Summer05Aquanews1

In developing countries, aquaculture has been increasingly used to provide a source of protein for continually growing populations. This has led to technical, cultural and environmental challenges for these countries, which can be addressed through scientific research. These problems include the difficulty of importing exotic species, obtaining a reliable source of robust broodstock, finding technologies to produce single-sex populations of fish, and impacts of aquaculture effluents on the environment and humans.

Many exotic species of fish that are used elsewhere in the world for aquaculture purposes (i.e. tilapia) have been imported for use in other developing nations. These fish frequently escape, causing environmental perturbations and displacement of indigenous species. This is not only a problem from an environmental point of view, but also culturally, as people must be convinced to change traditions in the types of food they eat. Many of these traditions have been practiced for generations. In addition, many farmers who want to raise fish often do not because appropriate broodstock is unavailable or current technologies do not permit efficient protein production.
Some species of fish must be grown as either all-male or all-female populations because reproduction in ponds severely reduces meat output and

also because one sex may grow much faster than the other. The production of single-sex populations usually requires the use of hormones (steroids). Although they are quickly eliminated from the fish, these compounds can directly affect fish culturists that come in contact with them. They also persist in the environment, potentially affecting both animals and humans.
The goal of our collaborative research has been to develop aquaculture systems that are sustainable, employ clean technologies, use indigenous species, enhance biodiversity, produce protein and involve local people. Our specific objectives have been to: 1) develop alter

The USAID/EGAT Water Team has launched a new Leader with Associates Award Cooperative Agreement to advance the practice of integrated management of coastal ecosystems worldwide. The SUCCESS Program (Sustainable Coastal Communities and Ecosystems) emphasizes coastal resources, aquaculture, and fisheries management under the leadership of the University of Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Center. The Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center of the University of Hawaii-Hilo (a current CRSP partner institution) is providing expertise in aquaculture and fisheries as a main sub-recipient. Other partners include the Sea Grant Network, The Nature Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMAS), Eco-Costas/Ecuador, the University of Central America (UCA), and other local institutions throughout Latin America and East Africa. The goal of the SUCCESS Program is to improve the quality of life for people in coastal communities.
Initial activities of this global effort will focus on three demonstration programs for sustainable livelihoods in Tanzania, Nicaragua, and Ecuador, continuing and strengthening on-going partnership efforts at these sites. The demonstration efforts will feature training and support for community-based