IORA organized the “Training Workshop on Best Practices in Sea cucumber seed production and Seaweed tubular farming” (through two demonstration projects in Mozambique and Zanzibar, Tanzania), which will be held on 7-11 November 2022 in Zanzibar.
Like in many parts of the world, the future development of aquaculture in the IORA Member States is hindered by the limited availability of seed stock, appropriate technology and financing. Further needs are a well-defined legal and policy framework, development of value-chains, and facilitation for longer-term investment (such as for hatchery facilities that can provide suitable seeds to communities and the private sector, and development of efficient, high-quality feed supplies and research). These are essential elements preliminary for the development of aquaculture to a scale where communities can start benefiting and are keys to fostering the right business climate in which private sector operators will feel confident investing.
Two species were selected as demonstration projects which were implemented in Nacala, Mozambique and Zanzibar, Tanzania, for sea cucumbers and seaweeds, respectively. In addition, while it is important to demonstrate these seeding techniques, the management and best practices in hatchery management, biosecurity and understanding of diseases management and detection are equally important. Good husbandry is extremely critical for biosecurity. Any environmental conditions or procedures that stress the cultured species will make them much more susceptible to disease. Moreover, there is also the impact of climate and land-based pollution.
The main objective of the training workshop is to train the IORA MS on the best practices of seeding and farming techniques for seaweeds and sea cucumber and share the experiences and lessons learnt so that they can contribute to sustainable development and management of aquaculture resources.