nia Peruana (UNAP). In the past ten years, they have produced millions of fry and have refined numerous aquaculture techniques. Colossoma and Piaractus are considered by local aquaculturists as the best fishes for commercialization in the tropical part of Peru. However, considerable potential exists to examine other species, as the Amazon Basin is home to over 2,000 freshwater species of fish.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is currently in place linking IIAP, UNAP and Southern Illinois State University (SIUC) (and collaborating US universities with SIUC under this umbrella) into the CRSP network. IIAP and UNAP facilities include 49 earthen culture ponds ranging in size from 60 m2 to nearly a hectare. Laboratory facilities exist to monitor water quality variables of ponds and conduct pertinent research on sustainable aquaculture development of important fish species native to South America. Facilities have been significantly upgraded and renovated at IIAP during Workplans 9 and 10. Outcomes of the Tenth Workplan have greatly facilitated the establishment of Peru as a full-fledged prime site for PD/A CRSP activities and research.
For the Tenth PD/A CRSP Workplan, four projects were funded: 1) Amazon Aquaculture Outreach, 2) Nutrition of Colossoma macropomum and Piaractus brachypomus, 3) Broodstock Diets and Spawning of Colossoma macropomum and/or Piaractus brachypomus, and 4) Studies on Reproduction and Larval Rearing of Amazonian Fish. These projects are extensions of research and outreach activities developed during the Ninth Workplan. Outreach and networking activities were undertaken to facilitate regionalizing the benefits of the CRSP. Previous hatchery problems at IIAP have largely been rectified and efforts concentrated on larval rearing, broodstock nutrition and development of growout diets (both prepared feeds and plant products for growout) for C. macropomum and/or P. brachypomus. Additionally, efforts were expanded to include two South American catfishes, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum and P. tigrinum, both of which are attracting attention in South America as potential species for aquaculture in the Amazon Basin. The Peru Project is also supporting activities in the Workplans of collaborating institutions and projects, such as those investigating soil-water interactions and socio-economics.
Methods and Materials
Objective 1. Provide extension services to the local community to promote sustainable aquaculture in the Peruvian Amazon.
Workshops were provided to existing and prospective fish farmers in the Iquitos region. A Spanish-language production manual for Colossoma and Piaractus was developed to
accompany the reproduction manual completed in Workplan 9.
These companion manuals were used in workshops conducted at the IIAP Quistococha Aquaculture Station for teaching prospective farmers the basics for pond culture. A video displaying standard practices for spawning and culturing Colossoma and Piaractus was also produced to complement the written manuals. Two international workshops were conducted for farmers currently producing fish. One workshop was conducted for prospective fish farmers in the region, identified from the many inquiries made to IIAP for general information on fish farming. This workshop was more general in nature and served as a primer for the more advanced workshop, which was provided to existing producers. All workshops included orientation on the business aspects of aquaculture.
Bi-monthly site visits were made to fish farms in the Iquitos area. Farms were visited on a rotational basis so that every farm was visited at least once each quarter. Farmers were provided with information on fish husbandry and pond maintenance, and on new findings from our research activities. Standard water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, hardness, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, total ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite) were measured at representative farms throughout the region.
To assess the quality of extension services provided and to obtain suggestions on how to improve the program, producers were surveyed through a questionnaire. The extensionists administered the questionnaire to all clientele receiving their services.
Objective 2. Conduct demonstration projects with local fish farmers to expose them to new species and/or techniques.
Two techniques were utilized to provide technical assistance in aquaculture techniques to local and prospective fish farmers. The techniques consisted of training and certification of "Master Aquaculturists" and on-farm research and demonstration projects.
Four experienced producers were selected for certification as "Master Aquaculturists." CRSP personnel worked intensively with these producers to enhance their techniques and production efficiency. Once these farmers reached satisfactory levels, they were certified as "Master Aquaculturists" and began serving as mentors for novice farmers. The CRSP personnel arranged farm tours of these facilities, which essentially served as living laboratories.
The second technique analyzed the feasibility of transferring technology to area fish farmers by conducting on-farm research and demonstration projects. The effectiveness of