Developing native fish species for aquaculture: the interacting demands of biodiversity, sustainable aquaculture and livelihoods

Abstract

Aquaculture continues to be the fastest growing animal production industry and this rate of expansion must continue if aquaculture is to satisfy global demand for ¢sh products in the face of dwindling capture ¢sheries. The relationship between aquaculture and biodiversity is complex, with examples of positive and negative impacts having been reported. To enable this expansion while avoiding negative impacts from introductions of exotic species, the investigation of indigenous species becomes important and worthwhile.This paper establishes the background to development of new species for culture and describes the example of the Mexican silverside Menidia estor, which has for centuries been the principal species in an artesanal ¢shery in Lake Pa Ł tzcuaro, Mexico. The species is geographically isolated and is unique but is now endangered because of a range of factors including over¢shing, environmental degradation and introduction of exotic species. Considerable advances have been made recently in developing a closed reproductive cycle, understanding feeding and small-scale ongrowing technology for the species. Based on this, a Darwin Initiative programme was developed focused on technology transfer to implement small-scale pilot on-growing thus helping to conserve the species and to improve livelihoods. This has allowed successful pilot scale development of aquaculture for the species while at the same time addressing the objectives of the international Convention on Biodiversity.

Influence of thermal conditions on successful ide (Leuciscus idusL.) artificial reproduction during spawning season

“…Sustainable aquaculture plays a very important role in the preservation of biodiversity in open waters (Ross et al, 2008). It is a major branch of restitution programmes, where millions of fry are restocked every year.…”

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“…In consequence, the demand for stocking material to stock open waters is growing (Cowx, 1994;Wojda, 2004;Bolland et al, 2008). The production of barbel stocking material can generate considerable financial gains owing to its high price, caused by lower fertility and effectiveness of artificial reproduction compared to other rheophilic fish species Kupren et al, 2008;Hakuć-Błażowska et al, 2009;Targońskaet al, 2011a;Nowosad et al, 2014b).The changes in the natural environment, including the aquatic environment, that have been taking place recently have depleted biocenoses and decreased global biodiversity (Ross et al, 2008).…”

Effects of water quality, flooding episode and management variables on the fish yield from self-stocked ponds in lower Rufiji floodplain, Tanzania

“…Brummet and Katambalika (1996) developed protocols and emphasized on culture of indigenous species under local conditions. Unlike East Africa, studies on aquaculture of polyculture and small indigenous fish species have been emphasized and conducted extensively in some Asian countries (for example, Alim et al, 2004;Alim et al, 2005;Kadir et al, 2007;Milstein et al, 2008;Rose et al, 2008;Mikolasek et al, 2010).…”