Objective
The main objectives are defined as follows :
* To define the basic trophic state of five tropical water bodies in Sri Lanka (3), Philippines (1) and Thailand (1) and their capability to support and sustain both capture fisheries ad cage aquaculture at levels of reduced environmental damage, assessed by impact assessment techniques.
* To develop proper scientific management procedures, based on the fundamental knowledge gained in item (l), integrated into local socio-economic conditions and aimed at social benefit of rural communities and reduced over exploitation of fisheries resources.
* To make available these scientific management procedures to local artisanal fisheries societies in a readily understandable manner in order to empower them to exploit this knowledge for rural development and increased market benefits.
Expected Outcome
* Ecological understanding of tropical freshwater ecosystems of different productivity which support fishing communities and are being damaged by over-exploitation of the fisheries resource and the water bodies themselves. Publications in scientific journals.
* Introduction of scientific echosounding to Asian countries as a tool for assessing quantitatively fish stocks in freshwaters. At present, used only for marine fisheries.
* A set of scientific management procedures, translated into a readily understandable form, in order to empower artisanal fishermen to better manage their local resources.
* Dissemination of these findings and procedures to key officials at an international User's Meeting in order to influence future policy.
The key activities involve :
* After an initial period (Phase 1) of preparation to ensure comparability of measurement, comparative field studies in the five tropical waters water for a period of 24 months (Phase II) will involve 4 main tasks of trophic studies and environmental impact studies, fish and fisheries, aquaculture of cichlids and socio-economic studies of fisheries communities. A 5th task will collate a database, analyse the data and develop trophic models applicable to tropical reservoirs and lakes of different productivity and with active fisheries and caged aquaculture.
* During a series of Workshops in Phase III (11 months), the fundamental knowledge gained will be focused on defining proper scientific management procedures which are integrated to the local conditions (productivity level, degree of environmental degradation, state of the market and need for social benefit).
* Dissemination of the Project findings and the scientific management procedures in a readily understandable manner and at different levels : local Fishermen Societies, Fisheries Officials and responsible Government Agencies.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
GU25 4LN Surrey
United Kingdom