Aquaculture CRSP Aquanews Vol. 18 No. 4 ~ Fall 2003

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Aquaculture in the Peruvian Amazon: A Case Study of Microenterprise

By Salvador Tello, Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana

he Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP) and BIOFOR-USAID conducted a research project titled “Cultivation of Native Fish: A Sustainable Development Option for the Area of Influence of the National Park Abiseo River.” Nineteen farmers with 39 fish-ponds in a 10-hectare area participated in this study.

IIAP employee Cherry Yahuarcany captures an adult tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) from an experimental fishpond at IIAP near Iquitos, Peru.

Photo credit: Roger Harris

Three fish species were used: gamitana (Colossoma macropomum), boquichico (Prochilodus nigricans), and the hybrid pacotana (paco x gamitana). The rearing system included single and polycultivation for each species. The fish were fed a pelleted diet formulated with local feedstuffs and prepared by the farmers.

After six months of study, a feed conversion ratio of 1 to 2 was obtained. The daily growth during the study ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 g, which was observed in 75% of the population. The average body weight after six months was 450 g, and the annual yield obtained ranged from 4 to 10 mt per ha. The annual profitability of the operation varied from 55 to 139% and the net actual value ranged from $700 to $1500. These results indicate that a farmer can obtain a significant margin of profit after recovering the initial investment in infrastructure, equipment, operative costs, and a monthly interest of 1%.

In addition, these results demonstrate that these native species have great potential to be raised in captivity in the Peruvian Amazon.

This experience is allowing IIAP to successfully promote the rearing of native Amazonian species as a productive option for farmers in this region of Peru, which has suffered terrorism and drug trafficking over the last 20 years.

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The Aquaculture CRSP is funded under USAID Grant No. LAG-G-00-96-90015-00 and by the participating US and Host Country institutions. Questions for or about the Aquaculture CRSP? Comments about this site? Please visit the FAQ page or email us at ACRSP@oregonstate.edu.

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