The Aquaculturists: August 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

Lecithin as a rich energy source with nutritional performance

By Catharina Nieuwenhuizen MBA

Lecithin may be produced from egg yolk, but more commonly used in aquafeed are soya and rapeseed lecithin. It is well known that the phospholipids (PL) present in lecithin act as an emulsifier of lipids in the animal stomach and gut, but especially the nutritional benefits of lecithin is why the fish nutrionists like to include like to include it in fish and shrimp diets.

Lecithin is widely used in food for larval and juvenile stages of various species of fish and crustaceans; because those developing fish have a limited ability to novo phospholipid synthesis.

Original source

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant PL in fish tissues and is among many others an important catabolic energy source for egg and larval embryogenesis and important for intestinal lipid absorption. In literature, many examples may be found of the benefits of PL on survival, growth, resistance to stress tests, prevention of malformations, essential lipid composition of the fish. Seemingly phosphatdycoline (PC) is more effective for growth improvement while phosphatidylinositol (PL) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are more important for survival and preventing deformities in the developing fish and are a structural component of all cell membranes. This article will highlight some of the other reasons and benefits to include lecithin in aquafeed for all stages.

PL may improve the performance of the diet by improving the water stability of food particles, or by

Catharina Nieuwenhuizen MBA

their action as an antioxidant or feed attractant. Castell in Coutteau et al published an interesting example of a practical example of a practical application of Lecithin in 1997. They hypothesise that that dietary supplementation of soybean lecithin prevent molt death in lobsters by reducing the leaching of water soluble nutrients; in particular manganese and B vitamins. Various forms and concentrations of dietary choline were not as effective as PC in reducing molt death syndrome in juvenile lobsters soy lecithin may increase the physical water stability of aquafeed pellets and thereby reduce the loss of water-soluble nutrients.

Liquid transport and retention.

Pl are required in shrimp feed for the efficient transport of dietary fatty acids and lipids from the gut epithelium into haemolymph, and the mobility of lipids between the various tissues and organs. Dietary PL also improves the mobilisation of cholesterol; which is essential in the molting process of crustaceans. PL also reduces the accumaltion of lipid droplets in the intestine, due to its essential role in the transportation Triacylglycerol (TAG) from the intestinal mucosa via the haemolymph into the serum of shrimp chylomicron and other lipoprotein. Diets with additional PL have higher levels of plasma lipoproteins and epithelial enzymes.

The inclusion of PL in the diet affects lipid deposition, resulting in increased lipid retention and levels in the animal. A higher proportion of EPA and DHA was observed in juvenile P. japonicas due to the addition three percent of soybean lecithin in the diet.

Effect on Enzymes

PL shows a beneficial effect on brush border (or mycovilli) and pancreatic enzymes in rainbow trout. Soybean lecithin induced a significantly higher activity of amylase, lipase, lipase, phospholipase A2 and secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK stimulates the pancreatic enzymes secretion and bile release.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

27/08/2015: Aller Aqua opens subsidiary in Nigeria

Aller Aqua Nigeria is now a reality and the first containers with feed have arrived. A widespread net of local distributors are ready to sell Aller Aqua’s high quality fish feed in the African country.

“It has not been easy getting this far, but Nigeria has so much potential – both in terms of educating existing farmers with regard to maximizing the yield of their production, but also in terms of expanding the aquaculture production in the country” explains Hans Erik Bylling, CEO of Aller Aqua Group. Niels Lundgaard, International Relationship Manager at Aller Aqua agrees and continues: “Nigeria is undergoing massive development at the moment, and implementing more aquaculture is a good and relatively cheap way of starting a business. We can help both established fish farmers and newly started ones by providing extruded fish feed of a high quality, which can give the fish farms a boost in terms of production and economy. Further, we can help and guide them with the challenges they may face in their production to the benefit of everyone involved.”

Local partners, supported by Aller Aqua Nigeria, are ready to take good care of the customers. It is Aller Aqua’s philosophy that the customers must prosper in order for the company to do so, and thus, the Danish company have made every arrangement for the best possible start in Nigeria. Aller Aqua has moved fast, and offices and storage is ready, as well as 12 employees.

Aller Aqua - Nigeria team

Aller Aqua Nigeria will be participating in three upcoming events; “DELTA 2015” arranged by FISON (Fisheries Society of Nigeria), Agra Innovate Nigeria and CAFAN’s (Catfish Association of Nigeria) bi-annual fish festival – all in November. “This will be a great chance to meet our customers first hand” explains Lasisi Nurudeen, Country Manager Nigeria. “In order to be taken seriously we need to be seen in the right places, and participate actively where the fish farmers are. The two events will draw large crowds of both existing and potential fish farmers. We can help them set up and better their production. I have visited the Danish and German factories and seen the production, the quality control, the research station, Aller Aqua Research, and it is a great set up. The extruded feeds are very effective compared to what we are used to in Nigeria, and will better the productions here. It is a highly interesting product for the Nigerian market, and I am excited to be part of this project from the very beginning.” Lasisi has a background in animal nutrition, and has studied Animal Production and Fisheries at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos.

Besides participation in local events and customer and partner visits, Aller Aqua Nigeria are planning on hosting seminars to further educate local fish farmers on the benefits of extruded fish feed and other subjects of interest. The company is also ready to collaborate with educational institutions in terms of exchanging technical knowledge and research.

Despite the fact that Aller Aqua Nigeria has only recently become a reality, the first feed has already arrived in the African country, and more is underway, underlining the great potential here. With stocks selling out quickly, it seems that one of the biggest challenges will be to ensure availability of the feeds at all times.

The establishment of Aller Aqua Nigeria adds another country to the list of Aller Aqua subsidiaries.

Aller Aqua now exports fish feed to nearly 70 countries and the company supply feed for more than 30 species of fish and crustaceans.

27/08/2015: Australian Prawn Farmer Demands Action

An Australian prawn farmer says government inaction has stalled development of a multi-billion dollar aquaculture industry.

Picture courtesy of ABC News.

Fronting the Federal parliamentary inquiry into aquaculture, Pacific Reef Fisheries general manager John Moloney told ABC News that successive governments have failed to address barriers to develop the burgeoning industry.

"The biggest frustration is that we're dealing with multiple government agencies about exactly the same thing."

Pacific Reef Fisheries operates a 100 hectare farm near Ayr producing 1,000 tonnes of black tiger prawns, worth about $20 million per year.

For 14 years, the company has been working on a proposal to construct a 260 hectare operation at Guthalunga, on the Elliot River between Ayr and Bowen. Once built and in full production, Mr Moloney said the new farm would quadruple the company's production.

"We're talking $80-$90 million dollars a year."

Mr Moloney claimed the lengthy and complex approval process has been exacerbated by changing Federal and State government policy and duplication across multiple departments.
"Our main message is, embrace us as an industry that has huge potential, and work with us," he said.

"As long as the government and industry has common goals, and that includes environmental management, then we will build a really good industry for Queensland and Australia."

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

26/08/2015: Nominations Open for Membership on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society

In response to a survey conducted of the World Aquaculture Society membership, the Board has chosen to re-invigorate and re-launch the journal in 2016. As part of the re-launch, the Board has selected a new editor for the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, Dr. Carole Engle.

Among other responsibilities, the new editor is recruiting three additional editorial positions with stipends. Nominations are now open for the editorial board, both the paid section editor positions and to serve as editorial board member. A list of expectations and nomination forms for both are attached.

The editorial board will include a mix of the fundamental types of expertise that contribute to aquaculture science (i.e. nutrition & feeding, fish health, water quality, genetics & breeding, physiology, husbandry, environmental science, social science, etc.), of species expertise (including major aquaculture species of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, shellfish, catfish, trout, seaweeds, live larval feeds, etc.), and good geographic representation. Those considerations will be balanced across the entire board. A good board also includes a mix of senior and up-and-coming scientists.

The three paid editor positions will be expected to have broad networks from which to draw to actively recruit review and methods papers from a variety of disciplines. These paid positions need to be filled by individuals who have the ability to think beyond the more traditional "disciplines" to not only identify critical issues facing aquaculture, but to be able to pull together groups of scientists to compile the relevant science and synthesize it, both in the journal and to present at special sessions at WAS conferences. Current examples include recruiting those to contribute to the journal who can compile the science underlying issues such as sustainability in its broadest sense, food security, biosecurity, and the many issues for which science can provide guidance to world aquaculture industries.

The Board wishes to re-invigorate JWAS and to move it beyond what it currently is. The Board is asking for your help to identify those individuals who can and will help to turn JWAS into a leading aquaculture journal.

Deadlines for nominations are:

August 28, 2015 for Section Editors, but nominations will be accepted until the positions are filled.

September 4, 2015 for membership on the editorial board.

Nominations should be submitted to:

Dr. Carole R. Engle at: cengle8523@gmail.com

Read more HERE

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

25/08/2015: Added value of Early Warning System (EWS)

http://issuu.com/international_aquafeed/docs/iaf1504_w1/10

by Johan den Hartog, Managing Director, GMP+ International

First published in International Aquafeed, July-August 2015

Most of the feed and food safety assurance systems are focussed on prevention of contamination of feed and food materials with undesirable substances or microbiological agents. A certification scheme has three main components: the normative references, the assurance and corrective action tools, and the rules of certification.

The normative references determine what is considered as a safe product for consumption, or what is sustainable or responsible related to environment or society. The rules of certification are about the certification process of companies applying for a certificate against the involved certification scheme, which the certification bodies have to apply and comply with.

The assurance and corrective action tools are the instruments and procedures, which the company obtaining a certificate have to apply in the daily business operations. The assurance tools are focused on preventive actions and measurements in order to avoid the occurrence of contamination.

A starting point for the control of potential risk is the application of prerequisite programs in order to create a basic level of control. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach is important to identify in advance the remaining risks in the process and operations and to determine appropriate control measures, as well as a monitoring plan.

The purchased/supplied ingredients could be a risk. For feed or food safety, a full control of the supply chain is a relevant option, which is followed in the GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance certification. Application of a quality management system makes it possible to ensure control measures and monitoring plan in the daily operations in a consistent way.

Besides the preventive measures, also corrective actions need a company to apply in the event of the occurrence of a contamination of a certain consignment. In that case, it is about traceability; recall procedures, and early warning. The aim of these measurements is to reduce the distribution of contaminated lot(s) of feed or food material in the market or withdraw it in order to limit the negative impact on feed safety in the production chain as much as possible.

Within the GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance (FSA) certification, the Early Warning System (EWS) is essential to reduce the impact of a contamination and operates as follows. It is not alone a matter of the primary involved company, but also of other companies. If a certified company determines a level of undesirable substance(s) exceeding the maximum permitted level, it is obliged – besides taking the appropriate control and corrective measurements and informing its customers – to notify GMP+ International as well as the involved certification body and the competent official authority if applicable.

This notification has a relevant reason. GMP+ International assesses each EWS notification and decides, together with involved participants, if and which measures are necessary to prevent or limit damage in subsequent chains. These may include measures taken by GMP+ International.

The primary focus of the company is to inform involved suppliers and customers, blocking contaminated batches, investigate the cause of contamination and take corrective measures.

The primary focus of GMP+ International is to alert the other GMP+ FSA participants about the occurrence of a concrete contamination event in the market, if the contaminated lots are delivered by supply chain partner(s), or the contaminated lots are or can be delivered to other companies in the market.

In that case, GMP+ International informs all other GMP+ FSA participants about the involved product (generic name), the kind of undesirable substance(s), the detected level(s), and the country of origin. The company involved will not be published. When other GMP+ FSA participants are also buying or dealing with the reported product from the mentioned origin, they can take the right control measures, like sampling and analysing or asking guarantees of his supplier. The primary focus of the certification body is to monitor the application of the appropriate actions and measurements by the involved feed company.

Facts about 2013-2014
At this moment GMP+ International is preparing an evaluation of the EWS notifications of 2013 and 2014. In general the figures show that there have been more notifications in 2013 and 2014 than the years before. This increase in the number of notifications was related to mycotoxins. It is also good to realise that sometimes more than one EWS message has been related to the same case.

Most of the reported issues are controlled in an early stage. Only a limited number were related to a more or less serious feed safety emergency. In 2013 this was aflatoxin in maize and in 2014 this was furazolidon in in soymix. Because of these two safety issues, the requirements to notify have become stricter.

Before 2015, GMP+ FSA certified companies were only obliged to notify contamination levels above maximum permitted level, in case the situation was not fully under control of the involved company and could affect other companies too. End 2014, we introduced the obligation to notify every exceeding of the maximum permitted level of an undesirable substance to GMP+ International as well as the certification body. This notification as well as informing the customers is considered so crucial for the effectiveness of the control of a safety incident, that non-compliance is classified as a critical non-conformity with withdrawal of the GMP+ FSA certificate as a consequence.

GMP+ International always tries to find out the source and cause of contamination, because that could be relevant for the risk assessments and could contribute to avoid occurrence in the future. The GMP+ FSA certified companies observe these EWS messages as worthwhile, because it increases their alertness regarding specific risks.

It adds also value in comparison of the Rapid Alerts System Feed & Food (RASFF) of the European Union, due to more details and quick publication. The most important causes of contamination (figure 2) are natural exposure and genesis during processing. Process aids can also be a source, which need to be considered in the risk assessments.

Read the magazine HERE.

GePro company profile

http://www.aquafeed.co.uk/CC/IAF1302_gepro.png

GePro Gefluegel-Protein Vertriebs-gesellschaft mbH & Co. KG is a member company of the PHW Group, one of the largest producers of poultry products in Europe. As a member of the PHW Group, GePro is part of a completely integrated poultry production network.

GePro headquarters are in Diepholz (Germany) with global sales offices located in Bangkok (Kingdom of Thailand) and Moscow (Russian Federation).

GePro transforms poultry by-products from the slaughterhouse into valuable ingredients for animal nutrition and biofuel (SP-Power)

With the state-of-the-art production systems, our products are of extremely high quality and are regarded as benchmarks in the industry. The entire process is under strict veterinarian control leading to consistent, flawless quality and a great value proposition for our customers.

Visit the website HERE.

25/08/2015: Aquaculture UK: under new management

Ascomber Ltd, the Scottish-based Event Company and organisers of Aquaculture UK was recently acquired by 5m Publishing Ltd.

Ascomber diversifies the 5m Aquaculture portfolio and compliments The Fish Site and our educational MSc and related post graduate courses delivered in partnership with the University of St Andrews.

Now in its 10th year, Aquaculture UK is the most important aquaculture exhibition and conference held in the British Isles.

Although the ownership will change, the name will remain the same and we will continue to serve you under Aquaculture UK. David Mack, founder of the event, remains in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition and a successful 2016 event!

You can reach the team as follows:

Commercial: Matt Colvan matt.colvan@5mpublishing.com

Marketing: Nicola Pickles nicola.pickles@5mpublishing.com

Accounts: Sam Baker sam.baker@5mpublishng.com

All visitor enquiries to Helena Thompson: helena.thompson@5mpublishing.com

Visit the Aquaculture UK site HERE.

25/08/2015: National Geographic: Do whales get the bends? And why does it matter?

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/08/150819-whales-dolphins-bends-decompression-sickness/?sf12246867=1

Image: Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith

Scientists used to think that whales didn't suffer from decompression sickness, but more and more evidence seems to suggest this is not the whole story, Rachel A. Becker reports for the National Geographic.

Why does this matter? Naval sonar exercises have been linked to mass strandings of whales showing signs of decompression sickness. If sonar is in some way affecting the animals - for example, changing their diving behaviour - and causing the onset of the bends, then it's pretty important to know what can be done to prevent this.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina Wilmington have been investigating....

Read all about it HERE.

25/08/2015: Latest online auctions

http://industrial-auctions.com/online-auction-fish-and-meat/129/en

Online auction fish and meat processing machinery in Urk (NL)
Closing tomorrow 26th of August from 14:00h (CET)

Viewing day
25th of August
From 10:00 till 15:00 hrs
Address:
Hoornse Hop 6
8321 WX Urk (NL)

http://industrial-auctions.com/online-auction-machinery-and/127/en

1st of September: Online auction machinery and inventory former meat processing factory in Gelsenkirchen (DE)

Viewing days
26th of August (9 - 16h)
27th of August (9 - 13h)
Address:
Moorkampstrasse 12
45883 Gelsenkirchen (DE)

http://industrial-auctions.com/online-auction-food-processing/130/en

8th of September: Online auction food processing machinery in Brokstedt (DE)

Viewing day
3rd of September
From 9:00 till 14:00 hrs
Address:
Osterfeld 14
24616 Brokstedt (DE)

http://industrial-auctions.com/online-auction-machinery-and/131/en

23rd of September: Online auction machinery and inventory for the fish processing industry due to outsourcing production Haasnoot Vis in Katwijk ZH (NL)

Viewing day
21st of September
From 9:00 till 15:00 hrs
Address:
Rijnlandkade 1
2222 AE Katwijk ZH (NL)

http://industrial-auctions.com/online-auction-food-processing/133/en

1st of October: Online auction food processing machinery, refrigeration and inventory due to ending activities Zeeuwse Vleeshandel BV in Middelburg (NL)

Viewing day
29th of September
From 9:00 till 15:00 hrs
Address:
Elektraweg 15
4338 PK Middelburg (NL)

Monday, August 24, 2015

Ferraz Machinery and Engineering Ltda company profile

Based in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, Brazil, on the Via Ananhguera, one of the main highways of the country, Ferraz now occupies premises of approximately 13,000 m2, built on a land area of 32,000 m2. All the products that the company sells are manufactured entirely on the premises of Ferraz by the most qualified professionals in the areas of machining, boilers, bodyshop, welding, lasers, shipping, services and spares.

Ferraz projects are in accordance with the standards of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) required by the Ministry of Agriculture, and bear the ANFAL quality seal PIQ-PET (National Association of Balanced Food Manufacturers).

We design and install complete lines for animal feed production processes - for branny, pelleting and extruded feeds. From start to finish of every factory installation project, we present and follow all the steps of its construction. We also provide aftercare, always bringing innovations and improvements to equipment as well as effective and constant technical assistance.

Visit the website HERE.

SPAROS company profile

SPAROS is a spin-off company of the Algarve Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) / University of Algarve, devoted to the development of new products and processes for fish feeding and nutrition.

We offer the aquaculture sector the combination of a strong scientific background in fish nutrition with a flexible pilot-scale feed technology platform.

SPAROS is located in the South of Portugal (Algarve region) but aims to serve the whole European market.

Visit the company website HERE.

24/08/2015: Cermaq ranked #1 for its sustainability report

Seafood Intelligence has again ranked Cermaq as #1 in sustainability reporting among 35 salmon farming companies globally. In addition Cermaq stands out by having external auditing of its integrated sustainability report.

Cermaq has a strong record for acknowledgement of its sustainability reporting, rated against the largest companies in Norway and against the salmon farming companies globally. Last week Seafood Intelligence again rated Cermaq as number one of the global salmon farming companies.

http://www.cermaq.com/wps/wcm/connect/cermaqen/home/homepage/

Transparency is always welcome (Image: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS)

"Transparent reporting on important topics is the basis for earning trust. It is also a knowledgebase for identifying and discussing areas of improvement with our stakeholders," says CEO of Cermaq Jon Hindar.

Cermaq’s integrated report is based on the GRI reporting system (Global Reporting Initiative) with additional customised indicators covering the key areas for salmon farming, such as vaccination program, escapes, sea lice, fallow time, fish mortality, and medication use.

"Sustainability reporting should be more than self-declaration. Hence, having external auditing of our sustainability data is key to Cermaq. This is our fifth sustainability report which is externally audited, which gives quality recognition of the report and credibility towards our stakeholders," says Jon Hindar.

The salmon industry is strengthening its overall sustainability reporting. The Global Salmon Initiative’s (GSI’s) launch of a common sustainability report for all its member companies, corresponding to half of the global salmon production, has been an important step.

"As co-chair of Global Salmon Initiative I am proud of what this group has achieved, not only in transparency but also in better cooperation on improving biosecurity and addressing challenges related to future feed supply," says Jon Hindar.

See the full report from Seafood Intelligence HERE.

Visit the GSI website HERE.

24/08/2015: Members of Global Salmon Initiative announce tender for novel oil sources rich in Omega-3

At the AquaNor 2015 conference in Norway, participating members of the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI), in partnership with their industry feed company associates, announced the launch of an innovative global tender. The pioneering tender invites organisations interested to develop novel oils high in Omega-3 for fish farming, to share their proposals to supply participating GSI members with a minimum of 25,000 tons of novel oil, and up to 200,000 tons, annually for a minimum of two years. These additional resources will significantly increase the availability of Omega-3 rich oils, and support the sustainable use of marine oils in fish feed.

Image: USFWS Mountain-Prairie

“By working together to resolve industry-wide issues, the GSI is demonstrating how collaboration can lead to innovative solutions. We are pleased to see the GSI members working proactively in the search for resources needed to ensure a sustainable future for the industry and to provide sustainable sources of protein,” said Doris Soto, Senior Aquaculture Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

The farmed salmon industry uses approximately 350,000 tons of fish oil each year, and this is expected to grow by approximately 5 percent each year, in line with industry growth. Today’s announcement comes as part of the GSI’s continued dedication toward improving the sustainability of the farmed salmon industry, and their strong commitment to securing the long-term future of the industry.

“Ensuring a long-term supply of our feed resources has always been a key focus for the GSI, and through this commitment to new novel oils, instead of waiting for the market to act, we hope to accelerate the development of viable novel oils at a commercial scale to improve the long-term stability of our supply chain.” said Alf-Helge Aarskog, CEO of Marine Harvest.

“We know there are exciting developments in terms of alternative resourcing for fish oils, and through our partnership project we hope to understand and assess the real potential and environmental benefits of using such novel oils, and hopefully identify a supplier of novel oils to meet the requirements of our industry.” said Einar Wathne, CEO of EWOS.

The tender is open to any organisation that is able to supply novel oil resources and meet the requirements stated in the tender document. The deadline for proposal submission is October 31, 2015; after this date, the participating members of the GSI will review and assess all proposals received, in terms of suitability and viability. The GSI anticipate a decision will be reached by the end of 2015, at which time a further announcement will be made.

If you would like to receive the tender please contact: GSI@axon-com.com

Visit the GSI website HERE.

24/08/2015: BioMar Group supports research in the Antarctic

BioMar Group presented the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) with a donation for research on the Antarctic ecosystem and wildlife at the opening of the AquaNor exhibition in Trondheim on the 18th of August.

BioMar Group’s support of AWR is based upon a commitment to protect the Antarctic ecosystem,which is essentially entirely dependent on a healthy and abundant krill population. Jan Sverre Røsstad, Vice President of BioMar North Sea, will present a cheque of US$15,000 to the Norwegian minister of fisheries Elisabeth Aspaker, and to AWR’s Board and Scientific Advisor.

Image: Sylke Rohrlach

“AWR’s efforts to obtain further knowledge about the Antarctic ecosystem contributes to a sustainably managed krill fishery, and has our full support,” says Røsstad.

Following its launch in February 2015, AWR announced a call for research proposals. AWR received almost a dozen applications for funding from leading scientists around the world, who wish to carry out research to aid understanding of the impact of krill fishing operations on the Antarctic marine ecosystem.

AWR believes that only through better understanding of the role of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean will it be possible to comprehensively protect the animals that depend on it for survival and ensure a mandate for the precautionary management of the fishery.

The AWR’s founding partners include the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), WWF-Norway and Aker BioMarine.

"Krill is the lifeblood of the Southern Ocean and supports important Antarctic wildlife such as whales, seals and penguins. It is crucial therefore that krill fishing be carried out in a responsible and sustainable way. The establishment of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund is an opportunity to continue monitoring the impacts of krill fishing and to conduct further ecological research on krill and dependent species,” says Karoline Andaur, member of the AWR board and Conservation Director Policy at WWF-Norway.

Read more about The Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) HERE.

Friday, August 21, 2015

21/08/2015: Aquaculture empowers women to improve nutrition

Roy Palmer, director, Aquaculture without Frontiers

First published in International Aquafeed, July-August 2015

AwF Director, John Forster, pointed out a recent US Aid Newsletter which highlighted the importance of aquaculture and women in assisting with the global issues of poverty and hunger.

Interestingly the example mentioned was in Nepal, a country currently suffering the enormous effects of a recent earthquake, Nepal was a country where AwF had helped establish aquaculture – see project reports 2008-2012. I particularly recall Ram Bhujel (AIT and AwF Volunteer) saying at the AwF Session during a WAS-APC Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, how important AwF had been in his birthplace (Nepal) in showing that aquaculture was possible and also empowering women to engage.

As the US aid newsletter states, “In rural Nepal, widespread poverty is compounded by the lack of access to high-quality, nutritious foods.” According to a recent report from the Nepal Demographic Health Survey, 41 percent of children under the age of five are chronically malnourished, and anemia is a significant problem, afflicting 47 percent of children and 36 percent of women.

http://issuu.com/international_aquafeed/docs/iaf1504_w1/8

Image: Lyle Vincent

One approach to mitigate the occurrence of anemia and to improve the overall health of rural Nepalese is to supplement their diets with vitaminrich protein sources, such as fish. Researchers from Nepal’s Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) recognised the potential of aquaculture to help address this widespread nutritional deficit, and their recent effort in Nepal successfully established more than 70 family-run fishponds, all managed by women. In the first year of operation, the ponds produced over 500 kg of fish for household consumption.

Looking back at AwF Project reports I read that an aquaculture awareness program was organised, this involved gathering a group of women and using computers from a higher secondary school in the village. A program produced on CD that was based on the “Women in Aquaculture Project” in Chitwan was shown, followed by questions and answers. Even at that stage organisers were reporting that a lot of women had shown their interest.

From that report I read, “Altogether 52 families applied and showed interest in culturing fish on their land which was almost double the number the project team had expected. Full technical support (training, field visit and fry supply) was offered to all of them, and a partial financial support was extended to all of them dividing them into two categories i.e. very poor and poor; with more support to the former.”

According to US Aid, ‘Researchers intend to train more women in effective aquaculture techniques by establishing women’s groups to educate rural Nepalese on fish farming practices and the nutritional benefits associated with household fish production.

The nutritional aspect was also highlighted by WorldFish Senior Nutrition Advisor, Dr Shakuntala Thilsted in her plenary speech at WA2015 in Jeju ‘How can Aquaculture Contribute to the Diets of the Poor’.

Dr Thilsted highlighted that the characteristics of a healthy diet for the poor included natural foods which are locally produced; culturally acceptable (taste, texture, colour, flavour, etc); affordable; high in nutritional quality; safe and available year round.

Fish and other aquatic foods are rich in several essential micronutrients especially Vitamin A (animal sourced foods have the only preformed source); retinol, fish also has Vitamin A2 – dehydroretinol); Vitamin B12 (animal sourced foods are the only dietary source); Riboflavin, Vitamin D (animal sourced foods are the only dietary source); Vitamin E, Available Iron (animal sourced foods are the only dietary source of haem iron) and available zinc, calcium and phosphorous.

Shakuntala indicated the diversity of species had an effect on a healthy diet and called upon the aquaculture industry to ensure the spread of species in fish, other aquatic animals and plants to ensure we all benefited. This way we would meet the preferences of more people, enabling various forms of preparation for different meals and snacks suitable for all sorts of occasions. It would increase the frequency and quantity of consumption, increase seasonal variety, and increase the likelihood of covering multiple nutritional needs.

One of the challenges of bringing new practices to rural women in Nepal, or for that matter in many countries, is that more than half of them are illiterate and cannot be reached through traditional methods such as distributing written materials.

AwF are supporters of the concept of empowering rural women to grow and consume fish from their own backyards, and are working on a number of project concepts. It is by giving the women the means to combat the daunting threats of anemia and malnutrition in their households. Better access to more diverse food sources means that families have the chance to increase their resilience and food security in some of the world’s most remote corners.

http://feedthefuture.gov/article/aquaculture -helps-women-nepal-improve-household-nutrition

Read the magazine HERE.

Tyson company profile

Tyson Animal Nutrition Group is a leading producer of 100 percent chicken-based protein meals, chicken fats and wet pet ingredients. Our experience, knowledge, commitment to quality and strong customer relationships have made us one of the most respected names in animal nutrition.

Tyson's vertically-integrated structure gives us control over all stages of the life cycle of our chickens, from hatching-egg production to distributing the finished product. And because all of our raw materials come from USDA-inspected processing plants, our ingredients are consistent, traceable and to your specifications.

Our sales and support Team Members welcome the opportunity to partner with you and meet your needs for high-quality ingredients. Learn more about our products or speak to one of our sales managers today.

Visit the website HERE.

21/08/2015: Aqua Nor Trondheim 18-21 August: record number of visitors

http://nor-fishing.cmail2.com/t/r-l-ftryhud-dyjuukae-x/

Photo by Nor-Fishing Foundation/Snølys

The Aqua Nor staff wish to thank everyone who made Aqua Nor 2015 such a memorable exhibition.

Having 76 nations represented at Aqua Nor is a pleasant confirmation of Aqua Nor's international importance.

The visitor numbers were as follows:

Tuesday: 5073
Wednesday: 6744
Thursday: 5789
Friday: 3242

The total of 20,848 visitors is an increase of over 10 percent from the previous Aqua Nor.

Friday was our student day, and we are pleased that over 200 students participated at the conference organised for them.

In addition to thanking our 20,848 visitors we'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to our 550 exhibitors from 27 countries.

We look forward to seeing you again at Aqua Nor 2017: 15th - 18th August!

See the photos HERE.

21/08/2015: Aquaculture-2015 Report

OMICS International successfully hosted its premier International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries at Park Regis North Quay, Brisbane, Australia during July 20-22, 2015. Talks and discussion focused on the theme of 'Advancing & Expanding Aquaculture Sector Focused on Developmental, Toxicological and Transgenic Scientific Research' and it was a great success where eminent keynote speakers from various reputed organisations and universities made their resplendent presence and addressed the gathering.

OMICS International would like to convey its warm gratitude to the session organisers, chair/co chair, and session speakers who made this conference more informative and effective to the scientists, professors, research scholars, postgraduate & graduate students, delegates and representatives from leading life science sectors met there. The students and young researchers from various countries attended and compete for Best Poster Award & Best Young Researchers Forum Award.

Brisbane (Image: texaus1)

Winners of Best Poster Award (Sponsored by Drysdale Group, Australia):

Heng Wang, Hokkaido University, Japan for the poster presentation entitled ‘The major yolk protein in sea urchin egg yolk granules is a glycoprotein complex’

Xinhai Wang, Institute of Suqian, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China for the poster presentation entitled ‘Development and growth from newly settled first crab stage to sexual maturation and observation on reproductive biology of the harlequin anemone crab Lissocarcinus laevis’

Winners of Young Researchers Forum Award (Sponsored by Action Aquatics, Australia):

Fran Humphries, Griffith University, Australia for the oral presentation entitled ‘Patenting genetic material in aquaculture: A red herring or an emerging issue to tackle?’

Nieva J A, The Marine Science Institute, Malaysia for the oral presentation entitled ‘Sulfated polysaccharide from Sargassum spp. in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines’

Special Recognition Award (by Keeton Industries, USA):

Dr David Vander Zwaag, Dalhousie University, Canada for organising a special session on Aquaculture Law & Policy

We would like to sincerely thank Dr Kirsten Heimann, James Cook University, Australia and Dr W Lindsey White, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand for their contribution and enduring support, helping to make the conference a success and all the Organising Committee Members, conference chairs, honourable guests, students & delegates, exhibitors for their presence and valued contributions to the Conference.

With the feedback from the participants and supporters of Aquaculture -2016, OMICS International is glad to announce 2nd Global Summit on Aquaculture & Fisheries (Aquaculture Summit- 2016) during July 11-13, 2016 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia & 3rd International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries during September 26-28, 2016 London, UK.

Aquaculture-2016 will cover some of the most challenging topics and advancements in research in the fields of Sustainable Aquaculture.

Visit the OMICS International site HERE.

21/08/2015: Wuhan Chia Tai Group Aquatic Products Co, Ltd: turnkey project begins trial production

The project, which broke ground on June 6, 2014, began its trial production on April 10, 2015. Wuhan Chia Tai Group (known as CP Group) Aquatic Products Co, Ltd was an EPC project by FAMSUN. Covering an area of over 92,260 square metres and worth a total investment of 15.49 million Chinese Yuan (US$2.42 million), the project consists of one extrusion line, two pelleting lines for shrimp and crab feed, two hard pellet fish feed lines and an extra extrusion line; Phase One of the project can produce 150 thousand tons of aquafeed annually.

With the support of up-to-date technologies and products from FAMSUN, the project features the specialisation of aquafeed and automatic production standards.

The WEM4000 computerised central batching system, with its high batching precision, can measure the consumption of power, steam and materials per unit product; record equipment deviation and warn the maintenance staff to conduct preventive maintenance; efficient inventory management also ensures the scheduled production to be carried out for timely delivery.

There are 19 automatic samplers on the production lines. The samples, after automatic packing and coding, are delivered to the master control room by belt conveyer for testing. Products with different specifications can be sampled concurrently. For example, fry feed can be also sampled on the line crushing feed for fish.

There is also a dedicated return line for materials, to save space and time, reducing labour and packaging costs.

Wuhan has many lakes and thus enjoys developed aquaculture. With the increase in demand for fish, crabs and crayfish, the market for aquafeed has reached one million tons per year. Wuhan Chia Tai Group Aquatic Products Co, Ltd - sited in Shuihonglingang Industrial Park, Hannan District, Wuhan - is poised to serve the market.

Visit the FAMSUN site HERE.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

AquaNor 2015 - Live feed

The International Aquafeed / Aquaculturists team will be on site at AquaNor in Trondheim, Norway, bringing our readers the highlights.

AquaNor 2015 - what is happening right now!

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