12/08/13: International Copper Association launches aquaculture web library; CPF wants to reduce fishmeal usage and more...

A new aquaculture web library has been launched by the International Copper Association (ICA) under the direction of Langley Gace, aquaculture applications development manager. 

The ICA, the organisation for promoting the use of copper worldwide, has partnered with the aquaculture industry to deploy copper-alloy nets in several regions throughout the world. 

The web library, www.CuAquaculture.org, provides an educational forum to share information and updates about recent copper-alloy net installations and much more.

www.CuAquaculture.org aims to reach aquaculture industry professionals, including fish farmers, suppliers, scientists, researchers, educators, non-government organizations, business consumers and media professionals who are looking for timely and valuable information about the industry. ICA’s Aquaculture Web Library is readily accessible and free to users 24/7. It contains information about the scientific benefits of copper alloy netting for the aquaculture industry as well as a variety of news sources and articles. Photos and videos of recent copper alloy net installations can be accessed by an interactive global map.

“The site also contains profiles, in-depth articles and case studies about environmentally friendly and sustainable fish farming practices,” says Gace. “On-line visitors will learn about and experience a view of the whole copper-alloy net installation process as well as benefits derived from the use of copper alloys in fish farming practices.”

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One of the world's biggest feed manufacturers, Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), has announced that it will reduce its use of fishmeal in shrimp feeds.

According to a report in the Nation website, the Thai company plans to increase the use of soybean in its feeds in a bid to increase sustainability. 

Illegal fishing for feed ingredients is an issue in Thailand so its hoped the ingredient substitution will help reduce illegal fishing. 

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I love it when an aquaculture story gets picked up by a national newspaper. It's interesting to see the different angles journalists take when writing for a mainstream audience.

Last week we reported on research conducted at the University of Maryland, USA into 100 percent plant-based feeds.

The story was featured in the Washington Post under the headline, 'Baltimore researchers turn carnivorous fish into vegetarians'.

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The Bayelsa State Government, Nigeria and its foreign partners have endorsed an agreement to float a N3.9bn aquaculture project in the state.

The project will involve the construction of fish farms and fish processing and storage facilities.

The government will invest N1.17bn in the project with foreign partners making up the remaining N2.73bn.

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English: Copper alloy mesh installed at an Atlantic salmon fish farm in Tasmania. Foreground: Chain Link UR30™ copper alloy mesh rests on a dock. Distant background: Copper alloy mesh pens are installed on the fish farm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)