Performing Department
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Non Technical Summary
This project is a continuation work from a previous BFRDP project with a goal of increasing the number of beginning aquaculture farmers and to strengthen capacity and resiliency of existing beginning aquaculture farmers in the FSM and Hawaii through reliable seed stock supply, technical assistance and training, and by diversifying and strengthening marketing channels for aquaculture products. Work will build on, and expand, the previous work supported by BFRDP to develop a highly collaborative network between stakeholders in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands to increase training and support services to beginning aquaculture farmers in both locations. The project will be led by the Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP; website www.meripmicronesia.org) in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), in partnership with the University of Hawaii - Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (UHH-PACRC, an 1862 Land Grant Institution; website https://hilo.hawaii.edu/pacrc/). Numerous other partners will collaborate with the project in order to leverage resources and increase the footprint of assistance to beginning farmers.While separated by vast ocean distances the island entities involved in this project share many similarities such as nascent aquaculture industries, high value niche markets and a high proportion or indigenous or ethnic populations. Geographically Micronesia and Hawaii are characterized by small land masses surrounded by enormous areas of ocean surface and mostly pollution free environments. There is a strong overlap in the climate, culture and commodities that can be aquacultured between these islands.Work will increase the number of new and existing beginning farmers participating in sustainable aquaculture through traditional extension practices such as internships, mentorships, technical training and workshops. This will be supported by the existing facilities of MERIP and UHH-PACRC which will act as incubator and demonstration centers. Seed produced from these facilities will also be available to farmers. In order to further support farmers, production-based marketing will help secure places for farmers to sell their products and gain maximum value.Expected outcomes are: 35 new beginning farmers participating in aquaculture; 40 existing farmers with increased production; 80 farmers benefitting from seed produced by the program; 60 farmers benefitting from marketing efforts; 2000 people accessing beginning farmer information; 10 agency personnel able to better serve clients; and 40 farmers with increased income threshold above $1000 per annum.
Animal Health Component
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Research Effort Categories
Basic
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Applied
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Developmental
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Goals / Objectives
The goal of the proposed work is to increase the number of beginning aquaculture farmers and strengthen capacity and resiliency of existing beginning aquaculture farmers in the FSM and Hawaii through reliable seed stock supply, technical assistance and training, and by diversifying and strengthening marketing channels for aquaculture productsObjectives Increase the number of beginning farmers participating in sustainable aquaculture through traditional extension practices such as internships, mentorships, technical training and workshops.Increase the scale of production and resiliency of beginning aquaculture farmers already operating through a multi-tiered approach to extension and training.Produce fish and bivalve seed at the two incubator and demonstration centers (MERIP and UHH-PACRC) to supply beginning farmers and use these facilities for training and demonstration in seed production.Diversify and strengthen marketing channels for farmer products through market development, supply chain analysis, strengthening buyer relationships and test marketing products.
Project Methods
Pohnpei is surrounded by a highly protected, well-flushed lagoon and has infrequent storm activity, making it an ideal location to practice inshore aquaculture, a proven success in recent years. The lagoon extends on average 1500 m from the shoreline and abundant, deep, inshore farming sites are easily accessible by small boat or canoe. Since 2005, MERIP has been developing sustainable and income generating forms of aquaculture and working with coastal communities in Pohnpei to develop farming activity and also providing outreach and assistance on how to protect their fish stocks through community-based marine protected areas (MPA's) and simple fisheries management techniques. MERIP has more than 17 years of experience in developing aquaculture technologies in the region and a proven track record of training, establishing, and supporting aquaculture farmers. As an incubator and training center, technologies and training modules operate for five types of aquaculture commodities: live corals and giant clams (Tridacna maxima) for the marine ornamental trade; two species of bath sponges; sustainable capture-based farming of rabbitfishes (Siganus spp.).Aquaculture farming in Pohnpei is climate smart, a priority of the Secretary of Agriculture, incorporating fisheries management, food security and conservation into methodologies. All farming takes place in the lagoon in shallow water (3-7 m). Costly or complex equipment, such as a motorboat or SCUBA gear, are not necessary as farming methods are very simple, employing simple trestles or mid-water submerged lines, accessible by canoe or kayak. Because the animals farmed, except for the fish, are filter feeders that produce little or no pollution, it is highly unlikely that these methods of farming could impact the environment seriously in the foreseeable future. Best management practices (BMP's) incorporating indigenous methodologies and conservation-based practices have been developed for the types of farming used and focus on reduction of environmental impact.In Hawaii the environment for engaging new and beginning farmers is positive. While Hawaii has a multitude of possible species for aquaculture, long-established constraints have tended to throttle small-scale startups. Progress has been made, however, through small-scale bivalve farming and the recent incorporation of the Hilo Aquaculture Cooperative (HAC), the first aquaculture cooperative in Hawaii mainly focused on shellfish production. Progress has also been made in restoring some of the ancient Hawaiian fishponds so that aquaculture of fish and bivalves is now possible in these prime sites.The lead organization, training center and incubator for work in Hawaii is the UHH-PACRC. This organization is central to aquaculture development both in Hawaii and broader Pacific region and hosts several students from the U.S. Insular Pacific Islands. The facility has two state-of-the-art marine fish rearing hatcheries in addition to edible oyster spat production facilities. Fresh water fish farming for tilapia and catfish and aquaponics training and production modules are also accessible close to the main facilities. The PACRC and the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Program have formed the UH Center of Excellence for Sustainable Aquaculture, which also includes MERIP as a partner. One of its goals is to restore the statewide extension coverage to promote and sustain aquaculture at all levels.The PACRC and the UH Sea Grant Program also work closely with Kua??ina Ulu ?Auamo KUA), a non-profit organization serving all inhabited Hawaiian Islands, and means "grassroots growing through shared responsibility". This organization works to empower communities to improve their quality of life through caring for their environmental heritage. KUA employs a community-driven approach that currently supports a network of over 40 fishponds and fishpond complexes called Hui M?lama Loko I'a, a network called E Alu P? (move forward together) which consists of 36 m?lama '?ina (natural and cultural resource stewardship) groups, and a network of limu (native seaweed) growers and stewards called the Limu Hui. KUA serves as a facilitator, consultant, trainer, liaison, and tool-builder for current and developing grassroots community stewardship efforts.This project will incorporate both a quantitative and qualitative evaluation approach. Metrics may include increases in numbers of beginning farmers, increases in production, increases in efficiency, changes in market prices obtained, amount of product produced and sold, etc. (see below). In addition, recipients of training will be evaluated to assess their level of adoption of new techniques and acquisition of skills, as well as specific benefits accruing. For qualitative evaluation, the degree of progress made towards achieving long-term goals will also be assessed.