PD/A CRSP Aquanews-Winter 2002

This Notice of Publication announces recently published work carried out under PD/A CRSP sponsorship. To receive a full copy of a report, please contact the author(s) directly unless it is otherwise noted.

Research Report 02-176

Tilapia markets in the Americas, 2001 and beyond

Kevin Fitzsimmons, Ph. D.
University of Arizona
2601 E. Airport Drive
Tucson, Arizona, USA 85706

The total market for tilapia in the Americas was almost 300,000 metric tons of live weight fish in 2000. Production in the Americas was approximately 257,000 mt and the US imported fillets and frozen tilapia representing more than 30,000 mt of harvested fish from Eastern Hemisphere producers. Expanding demand sufficiently to absorb the rapidly expanding supply has become a critical task to support the current prices for tilapia products.

During the 1980’s and 90’s several different seafood publications declared tilapia to be the “new fish of the year”. Since then tilapia has become one of the more popular seafood entrees in the Americas. As high quality tilapia products began to appear, its recognition as a quality seafood product has increased from Canada to Chile. Tilapia are not truly a new product in the Americas. Mossambique Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus were first introduced to the Caribbean by C.F. Hickling in 1947. They were quickly introduced throughout Central and South America. O. aureus, O. niloticus and several hybrid red strains were introduced in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Mexico currently produces and consumes (~100,000 mt) more tilapia than any other country in the Americas. The US is the next biggest consumer (>90,000 mt) but just a minor producer (<9,000 mt). Brazil and Cuba are the next largest producers/consumers. Costa Rica, Honduras, Ecuador, and Jamaica are the major exporting countries. Each has a well-developed infrastructure of production, processing and export, with Honduras being the most recent. Each of these exporting countries has some domestic consumption, but the relatively small population base and high level of investment required for large-scale production has driven them to look toward US and European markets.

As supply continues to expand, consumer demand must also increase. “Push” and “pull” strategies are used by marketers to increase demand. Examples of these techniques are described as well as advertising and sales tools. One example of the efforts made by some producers to increase demand was the creation of a marketing entity. Several of the largest tilapia producers and importers/exporters to the U.S. have jointly funded the Tilapia Marketing Institute (TMI). The TMI has begun a broad ranging program to increase U.S. demand for tilapia products. The Institute is pursuing a generic campaign to increase demand for all product forms of tilapia.

This abstract was excerpted from the original paper, which was published in D. Meyer (Editor), 6to. Simposio Centroamericano de Acuacultura Proceedings: Tilapia Sessions, 22–24 August 2001. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, pp. 72–81.

Research Report 02-177

Supermarket outlets for tilapia in Honduras: an overview of survey results

Nelson Omar Fúnez, Ivano Neira and Carole Engle
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611. United States

Tilapia culture was initiated in Honduras in the late 1970’s. In the last decade, tilapia production in Honduras has grown rapidly because of market expansion for fresh tilapia fillets in the United States. Domestic markets would provide stability by offering additional market alternatives hence reducing risks associated with one target market. A comprehensive study was designed to characterize existing supermarket channels for tilapia in Honduras and to identify strategies to further develop supermarket outlets in Honduras for farm-raised tilapia. A survey instrument was designed to elicit information on the types of fish and seafood sold, prices, availability of tilapia, and supermarket buyers’ attitudes towards a variety of attributes of tilapia. The survey showed that tilapia is a well-known product in Honduran supermarkets. Overall, 50% of supermarket managers responded that they were either somewhat or very likely to sell tilapia in the next year. However, the lack of demand, freshness, and seasonal availability were mentioned as primary reasons for not selling or having stopped selling the product. These results suggest that, if tilapia farmers can combine adequate marketing strategies such as intense advertisement campaigns with availability of high quality tilapia, it maybe possible to further develop the domestic market for tilapia in Honduras.

This abstract was based on the original paper, which was published in D. Meyer (Editor), 6to. Simposio Centroamericano de Acuacultura Proceedings: Tilapia Sessions, 22–24 August 2001. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, pp. 82–86.

Research Report 02-178

Markets for tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) in Nicaragua: a descriptive analysis of restaurants, supermarkets and stands in open markets

Ivano Neira, and Carole Engle
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries.
Mail Slot 4912, 1200 N.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601, USA

No marketing studies, either qualitative or quantitative, have been done on the potential to develop a domestic market for farm-raised tilapia in Nicaragua. Domestic markets would provide stability by offering additional market alternatives that reduce risks associated with one target market. A comprehensive study was conducted in Nicaragua of potential buyers of farm-raised tilapia: restaurants, supermarkets, and open-stands market vendors. Three survey instruments designed for marketing studies in Honduras were used as a basis for the Nicaraguan studies. Approximately 20% of the restaurant managers, 66% of the stands in open-air markets, and 23% of the supermarkets sold tilapia. Restaurants, supermarkets, and open market vendors generally had positive attitudes towards tilapia. In the Northwest region, few people were familiar with tilapia. In the South-Central region, people had positive attitudes toward tilapia, but were afraid of contamination of tilapia from Lake Managua. It may be important for tilapia growers to differentiate farm-raised from wild-caught tilapia. According to the managers interviewed, consumers perceive tilapia as a freshwater fish caught in a polluted lake, and are unaware of the advantages of a high quality farm-raised fish. Tilapia farms and processors in Nicaragua will need to guarantee and ensure the flavor, quality, and safety of their product and promote these attributes. Broad-based consumer education and labeling programs may be needed to assist consumers to differentiate between farm-raised and wild-caught tilapia.

Research Report 02-179

Technology for successful small-scale tilapia culture

Daniel E. Meyer
Panamerican Agriculture School,
Zamorano, Honduras

Tilapia are tropical African fish that adapt well to the artificial conditions of the culture environment. These fish are hardy and resistant to diseases. They gain weight quickly at temperatures between 25 and 30°C and they reproduce on the farm without special management or infrastructure.

Tilapia feed primarily on algae, other small organisms, and organic matter present in pond water and sediments. They quickly learn to consume artificial diets and can adapt to saltwater. Tilapia flesh is firm and white, and has an excellent flavor.

In spite of all the advantages of tilapia, most small-scale fish culture projects established in Central America during the past 30 years have failed These failures are often related to several fundamental errors committed when establishing objectives for rural development projects, in the site selection process for building new ponds, and in the implementation of fish culture projects in rural areas.

In many instances the aim of the extension or development program is to improve the nutritional status of the rural family by providing techniques for culturing fish. Fish are an excellent source of animal protein for humans. Historically, the emphasis on improved family nutrition has not been sufficient motivation to make tilapia culture a part of traditional agriculture production in rural Central America. There has been too little emphasis on establishing fish culture to improve the economic status of rural families in the region.

We often make the mistake of constructing ponds at high elevation or in situations lacking adequate water resources. A warm climate and a year-round supply of adequate water are requirements for successful culture of tilapia.

Often farmers are unable to obtain fingerlings to continue culturing tilapia in subsequent cycles following the first harvest. Many extension agents promoting tilapia culture do not have adequate knowledge to advise and assist farmers in this new technology. Most farmers do not have the knowledge and skills to manage the use of basic inputs (fertilizers and feeds) for successful fish culture.

Small-scale tilapia production is not a panacea for rural poverty. Fish culture can provide high quality animal protein to improve the diet of rural families. The sale of fish can also contribute to improving the economic status of rural families in the region.

Research Report 02-180

Production and marketing strategies used by small and medium-scale fish farmers in Honduras: Production strategies characterizing small and medium-scale tilapia farms

José A. Martínez Ayala
Department of Agribusiness
Panamerican School of Agriculture
El Zamorano, Honduras

Joseph J. Molnar
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
Auburn University, Alabama USA

Freddy Arias
Department of Agribusiness
Panamerican School of Agriculture
El Zamorano, Honduras

Tom Popma
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures
Auburn University, Alabama USA

This report examines samples of farms from Honduras departments have and do not have tilapia ponds as part of their farming systems. Data were obtain through personal interviews with 128 farmers, including 64 tilapia producers, in five departments: Olancho, Intibuca, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, and Santa Bárbara.

To obtain information about farms without tilapia, farmers were selected at random within the same community as the identified tilapia producers. Interviews were conducted in communities where the small-scale farmers with production of tilapia were located (Casley and Kumar 1988). The data are intended to constitute a representative sample of the population of the Honduran small aquaculture farmers in these departments. The analysis presents basic comparisons of landholding, farm, and personal characteristics of tilapia producers with the mirror sample of the farmers without tilapia. The analysis profiles basic differences between the two categories of farms, the operators, and their households. Younger farmers were more likely to become involved with tilapia farming. Those farmers more dedicated to their work inside their farm from which they obtain all their income, and whose principal occupation is being a farmer, were more inclined to adopt farming of tilapia. Farmers that use of their land more intensively and who dedicate themselves more to the farming of basic grains were more likely to adopt the farming of tilapia. Since Honduran small farmers tend to be a depressed segment economically, they tend to satisfy first their subsistence necessities by maximizing the use of their resources. The financing for both tilapia growers and nongrowers tends to be a limiting factor because more than 80% of the population works without financing, a clear barrier to farm investments. Tilapia growers participated more in development projects.

Research Report 02-181

Levee pond design model

E.W. Tollner
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, USA

The levee pond model is an Excel® spreadsheet that computes a volume balance on a levee pond. The model is organized into the following pages: Directions and overview, table of contents, input, pond model, results and principal spillway. The design is based on answers to 15 key questions on the Input page. Each question has guidance in the form of a comment that becomes visible when clicked upon. The model computes a volume balance on the pond as shown in a drawing on a “Drawings” page. The model is designed to assist competent NGO personnel in helping small to medium producers.

After completing the initial inputs, proceed to the “Results” page. Maximum, Average and minimum pond volume changes based on net Inflow and net Outflow are computed. The pump in rate with zero pump out is used to determine the water balance required to satisfy evaporation, seepage and rainfall. One iterates on the pump in rate to achieve the desired near zero target for net outflow volume change. Volume changes based on net outflow should be zero to positive for the pond not to lose volume. Values on the results page are copied from the “Pondmodel” page that shows detailed computations. Most users would not be concerned with the computational details.

Volume changes based on net inflow should approach the volume change target set based on the level of management anticipated. After achieving the initial water balance, one adjusts both the pump in and pump out rates to achieve the desired volume change targets. The pump in rate exceeds the pump out rate by the initial volume balance in order to preserve the initial volume balance. Adjust these inputs until the desired volume changes are achieved based on net inflow. One may then proceed to the “Principal SW” page for a pipe-riser spillway design.

The intent of the levee pond model is to develop a complete volume balance on a pond with a recirculation target, which may range from 0 to any number of volume changes per month. The recommended procedure is to first set the output pump rate to zero. One may then determine the inflow pump rate necessary to balance seepage, rainfall and evaporation In a given climatic region, based on net monthly net outflow as shown on the “Pondmodel” page. Monthly rainfall and evaporation are used in the monthly balances. Soil seepage is included, which should be determined from a soils analyses or seepage tests. Volume balances on net input should be near zero to have a sustainable pond. Next one may determine the pump out rate and pump in rates to meet the volume change target. This process begins by inputting a trial pump out rate. Input the initial pump in rate determined above, plus the trial pump out rate for the new trial pump in value. The volume balance based on net output should be near the volume change target. Maximum, average and minimum volume ratios are reported, based on monthly ratio computations. The principal spillway design is included. There is no watershed supply; therefore an emergency spillway was not included.

If springs or stream flow are not adequate for your desired pond size and management, one may wish to consider a watershed pond or a hillside pond for water harvesting. Another model, “Hondurascatchmentpond” is available for this application. Water harvesting is dependent on diverting runoff from a watershed collection zone to the pond. The design of the watershed pond or hillside pond is very site specific. You are strongly encouraged to consult with a competent pond designer. Ask a local NGO representative for help.

Experience suggests that valleys with available springs are the best levee pond candidates. Valleys frequently have soils of adequate clay for sealing purposes. Elevations above 1000 m become problematic for finding springs. In Latin America, there seems to be a correlation between both coffee and rice production with water availability. Areas with nearby hardwood forests tend to bode well for water availability.

Research Report 02-182

Training and technical assistance in warm-water fish culture

Thomas J. Popma
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures
Auburn University, Alabama, USA

Daniel E. Meyer
Escuela Agricola Panamericana
Zamorano, Honduras

A central issue for aquaculture development in Honduras is fingerling supply. Previous PD/A CRSP research reported that farmers in remote places found that fingerlings were difficult to obtain but did not consider this sufficient reason for withdrawing from fish farming. The Zamorano PI and his technician in this project confirmed that the Comayagua research station “El Carao” was not a reliable supplier of fingerlings for producers. Private fingerling producers are few and generally geared to supply large-scale commercial operations. The overriding objective of our work was to provide technical assistance and training to current and potential fingerling suppliers to small- and medium-scale tilapia producers in Honduras.

A Peace Corps program of technical support to fish farmers was possibly the most focused on-farm assistance to small-scale fish farmers in Honduras, but this program ended in 1995. The national extension program in aquaculture has a presence in many regions, but the effort is fragmented and under-funded. A large number of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have been active in rural development projects in Honduras, including several promoting fish farming, but expertise in this activity is often insufficient to provide critical technical information required for proper pond management.

During November 1999, we consulted with 13 representatives of national and international, government and non-government organizations. From these consultations, a strategy and timetable were developed for implementing technical assistance and training of fingerling suppliers and technicians working with NGOs currently, or potentially involved in small- and medium-scale fish culture development. At least 33 small- and medium-scale tilapia producers (each with 150 - 12,000 m2 of water surface) and 26 restaurants were subsequently interviewed by the technical team to assess the production and marketing demands for tilapia in Honduras. With the collaboration of a local NGO, we invited representatives of NGOs with actual or potential interest in aquaculture development to a one-day seminar to describe opportunities and constraints for family-scale fish culture in Honduras. The Zamorano team continues to identify and provide technical assistance to regional fingerling producers and organizations involved in aquaculture extension. During the life of this activity three technical workshops were provided by Zamorano and Auburn for actual and prospective fingerling producers and extensionists. More than 30 publications on fingerling production and pond management practices have been incorporated in a web-based information system developed by a local NGO, primarily in response to needs of local NGOs.

Research Report 02-183

Web-based information delivery system for tilapia for sustainable development of aquaculture in Honduras

Brahm P. Verma
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, USA

Daniel Meyer
Department of Biology
Escuela Agricola Panamericana El Zamorano
Zamorano, Honduras

Tom Popma
Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture
Auburn University, Alabama, USA

Joseph J. Molnar
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology
Auburn University, Alabama, USA

E. William Tollner
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, USA

The project was focused on identifying and developing methods to create an enabling environment for sustainable development of aquaculture on Honduras. Honduras has large network of NGOs operating at village level, an exceptional educational institution in Zamorano with commitment to extend training and knowledge in aquaculture and an established in-country sustainable development electronic network operated by Red de Desarrollo Sostenible-Honduras (RDS-HN). We develop the concept of training the trainers (NGOs working with farmers at village level) by bringing together Zamorano and RDS-HN and developing a Web-based Information Delivery System for Tilapia (WIDeST). In this approach WIDeST capture on the developed electronic information technology network and capacity of RDS-HN while providing a means to provide easy to use information developed by Zamorano. Furthermore, it provides a way to connect local NGOs, farmers, decision-makers for exchanging information and enabling them to make informed decisions. The WIDeST provides information on Tilapia production and related topics, natural resources of Honduras, contact information of NGOs, and chat room facilities for conducting virtual forums and discussions. The email facility enables the user to ask questions which is answered by an expert. Since the inauguration session in March 2001, the Website has had more than 6800 hits, and more than 300 individuals formally registered to receive information. The participants at training and workshop sessions have found this to be an easy and useful approach and have provided strong encouragement for adding new information. The number of individuals already reached as evidenced from the numbers of visits to the Website provide a strong evidence that is may be a way to build capacity of local institutions in developing and environment that enables farmers to adopt aquaculture as an alternative in their farms.

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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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