SEAFDEC Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
Duration: 2025–2029
Donor: Japanese Trust Fund 7
Lead Department: SEAFDEC/AQD
Background
Aquaculture production in the Southeast Asia region has accounted for more than 50% of the total fisheries production since 2012. Especially in Southeast Asian markets, where economic development is remarkable, the demand for various aquatic species and high-quality aquatic products is increasing. Innovative and sustainable aquaculture technologies for emerging species and high-quality production of common species are necessary to meet this wide range of needs. In addition, the capture fishery production of important aquatic species in the Southeast Asian region has been declining yearly. The shift in dependence from capture fishery to aquaculture production in economically important aquatic species also contributes to preventing the depletion of natural aquatic resources.
Aquaculture in the Southeast Asian region consists mainly of small-scale aquaculture; however, it has a weak value chain mechanism. To ensure a stable supply of aquaculture products on the market, it is essential to strengthen and stabilize the whole value chain of these small-scale aquaculture industries. More importantly, is to establish a stable supply system for quality seed stocks. Mass mortalities also often occur in small-scale aquaculture farms due to poor aquaculture practices such as fish health, biosecurity, feeding, and environmental management, resulting in farm closure. Comprehensive aquaculture management will significantly prevent mass mortalities and, at the same time, reduce operating costs. Ultimately, it will contribute to the production of high-quality products, the development of stable operations, and the promotion of food safety.
We will address the technological study and development of emerging aquaculture species through good aquaculture practices (GAqP) to meet the changing social needs and disseminate suitable technologies for Southeast Asia with an improved skill set of aquaculture stakeholders. Consequently, these activities would promote aquaculture production in Southeast Asian countries.
This project commits to promoting GAqP good aquaculture practices through joint research, technology transfer, and human resource development, as stated in Resolution 2023 No.17.
Goal
Attaining sustainable aquaculture through good aquaculture practices (GAqP) and creating a new aquaculture industry through the development of aquaculture technology for emerging species in Southeast Asia
Objectives/Outcomes
ASEAN Member States (AMSs) can acquire and establish GAqP-based aquaculture technology for emerging and important species
Outputs and Activities
| Outputs | Activities |
| Output 1 Development of aquaculture technologies for emerging species in the hatchery, nursery, and grow-out stages |
Activity 1.1 Development of full-lifecycle culture and stable production technology for Kawakawa |
| Activity 1.2 Development of husbandry and mass production technology for round-scad | |
| Activity 1.3 Development of feeds and feeding regimes to improve survival and quality of cultured tropical anguillid eel in nursery and grow-out stages | |
| Activity 1.4 Development of seedling mass production system for slipper lobster | |
| Output 2 Development of high-quality and stable oyster and seaweed production systems |
Activity 2.1 Development of a high-quality and stable oyster production system based on GAqP |
| Activity 2.2 Improvement of productivity and quality of cultured seaweeds based on GAqP | |
| Output 3 Capacity enhancement on GAqP through technological training courses |
Activity 3.1 Conducting online training courses on aquaculture technologies, fish health management, and fish nutrition |
| Activity 3.2 Conducting face-to-face training courses on commodity- and community-based aquaculture in the Southeast Asian region | |
| Output 4 Proper practice and support of the project |
Activity 4.1 Project coordination and management, and coordination of on-site technological transfer to AMSs |
| Activity 4.2 Holding of annual progress meeting and international workshop in the final year of the project |