 150000 ha have been affected and that total loss could be 20 billions yuans. Moreover, aquaculture do not have insurance, since it is considered like a risky activity that insurance companies are reluctant to insure. As a consequence, farmers themselves don't want to pay for high rates. It is considered that the government should consider the problem and act as an intermediate guarantee to solve this problem
[31].
- Domestic aquaculture farmer expect price increase during Spring Season and Lunar New Year
The domestic aquaculture farmers are expecting a price increase during the Lunar New Year holiday season.
In January, the expectation were quite low but starting end of January / early February, the demand should improve and freshwater fish prices rise. According to JCI, the current domestic price of grass carp in Hubei Province is stable, at 8.4 yuan/kg or so; in Jiangsu region the carp price is stable at 9.6-9.8 yuan/kg; in Liaoning province, it rose 0.6 yuan/kilograms, at 8.4 yuan/kg. The South China
vannamei market should also be very good during Spring Season, as shown by former years tendencies. For 80 shrimps/kg, the price in Guangdong Province is currently 44 yuan/kg and 43.6 yuan/kg in Hainan Changjiang Region
[29].
Disclaimer: I'm not completely sure of the price values given, due to conversion from Chinese units to International units. I think there are correct but use with caution. I would welcome confirmation.Fiji- Fiji Fisheries Department concerns about tilapia claims
Fiji's Fisheries Department is very concerned on negative publicity that blames tilapia for 10 other missing freshwater fish species especially when it was a food source for Fiji and the Pacific region. Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Viliame Naupoto said that claims by scientists are seen not only as a scientific propaganda but attempts to create a negative image of tilapia farming in Fiji. Naupoto said tilapia farming is a Fiji government activity designed to address food security in rural and semi-urban areas. A regional meeting was recently hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Noumea, New Caledonia in December 2009 to look at the future of tilapia farming, not only in Fiji, but the Pacific. Mr Naupoto said SPC analysis showed that an additional 100,000 tonnes of fish would be needed by 2030 if present dietary levels were to be maintained. Two main options exists allocating more of the region's tuna catch to domestic food security needs and developing small-pond aquaculture. One of the authors of the article, Aaron Jenkins, was invited to present his findings mentioned in the latest article, and in doing so came under a barrage of questions from leading professors and experts in the world who were present at that meeting. Naupoto stressed that what emerged as the main theme of that consultation was that in many places, an environmental cost from past introductions of tilapia has already been paid, and we need to see how best Pacific Islands can now responsibly obtain the expected social benefits
[26] [31].
India- Indian scientists seek to convert paddy fields into fish ponds to promote fish cultivation
Scientists in India are working to convert wastelands and paddy fields into fish ponds, to promote the cultivation of fish. The Punjab state government is aiming to bring about 10,000 hectares of area under fish cultivation. The state has set up a College of Fisheries, which supports farmers through integrated teaching, research and extension programmes. Dr Asha Dhawan, Professor and Head, Department of Aquaculture, Punjab College of Fisheries, said, "There is a huge wasteland located in Ferozpur, Muktsar, Bhatinda and Faridkot districts of Punjab. This is non-agricultural and zero earning land. The College of Fisheries in the university is working to convert this wasteland into fish ponds. The farmers are not able to do farming there." Rajvinder Pal Singh, fish farmer, said: "As far as fish production at the world level is concerned, China comes first and India stands at number two. In a year or two, India will come close to China, but to come at the top will take another four to five years. China produces fish in rice farms and if that technology comes to India, we can grow faster. Basically, we are not utilising our waters properly, whereas China does so. We can compete with China in fish production if we adopt water management technologies"
[15].
The coastal districts of Andra Pradesh in India and coastal towns of Bhimavaram, Gudivada, Kaikaluru, Akiveduare are now witnessing a new method in fish feeding. Fishes are being fed with the extruded floating feeds replacing the traditional method of feeding with the raw materials. “There is a lot of optimism among the farmers and they are willing to try the new methods of fish farming for fishes such as Rohu, Catla, Pangasius and also new varieties such as Tilapia and sea bass,” says S. Amalraaj, Indian Representative for extruder supplier Muyang company in Chennai
[17].
Philippines- FSA Ulang & Saline Tilapia Culture Graduation Scheduled on February 5, 2010
The graduation/closing ceremony of the Fisheries School on-the-Air (FSA) on Ulang & Saline Tilapia Culture is scheduled on February 5, 2010 at the Asian Fisheries Academy, NIFTDC Compound, Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City. Three outstanding enrollee-participants each for FSA Ulang Culture and FSA Saline Tilapia Culture shall be awarded during the event
[1].
- Philippines largest lake is dying
One of Southeast Asia’s largest inland freshwater lakes - Laguna Bay - is dying. Researchers at the University of the Philippines says the Lake can no longer stand the abuse, exploitation and neglect imposed on it by humans. Dr. Lorna Capulong is consultant of Laguna Lake Development Authority and a specialist on climate change. She says the Ondoy typhoon floods revealed the poor condition the lake was in. “The underground of the lake, they are infiltrated with sediments. They will have the tendency to fill up the lake so water overflows.” Looking out across the 90,000 hectares lake, Farmer Ben says fish stocks are very low and what they do catch has dangerous levels of mercury in it. Moreover, overcrowded Shanty towns surround the lake. Roman Corpuz a community development officer at the government run Lake Laguna Development Authority says as a result the lake has become a septic tank. Researchers at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos say action must be taken now to save the lake. “What we are trying to push now is for river systems to have engineered wetlands at mouth close to the river. We have presented it to the Laguna Lake Development Authority. It can clean the water from the tributaries before it gets into the lake. But this project can only be a reality if the local government units, and the communities and institutions and interested parties get involve.” She explains that the wetlands are effective in other countries like Korea
[2].
- Aklan prepares for El Niño
According to William Castillo, OIC of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the Department of Agriculture has contacted the province to inquire about El Niño vulnerable areas for possible implementation of technologies adaptable to the hot climate. For fisheries, the provincial government, with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is focusing on the production of freshwater prawns. Castillo said that from the P3.4 million provided by BFAR to Aklan for livelihood, P2.9 million was turned over to Malinao town for the project, which includes the putting up of a freshwater prawn hatchery. The province is also strengthening its tilapia and catfish industry in the uplands for additional income of community folks
[6].
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in cooperation with Agri Aqua Network International, Inc. (AANI) will launch Aqua-Kapihan 2010 through a public forum on Sustaining Philippine Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector on February 14, 2010, at the AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. The forum is free to the public and open to exhibitors. Registration will start at 8am. For queries, please call (02) 497-2755 / 0918-800-1728 look for Ms. Desiree T. Segovia. The Friends of AANI through the AANI Fisheries and Aquaculturists Network organized the Aqua Kapihan since 2008 as a convergence area for individuals or groups whose interests are in the said sector. Aqua Kapihan is set every 2nd Sunday of the month, 8am-12nn and is free to the general public
[10].
- Investments in Pangasius production hit P100M mark in GenSan's region
Hito or catfish production is fast becoming a big industry in Region 12 with investments breaching the P100-million mark a year after its introduction in the area, the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry said. DTI-Region 12 has been promoting
Pangasius hypopthalmus, also called dory or sutchi fish, starting in the third quarter of 2008. There are now four hatchery ponds, two nursery ponds, three processing companies and at least 60 fish ponds devoted to Pangasius cultivation, Dorecita T. Delima, DTI regional assistant director, said. The industry generated 150 jobs and domestic sales of P106 million from farmers and processors from January 2009 to January 2010. Investments in Pangasius are concentrated mostly in Midsayap and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato; Koronadal City, Polomolok, Tupi, Sto Nino, Banga, Lake Sebu, and Norala in South Cotabato; Senator Ninoy Aquino and Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat; General Santos City; and Alabel in Saranggani. A major processing company, RDex Food Corp. Inc., decided to stop importing the fish variety and start buying it to local farmers at a desired weight. Two more micro entrepreneurs, Kimkyts Food Products and KM Food Products, also based in this city, are now processing pangasius into fish balls, shanghai rolls, nuggets, siomai, and patties. To support the industry, the regional Trade department has coordinated the distribution of 1.5 million pangasius fingerlings to 60 farmer-growers in 2009. Sixteen demonstration farms were established in 2009 to educate interested industry stakeholders and to disseminate the technology to farmer-growers. An additional 12 demo farms are expected to be set up around the region this year. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is assisting with the technology while the DTI works out marketing agreements with feed companies and buyers
[13].
- Pangasius investments reach P200 million yearly
Pangasius catfish is now making big production and is fast becoming a big industry in Northeastern, Southern and Central Mindanao regions. The Pangasius is recording investments breaching an estimated P200-million mark a year after its introduction in late 2007. The mass production is being noted in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region), in Compostela Valley province and Sarangani in Southern Mindanao (Region Xl) in North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao in Central Mindanao (Region 12). The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are now assisting these Pangasius business group or individuals in technology aspect and marketing. Pangasius is already being sold in several eateries and restaurants of P120 to P150 per kilo, he added
[16].
- Rice-fish integration is profitable
Rice farmers can earn extra money by doing fish-farming in their ricefields. Instead of fishing in rivers, they may opt to convert the lower portion of their ricefields into fishponds like what a farmer in Alicia, Isabela did. Roberto Navarro of Barangay Paddad does this so-called rice-fish technology by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). He says that profit from his 1,700 square meter tilapia fishpond that used to be a mud pit is equivalent to an income from a 7,000 sq. m. rice land. That’s because the stocks of this rice-fish technology demonstration cooperator of the BFAR Region II have reached 4 to 3 pieces a kilo. In fact some have weighed even half a kilo. At an average harvest weight of 250 grams, potential production is 1,806.25 kilos. This is worth a net income of P74,232 at A farmgate price of P70 per kilo. The culture period, however, was extended a bit due to supply glut. But expenses were minimal due to the application of the 45-day delayed feeding technology, or the introduction of commercial feeds 45 days after pond stocking. Likewise, Navarro does not feed his stocks when he observes abundance of algae, the natural food, in the pond. “I do not feed my stocks for a day if I observe greenish color in the pond,” he says. And to maintain the growth of algae, he places seven bags of chicken manure in the pond. Navarro says the total feed consumption of his 8,500 size 17 tilapia fingerlings is only 60 bags. This is much lower than the standard feed consumption rate of 10 bags per 1,000 fingerlings. His total expenditure on one hand is only P52,205
[14].
- BFAR-LBP agreement on seaweed production and mariculture parks
An agreement to expand production of seaweeds and the establishment of marine culture (mariculture) parks is being entered by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to help raise fishery production which accounts for a sizable 25 percent of Philippines' total farm output. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be signed by the two agencies as part of LBP's move to raise its fishery lending which as of 2009 had zero growth at P718.7 million, according to LBP First Vice President Liduvino S. Geron. BFAR Asst. Director Benjamin F. Tabios said it is unfortunate that while the fishery sector brings in the substantial 25 percent of total agricultural production, BFAR only receives five percent of the agriculture budget. Seaweed production in the country dropped by a substantial 50 percent to 60,000-70,000 metric tons (MT) as of 2009 compared to around 120,000 MT five years ago, according to the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP). But the carrageenan market, which is dependent on seaweed production, is growing at seven to eight percent yearly
[18].
- Govt Regulates Black Tiger Shrimp Imports
The government is now allowing the import of broodstock and post-larvae of black tiger shrimps (sugpo). Through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA) has set administrative orders to cover the import and culture of
Penaeus monodon subject to specific conditions. BFAR’s goal is for the country to develop better-quality and disease-resistant shrimp. "Only shrimp hatcheries accredited by the BFAR shall be allowed to import SPF or SPR
Penaeus monodon broodstock and post-larvae," says Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 230, Manila Bulletin reports. FAO 230 says that BFAR-accredited Pacific white shrimp (
Penaeus vannamei) hatcheries can also import and breed black tiger shrimp if they do so in separate hatchery facilities; the bureau will inspect the hatcheries regularly. These orders were issued by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap as advised by BFAR Director Malcolm Sarmiento and Assistant Agriculture Secretary Salvador Salacup, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Office of the DA Undersecretary for livestock and fisheries. Violators will be sent to jail for eight years, be fined PHP 80,000 (USD 1,737) and be banned from becoming a member or stockholder in companies engaged in existing or future fisheries
[19].
This is a story about fish that gives the stockholders of Saranggani Aquaculture Corp. at least one billion pesos a year in exports and domestic sales. The company has grown to be the biggest aquaculture operation in the Philippines such that 80 per cent of its annual gross revenues come from exports to the United States, particularly the West and East Coasts. Nicasio Alcantara, eldest child of Conrado Alcantara who ventured to Mindanao in 1956 from Pasay City believing that tenacity to an objective need not be accompanied by money to succeed, told Malaya Business Insight in an exclusive interview that his father started the fishing business as a hobby in a pond of their home in Cotabato. They knew that the rapid deployment of Filipinos as workers in many countries is a big market for fish – bangus or milk fish in particular. The company knows that Filipinos working abroad hardly have time to clean the fish, least of all debone them. The Alcantaras knew that from the market the bangus should go straight to the frying pan. That helps create higher demand. Labor saving is always in their minds. Today, Saranggani Aquaculture has a 300-hectare fish pond and a similar size of ocean coves where they have fish cages. Not content with big incomes from exporting bangus, the company is going into high value fish such as apahap and lapu-lapu. It might appear that fish cages are less expensive to operate but not really so, according to Alcantara. He explained that the red variety of lapu lapu grows fastest in waters at least 30 feet above the bottom of the sea. So the nets have to be pulled up carefully for the fish to be fed and sunk back at least 30 feet deep. That is an expense, Alcantara pointed out
[20].
- BFAR tells fisher folk: Farm, not just hunt, fish
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is promoting among the country’s fisherfolk a shift from fish hunting to fish farming as a measure for the fisheries sector to adapt to the effects of climate change to their own advantage. Climate change affects migratory patterns and spawning processes in the wild, making it hard for fisherfolk to hunt. Hatcheries, where the weather can be controlled and adjusted, will bring forth continuous breeding and more fruitful yield, BFAR director Malcolm Sarmiento said in a statement released here last week. To help fisherfolk engage in fish farming where fish feed is a major component, the BFAR chief said the bureau plans to import 500 pairs of cold-tolerant tilapia from Israel and another 500 pairs of grass-eating tilapia which can help cushion the increasing prices of feeds. As part of fish farming, fisherfolk can also culture certain marine species like abalone, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and other varieties of shell and fin fishes that adapt well to extreme shifts in weather patterns, Sarmiento said. He said in Pampanga ang Bulacan, some 700 hectares of rice lands have been converted into fishponds for brackish-water tilapia because of saline water intrusion owing to the rise in sea level. For fish caging, fisherfolk can rent cages from BFAR which will provide them with fingerlings, while Tateh Aqua Feeds, an aquaculture firm, can supply them with the initial feed requirements, Sarmiento said. The impacts of climate change should not hold back the fisheries sector from being productive and instead of being a victim of this unwanted phenomenon, Sarmiento said it should be adapted to the advantage of the fisherfolk and the fishing industry. This year, he said, BFAR aims to break the 5-million-metric-ton production mark for aquaculture, commercial fishing and municipal fishing. Worldwide, the Philippines ranked eighth among the top fish-producing countries and places 11th in the aquaculture production of fish, crustaceans and mollusks. The country is also the second-largest producer of seaweeds, next to China. Two years ago it contributed 71 percent of the overall aquaculture output and generated around $72,000
[23].
Taiwan- Organic aquaculture pays dividends
About one kilometer off the coast of Xiyu, in the islet in the Penghu archipelago, Tien Hou Ocean Development Co. Ltd. is setting high standards for the country’s aquaculture operators. Established in July 2003, Tien Hou is the largest cage aquaculture operator in Taiwan and also the nation’s leading grower of cobia, a warm-water fish that can be found in areas of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With a maximum capacity of 600,000 fish, Tien Hou at its peak supplied nearly half of the global production of farmed cobia, but in recent years has been experiencing strong competition from low-cost rivals from mainland China and countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America. To attain the highest aquaculture standards, Tien Hou is the first fish growing company in Taiwan to adopt a traceability system, and the first of its kind to receive the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point certification and the Good Aquaculture Product certification from Taiwan’s Fisheries Agency under the Council of Agriculture. Because Tien Hou does not administer any antibiotics or growth hormones to its fish, the survival rate at the firms’ cage farms is only 30 percent, and its fish grow at a much slower pace. This adds significantly to the firm’s costs, which are at least 25 percent higher than those of its local rivals, or even twice those of imports. The secret is the fine quality and delicious taste of Tien Hou’s fish, which lies in the special feed formulated with many herbs and reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) extract. Over the past seven years, Liu has invested more than NT$1.4 billion in his organic fishery and farming operations. it has been making delivery of cobia for six months now after the record cold damage of 2008, with revenues expected at between NT$200 million to NT$250 million for the year. Other than trying to expand existing export markets in the United States, Canada, the European Union and Japan, Liu is also testing the waters in mainland China, with two shipments recently made to Shanghai
[3].
Thailand- CP Foods and AKVA to develop recirc shrimp systems
Charoen Phokphand Foods Ltd. (CPF), the world's leading producer and supplier of farmed White Shrimp, and the Norwegian aquaculture technology supplier AKVA group ASA, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The agreement is to develop a complete new production system for the production of white shrimp utilizing AKVA's recirculation technology and CPF's broad knowledge in shrimp farming. CPF is working actively to improve their production methods and technology. A natural next step for the shrimp farming industry is to utilize new technological opportunities to address many of the challenges of the industry and society today. The first step of the strategic cooperation includes developing a full scale prototype of a 200 ton/year intensive facility for white shrimp (
Litopenaeus vannamei), as an integrated solution
[22].
United States- According to Food & Water Watch Executive Director, for Hawaii, new bills on ocean fish farming are two steps forward, and one step back
From a statement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter: "This week, three bills were introduced in the Hawaii State Legislature that have the potential to significantly impact the integrity of Hawaii's ocean resources, and the vital role they play in the state's economy and lives of its residents. [...] The "Hawaiian Cultural Practices and Marine Resources Protection Act of 2010" would place a moratorium on the development of new commercial offshore aquaculture operations in state waters, from the coastline out to three miles from shore. The two existing facilities in Hawaii would be allowed to continue operations until they decide to end production, but could not transfer permits to another owner. While aquaculture research activities could continue, no further commercial operations would be approved by the state [...] A second bill [...] would require that all offshore aquaculture applicants complete an Environmental Impact Statement, and that a royalty payment based on a percentage of their gross sales be made to the state [...] HB 2409, "Relating to Aquaculture" [...] increases lease terms for aquaculture ventures from 35 years to 45 years, allowing for a maximum term of 65 years for those with so-called ‘favorable' track records.
- US court indicts three for false labeling and smuggling of seafood
Three US individuals have been found guilty of conspiring to falsely label, smuggle and misbrand more than 325,000 pounds of seafood in order to avoid paying tariffs and defraud customers. The indictment alleges that the three used CSE company to supply RF company, among others, with falsely labelled fish that were in turn sold to RF's customers in Alabama and the Florida panhandle. RF sold the mislabelled seafood and substituted cheaper product for more expensive seafood. As part of the conspiracy, the three caused the fish from the boxes that were correctly labelled to be removed and placed into boxes that bore no description or falsely labelled the fish. CSE also purchased hundreds of thousands of pounds of frozen fillets of catfish through a company in Vietnam knowing that the catfish would be mislabelled to avoid import tariffs. A January 2003 anti-dumping tariff was placed on all imports of Vietnamese catfish into the United States because the Vietnamese catfish was being marketed at a significantly lower price than was market rate at the time. That initial anti-dumping order imposed a duty of up to 63.88 percent on fish subject to the order. In order to do this, the two provided the Vietnamese company false shipping labels and generated purchase orders and other false documentation to conceal the product
[7].
- USDA rules to emerge from fight over imported catfish
For months, catfish have been at the center of an intense Washington lobbying effort pitting domestic producers against importers. At issue is how catfish will be regulated and whether Vietnamese imports pose a health risk to American consumers. U.S. catfish producers used a multimillion-dollar lobbying effort to persuade Congress in 2008 to tighten regulation of the single species of fish. The battle has sparked threats of a trade war from Vietnam, which wants its fish excluded from the regulations. Under the farm bill passed in 2008, catfish inspections are moving to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has spent 18 months crafting regulations. The rules, which are still secret, might be approved by the Office of Management and Budget soon. All other fish remain under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration. Domestic catfish producers argue that tougher regulation would force foreign producers to adhere to safety standards more in line with those that domestic producers must follow. The catfish wars have been brewing since 2002, when Congress passed a farm bill barring Vietnamese fish farmers from labeling their fish as catfish. The Vietnamese fish is from the genus
Pangasius; the law mandated that only fish in the Ictaluridae family, which is produced in the United States and is commonly called channel catfish, could bear the catfish label
[24].
- OMB extends its review of rules for imported catfish
The Office of Management and Budget extended February 16 its review of catfish food safety inspection rules proposed by the Agriculture Department. The action comes amid concerns that such inspections could trigger a trade war with Vietnam. State Department and trade officials and several members of Congress are critical of the proposal. The OMB posted the extension on its Web site and set no deadline. USDA officials did not respond to questions but said they look forward to continuing the rulemaking process
[25].
Vietnam- Ministry requests catfish exporters focus on quality
Addressing a seminar held in Can Tho on January 29, Cao Duc Phat, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development said exporters and aquaculturists should not focus on quantity so much as quality. Most catfish farms and export companies are based in the Mekong Delta. His ministry would regularly inspect quality and export prices of tra, Mr Phat said, adding that any companies violating regulations would be severely punished. The agency is also planning to set up a task force to prevent dubious practices in breeding, processing and export. Mr Phat’s deputy Luong Le Phuong said the sector should be asked to follow certain norms in order to ensure the growth of tra exports. For instance, people should only be permitted to breed the fish when they have adequate capital and know-how and in areas zoned for fish farming to prevent scattered, small-scale production, he said. Establishing a steering committee for catfish export to Russia last year was a good idea since it helped closely monitor quantity, quality and delivery time. This model should be expanded to other markets and applied to the US market this year because it is large and offers high prices, Phuong said
[4].
- Pangasius Aquaculture Dialogue to Hold Final Meeting in March
The last meeting of the Pangasius Aquaculture Dialogue, scheduled for March 4-5 in Vietnam, will be dedicated to presenting and discussing feedback on the draft standards for responsible pangasius farming that were submitted by 170 people during the Dialogue’s final public comment period. After reviewing the feedback, Dialogue participants will work to build alignment on revisions to the standards. The final standards, which are expected early this year, will help minimize the negative environmental and social impacts associated with pangasius farming. The pangasius Dialogue process began in 2007 and includes more than 400 producers, conservationists, government officials, academics and others interested in aquaculture
[5].
- UK: Invasion of the Viet 'cod' as exotic fish takes over
A Vietnamese catfish is growing in popularity with UK consumers faster than any other type of seafood. The pangasius, or basa, is being sold in supermarkets as "Vietnamese river cobbler" and has many of the attributes of cod at a much lower price. Sales have risen by 60 per cent in the past year, with 1,005 tonnes of the fish eaten in the UK. This puts it almost on the same level of sales as sea bass and coley by weight, and is double the amount of crab and scallops. In contrast, sales of cod have fallen by 17 per cent over the past year, salmon and tuna by 4 per cent, trout by 11 per cent and plaice by 13 per cent. However, sales in haddock have increased by 2 per cent. Sales last year totalled more than £8 million
[8].
- Vietnamese pangasius wins prize in the USA
The Vietnamese company QVD won the gold medal at the American Masters of Taste held in California for its Pangasius and Barramundi products. The American masters of Taste is a competition organized by American chefs aimed at recognized quality food products
[11].
- Activists argue that “dams will kill the mighty Mekong”
A forum organized by the Can Tho City government and a number of NGOs active in Vietnam and nearby countries on 3 February addressed the topic “The environment and livelihoods along the Mekong River.” The discussion aimed at finding ways to preserve the river’s rich bounty in the face of a rush to build dams in the river’s upper reaches
[12].
Check also latest Shrimp news by clicking here, with the following news this month:Bangladesh
- Antibiotics Found in Shrimp Shipments, Again
- Exports of Freshwater Prawns Soar When Ban Lifted
Brunei
[1] http://aqua-fisheries.blogspot.com/2010/01/fsa-ulang-saline-tilapia-culture.html (consulted on February 1, 2010)
[2] http://www.asiacalling.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1085%3Aphilippines-largest-lake-is-dying&catid=102%3Aphilippines&Itemid=380&lang=en (consulted on February 1, 2010)
[3] http://www.taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=93159&CtNode=429 (consulted on February 1, 2010)
[4] http://vietnambusiness.asia/ministry-requests-catfish-exporters-focus-on-quality/ (consulted on February 1, 2010)
[5] http://www.fishnewseu.com/latest-news/world/2744-pangasius-aquaculture-dialogue-to-hold-final-meeting-in-march-.html (consulted on February 2, 2010)
[6] http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100202.htm&no=90&r=&y=&mo= (consulted on February 3, 2010)
[7] http://www.procurementleaders.com/news/latestnews/0509-court-indicts-three-false/ (consulted on February 4, 2010)
[8] http://news.scotsman.com/odd/Invasion-of-the-Viet-cod.6036949.jp (consulted on February 4, 2010)
[9] http://www.thefishsite.com/articles/829/chinese-aquaculture-industry-review-of-2009 (consulted on February 9, 2010)
[10] http://tateh-aquafeeds.blogspot.com/2010/02/aqua-kapihan-2010.html (consulted on February 9, 2010)
[11] http://fis.com/fis/techno/newtechno.asp?id=35366&l=s&ndb=1 (consulted on February 9, 2010)
[12] http://english.vietnamnet.vn/reports/201002/Activists-argue-that-dams-will-kill-the-mighty-Mekong-893935/ (consulted on February 10, 2010)
[13] http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7603&Itemid=50 (consulted on February 10, 2010)
[14] http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/242766/ricefish-integration-profitable (consulted on February 11, 2010)
[15] http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southasia/view/1036922/1/.html (consulted on February 12, 2010)
[16] http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p100211.htm&no=31 (consulted on February 12, 2010)
[17] http://www.meattradenewsdaily.co.uk/news/120210/india___feed_for_fish_farmers.aspx (consulted on February 12, 2010)
[18] http://sulucurrent.blogspot.com/2010/02/bfar-lbp-to-sign-pact-on-seaweed.html (consulted on February 15, 2010)
[19] http://marindro.site90.net/index.php/news-topmenu-41/88-govt-regulates-black-tiger-shrimp-imports (consulted on February 15, 2010)
[20] http://www.malaya.com.ph/02152010/busi1.html (consulted on February 15, 2010)
[21] http://www.tahitipresse.pf/2010/02/lancement-de-la-campagne-de-demande-de-bourses-australiennes-pour-l%E2%80%99annee-scolaire-20102011/ (consulted on February 15, 2010)
[22] http://www.fishnewseu.com/latest-news/world/2831-cp-foods-and-akva-to-develop-recirc-shrimp-systems.html (consulted on February 15, 2010)
[23] http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21867:bfar-tells-fisher-folk-farm-not-just-hunt-fish&catid=53:agri-commodities (consulted on February 16, 2010)
[24] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/15/AR2010021502998.html (consulted on February 17, 2010)
[25] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/16/AR2010021605633.html (consulted on February 17, 2010)
[26] http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3871427 (consulted on February 17, 2010)
[27] http://gov.xinmin.cn/qp/2010/02/02/3525389.html (consulted on February 18, 2010)
[28] http://gdzjdaily.com.cn/zjnews/zjpolitics/2010-02/16/content_1165723.htm (consulted on February 18, 2010)
[29] http://www.ccfishery.com/article/news/5/20100208/45326.html (consulted on February 18, 2010)
[30] http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=19038/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl (consulted on February 18, 2010)
[31] http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fr&sl=zh-CN&tl=fr&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.google.com%2Fnews%2Furl%3Ffd%3DR%26sa%3DT%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.dlwb.com.cn%252Fnews%252Fdetailnews.htm%253Fid%253D29677%26usg%3DAFQjCNGLuLhvb5svI8A3wV2tEKdoDK5y8A&anno=2 (consulted on February 18, 2010)
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