Training and Outreach for Extension Professionals in Sustainable Capture-based Cage Farming and Hatchery Rearing Methods, of Siganids (Rabbitfishes)

View the project final report

Commodities

• Animals: fish

Practices

• Animal Production: aquaculture
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, workshop, Site visits

This highly collaborative project seeks to transfer technology for sustainable, capture-based
aquaculture and hatchery rearing methods of Siganids to agriculture/aquaculture professionals,
extension agents, private sector aquaculture entrepreneurs and sustainable development NGO’s in
the Micronesia region. The project covers 2 islands in the FSM and one island in the RMI, making
it a multi-state effort. Participants from a minimum of 11 institutions will learn about sustainable
capture based farming practices for Siganids and a more select group will learn about hatchery
rearing methods for this same group of fishes. Follow up monitoring and training will take place
at all three sites for two years following the initial trainings. The project has significant
implications for sustainable aquaculture development, fisheries management, coral reef
conservation and rural agriculture/aquaculture livelihoods and nutrition.
Specific objectives are: 1. 4-day training for aquaculture professionals and producers at MERIP
in Pohnpei. Participants will travel from Kosrae and Majuro to Pohnpei where they will learn
about sustainable cage culture of Siganids.
2. Study tour for 3 personnel to Hawaii to train in marine fish hatchery techniques at the Pacific
Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii (UHH-PACRC) in Hilo,
Hawaii.
3. Produce a simple, easy to ready pictorial manual on sustainable capture based aquaculture of
Siganids.
The project meets Western SARE goals in three specific ways as follows:
1. Promote good stewardship of the nation’s natural resources by providing site-specific, regional
and profitable sustainable aquaculture methods that satisfy human food and fiber needs and
conserve natural resources and fish and wildlife habitat.
2. Enhance the quality of life of aquaculture farmers by increasing income and employment,
especially profitable self-employment in agricultural and rural communities.
3. Promote crop, livestock and enterprise diversification.

The overall goal of this project is to transfer technology for sustainable, capture-based
aquaculture and hatchery rearing methods of Siganids to agriculture/aquaculture
professionals, extension agents, private sector aquaculture entrepreneurs and sustainable
development NGO’s.
Specific objectives are as follows:
1. 4-day training for aquaculture professionals and producers at MERIP in Pohnpei.
Participants will travel from Kosrae and Majuro to Pohnpei where they will learn about
sustainable cage culture of Siganids.
2. Study tour for 3 personnel to Hawaii to train in marine fish hatchery techniques at the
Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center at the University of Hawaii (UHHPACRC)
in Hilo, Hawaii.
3. Produce a simple, easy to ready pictorial manual on sustainable capture based
aquaculture of Siganids.