Course Details

Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Training Course

Introduction

The increasing global demand for aquatic protein, coupled with the stagnation or decline of wild fish stocks, has propelled aquaculture (fish farming) to the forefront of sustainable food production. While traditional fishing practices continue to play a vital role, the future of aquatic food security heavily relies on the expansion and responsible management of aquaculture systems. However, successful aquaculture operations and the sustainable management of wild fisheries require a sophisticated understanding of aquatic biology, water quality, feeding strategies, disease prevention, and market dynamics. Without proper knowledge and management, both aquaculture ventures and wild fisheries can face significant challenges, including environmental degradation, disease outbreaks, inefficient production, and economic losses. This comprehensive 5-day "Aquaculture and Fisheries Management" training course is meticulously designed to equip aspiring and current fish farmers, fisheries managers, aquaculture technicians, environmental conservationists, agribusiness professionals, and policymakers with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to establish, operate, and sustainably manage aquaculture systems, and to contribute to the effective management of wild fisheries resources.

This intensive program will delve into the diverse aquaculture systems, covering everything from pond construction and water quality management to species selection, feeding regimes, and disease control. It will also provide an overview of sustainable fisheries management principles, emphasizing resource conservation and responsible harvesting. Participants will gain in-depth understanding of how to assess site suitability, manage water parameters, optimize feed conversion, prevent common aquatic diseases, and navigate the market for aquatic products. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in applying best practices in both aquaculture and fisheries management, contributing to a more productive, profitable, and environmentally responsible aquatic food sector.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Aquaculture and Fisheries Management" training course is ideal for a wide range of individuals and organizations involved in aquatic food production, conservation, and policy. This includes:

• Aspiring Fish Farmers and Aquaculturists: Looking to establish or improve their fish farming ventures.
• Existing Fish Farmers: Seeking to diversify species, improve yields, or adopt more sustainable practices.
• Fisheries Managers and Technicians: Involved in managing wild fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems.
• Agricultural Extension Officers: Advising farmers on aquaculture development.
• Environmental Conservationists: Interested in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture's ecological impact.
• Agribusiness Professionals: Working in aquaculture inputs, processing, or marketing.
• Researchers and Academics: Focused on aquatic science, aquaculture, and fisheries.
• Government Officials and Policymakers: Involved in aquatic resource management and food security.
• Students in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine Sciences: Gaining practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Community Leaders: Promoting sustainable livelihood diversification through aquaculture.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Aquaculture and Fisheries Management" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of aquaculture and its role in food security.
• Identify and select appropriate aquaculture systems and species based on resources and market demand.
• Implement effective water quality management strategies for optimal aquatic animal health and growth.
• Develop and apply balanced feeding regimes for farmed fish and other aquatic organisms.
• Recognize common aquatic diseases, understand their prevention, and apply basic control measures.
• Understand the principles of sustainable fisheries management for wild fish stocks.
• Navigate the post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing aspects of aquaculture products.
• Develop a preliminary plan for establishing or improving an aquaculture enterprise.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Aquaculture & Fisheries

• Defining aquaculture and its global significance in food production.
• Overview of major aquaculture species (finfish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae).
• Distinction between aquaculture and capture fisheries.
• Challenges and opportunities in the aquaculture sector.
• Principles of sustainable fisheries management and conservation.

Module 2: Aquaculture Systems & Site Selection

• Types of aquaculture systems: Ponds, cages, raceways, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), aquaponics.
• Advantages and disadvantages of different systems.
• Key considerations for site selection: Water source and quality, topography, soil type, accessibility.
• Designing and constructing basic aquaculture facilities.
• Biosecurity principles for aquaculture farms.

Module 3: Water Quality Management

• Essential water quality parameters: Dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, alkalinity.
• Monitoring water quality: Measurement techniques and equipment.
• Strategies for maintaining optimal water quality: Aeration, filtration, water exchange.
• Impact of poor water quality on aquatic animal health and growth.
• Pond fertilization and liming for productivity enhancement.

Module 4: Fish Nutrition & Feed Management

• Nutritional requirements of farmed fish: Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals.
• Types of fish feeds: Pelleted feeds, natural food organisms, supplementary feeds.
• Feed formulation principles and common feed ingredients.
• Optimal feeding rates and frequencies for different life stages and species.
• Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and its importance in aquaculture economics.

Module 5: Aquaculture Health Management & Diseases

• Common aquatic diseases: Bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic.
• Recognizing signs of disease and abnormal behavior in fish.
• Disease prevention strategies: Biosecurity, good husbandry, water quality control.
• Basic disease diagnosis and sample collection.
• Responsible use of aquatic animal health products.

Module 6: Fish Breeding & Hatchery Management

• Reproductive cycles and methods of propagation in common aquaculture species.
• Natural spawning, induced spawning, and hormonal manipulation.
• Hatchery design and operation: Broodstock management, egg incubation, larval rearing.
• Nursery management for fingerling production.
• Genetic selection for improved traits in farmed fish.

Module 7: Post-Harvest Handling & Processing

• Principles of proper harvesting techniques to minimize stress and damage.
• On-farm post-harvest handling: Icing, chilling, cleaning.
• Maintaining freshness and quality of aquatic products.
• Basic processing methods: Filleting, smoking, drying, salting.
• Packaging, storage, and transportation of fish and fish products.

Module 8: Fisheries Management & Aquaculture Business Planning

• Principles of sustainable fisheries management: Stock assessment, quotas, gear restrictions.
• Co-management and community involvement in fisheries.
• Market analysis for aquaculture products: Demand, pricing, value chains.
• Developing a business plan for an aquaculture enterprise: Costs, revenues, profitability.
• Regulations, policies, and support services for aquaculture and fisheries.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com