Abstract: Developing Sustainable Shellfish and Algal Production Systems to Increase Food Security in Latin America and Asia (AFS 141st Annual Meeting)

P-389 Developing Sustainable Shellfish and Algal Production Systems to Increase Food Security in Latin America and Asia

Ford Evans , Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Stephanie Ichien , Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

Hillary Egna , Aquaculture and Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

According to the FAO, total world aquaculture production in 2008 reached 68.3 million tonnes. Although most of this production was achieved through the culture of freshwater finfish species such as carp, tilapia, and catfish (28.8 million tonnes), a large fraction was attributable to the culture of molluscan shellfish (13.1 million tonnes) and algae (15.8 million tonnes). With over 90% of the total world aquaculture production occurring in least-developed and developing countries, shellfish and algae can play an important role in food security and income generation for the neediest smallholder farmers.

Sustainable shellfish and algae aquaculture benefits smallholder farmers in a variety of ways, by (1) contributing to food security and employment, particularly in coastal communities, (2) requiring lower inputs given that these species are either low trophic level (shellfish) or primary producers (algae), (3) providing ecosystem services through processes such as filter/suspension feeding, substrate enhancement, and nutrient uptake, and (4) allowing for the use of low-tech culture systems.

With funding from the Aquaculture & Fisheries Collaborative Research Support Program (AquaFish CRSP), investigators from the United States and partnering host countries are working together in Latin America and Asia to develop and improve shellfish and algal production systems and best management practices. Species under investigation include the mangrove oyster (Crassostrea corteziensis) and the black cockle (Anadora similis and A. tuberculosa) in Mexico and Nicaragua, as well as the macroalgae Gracilaria heteroclada, Kappaphycus alvarezii, and Eucheuma spp. in Indonesia and The Philippines. This poster showcases these investigations and highlights the global role of AquaFish CRSP research in developing sustainable end-user level aquaculture systems to alleviate poverty and increase food security in least-developed and developing countries.

P-389 Developing Sustainable Shellfish and Algal Production Systems to Increase Food Security in Latin America and Asia

Menu