May 12 2016

Women training on small-scale fish processing in Chad

Photos credit: Aliadoumadji Rimadoum (Chad)

Review: Aliadoumadji Rimadoum and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

women training on fish processing in Chad (02) women training on fish processing in Chad (01)

 

 

 

The photos show a group of women during a practical demonstration on fish processing during which the importance of the high quality of raw materials (fish) to begin with was highlighted. The demonstration addressed the full chain in regard to fish processing such as transportation, storage, and preservation focusing on the cleanliness of working environment and equipment that should be free of dirt and microbial contamination. This capacity building demonstration is a means of providing the workforce who are currently or potentially working in fish processing with the information required for the ultimate goal of producing high quality fish through the most appropriate processing methods.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13310

May 10 2016

Typical fish pond harvesting in Cameroon

Photos’ credit: Domwa Mathieu (Cameroon)

Review: Domwa Mathieu and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Fish harvest in Cameroon (02) Fish harvest in Cameroon (01)

 

 

The inserted pictures show the harvest of a fish pond in a rural area in Cameroon. Typically, a pond harvest attracts potential buyers as well as many audiences who enjoy witnessing this event.

The most common practice is the polyculture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), either with African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) where possible, or with other locally available species such as the African bonytongue (Heterotis niloticus) or sometimes with other species.

Watching this event and buying the immediately harvested fish guarantees the top freshness of fish. Moreover, this simple procedure of fish trade eliminates layers of the marketing chain, and hence prices are often lower than those in retail shops.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13308

May 02 2016

Integrating livestock into fish farming in Cameroon

 

Photo credit: Fabrice Juliot Mougang (Cameroon)

Review: Fabrice Juliot Mougang and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Integrated pigs into fish farming in Cameroon (02) Integrated pigs into fish farming in Cameroon (01)

 

 

 

These photo were taken in a fish farm in Ebolowa (the capital of Cameroon’s South Region) show a type of livestock integration into fish farming. The pictures show a piggery constructed over the pond which is often stocked with Nile tilapia. The integration between fish farming and livestock has been promoted by the government of Cameroon and supported by some International organization and development centers.

Based on several reports, it has been estimated that a stocking of 30 to 60 of 10-kg pigs/ha fish pond was most suitable for a stocking rate of about 12,000 of 3–5 cm tilapia fingerlings/ha; higher densities of tilapia have been reported.

 

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13303

Apr 24 2016

Pond culture of Amazonian catfish (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) in Argentina

Photo credit: Herman Hennig Hernando (Argentina)

Review: Herman Hennig Hernando and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Doncella culture in Argentina 

 

 

 

The inserted photo shows the harvest of Amazonian catfish (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) grown in a fish farm of earthen ponds located in Caraguatay, Misiones province, Argentine.

This species which belongs to family, Pimelodidae is known by other common names such as “Surubi” and “Doncella”. This species is one of four species that have obtained the largest production from aquaculture in Argentine in 2013 whereas total aquaculture amounted 3825 tons (FAO), as most aquaculture projects are located in the provinces of Misiones, Buenos Aires, Neuquen and Chaco.

This fish “surubi” has a high commercial value due to the excellent flesh quality, its high marketability, and considered one of the most appreciated fish species for consumption.

The induced spawning of this fish would enhance the possibility of their commercial production through aquaculture even further.

Because this fish is carnivorous by nature, their best growth in aquaculture facility has been obtained when fish are fed with 38 and 40% protein diet having in consideration the production economics.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13295

Apr 20 2016

Turtle eggs between threats and conservation initiatives

Photo Credit: Florida Memory

Review: Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Collecting loggerhead turtle eggs (Florida west coast 1900 to 1919)

 

 

In some places turtle meat and eggs are considered important food source to local people while in other places meat and eggs are considered a delicacy. Others customarily consume sea turtle meat in observance of religious holidays. Turtle eggs have been prized and thought among locals to act as aphrodisiacs, although there is no evidence to suggest that.

The inserted picture was taken between 1900-1919 on Florida west coast showing the removal of loggerhead turtle eggs; no more details was given.

Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) spend most of their lives in the open ocean and in shallow coastal waters. Females come ashore for constructing nests and deposit her eggs. This turtle has a low reproductive rate; females lay an average of four egg clutches/season of about 120 eggs each.  Usually two or three years will elapse between a female’s nesting seasons.

Because of the high demand on turtle eggs, hunters (violators) comb the beaches during the nesting season at night looking for turtle nests and then take the eggs, and sell it in a big business. Even though, the loggerheads are considered an endangered species and are protected by the IUCN, the violations continue whereas turtle meat and eggs are consumed.

Conservationists and volunteers cooperate with official workers in the conservation of turtles. They search the coastline for nests and if necessary, they may relocate the nests for protection from threats, such as high spring tides and predators. They may also bring the nested eggs –whenever necessary- to a local hatchery where baby turtles could hatch safely before returning them to the sea.

Finally, despite the laws protecting sea turtles in most countries, the illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells of turtles continues to be a threat especially when this illegal trade provides income to many people. In order for the conservation strategies to be effective, integrated approach should be considered including creating awareness among locals, patrolling nesting beaches, relocating eggs to hatcheries and launching ecotourism based on sea turtles.

Note: Even though there is no available information on the picture except its caption, I guess and hope that what shown is a part of the conservation initiatives.

Florida Memory reference: Removing loggerhead turtle eggs – Florida west coast. Between 1900 and 1919. Black & white photonegative. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13293

Apr 16 2016

Tackling the Global Problem of Dynamite Fishing – Video

Video credit: World Fish Center

Review: World Fish Center and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the video channel)

Dynamite fishing in Tanzania (02)

 

 

 

This video was filmed in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, illegal and destructive fishing practices threaten environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. The future of several communities reliant on fisheries depends on finding a more effective ways of managing natural resources.

Blast fishing in Tanzania dates back to the 1960s and by the mid-1990s had become a serious problem. The booming in mining and road construction has made it easier and cheaper for people to get their hands on explosives such as dynamite. Moreover, used bombs could be made from fertilizers and kerosene.

The large-scale ballast fishing not only destroys large numbers of fish directly, but also kills coral. Some reports cite anecdotal evidence that blasts have killed dolphins which swim in Tanzania’s waters.

Bearing in mind that Tanzania is the home to an extensive network of coral reefs whose biodiversity and beauty support major artisanal fishing as well as tourism; it becomes obvious the serious impact of dynamite fishing on fishery resources, coral reef and tourism. In addition to that, this fishing practice is posing the danger of shattering limbs, even killing people.

Under the 2003 Fisheries Act of Tanzania, minimum sentences are 5 years for dynamite fishing and 12 months for possession of explosives. In addition to the governing acts and the means of law enforcement with the support of police as well as the navy, creating awareness among local fishermen has been found necessary for educating the fishers on the dangers of destructive fishing practices. The collaborative project between the WorldFish Center and local partners focuses on educating fishers aiming to help secure a healthy ocean for future generations.

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13288

Apr 12 2016

Cage fattening of mud crab in Tanzania

Photos’ credit: Lucka Paschal and Erick Kiiza (Tanzania)

Review: Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Cage fattening of mud crab in Tanzania (01) Cage fattening of mud crab in Tanzania (02)

 

 

 

Mud crab (Scylla serrata) is a species with good aquaculture potential due to its productive performance as well as its market demand and price. The live mud crabs in particular are always in greater demand and enjoying higher prices.

 

Mud crabs farming/fattening was introduced into Pangani District in Tanga Region in 2005 under Smallholder Empowerment and Economic Growth through (SEEGAAD) project as a means of empowering coastal communities to improve livelihoods and sustainable marine ecosystem management. The farming of mud crabs is mainly done by artisanal fishermen who use local instruments in catching juvenile crabs soon after they settle at low tides. Because of the high operating costs, this activity has been done in groups, whereby the activities are conducted jointly.

Consultants volunteer from the Philippines helped to establish trials for mud crab cage culture in three villages in Pangani. Through the project, specific training was provided to farmers on crab farming including the selection of appropriate sites as well as cage construction and management especially feeding.

Most often live mud crabs are sold to the tourists hotels around the coast and/or exported to the Far East, while frozen crabs –of smaller size- are exported to Europe.

It worth mentioning, that the high cost of mud crab juveniles and their availability is considered a major obstacle to the sustainability of mud crab fattening.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13283

Apr 11 2016

Role of women in fish processing in Cambodia

Photo credit: World Fish Center

Review: Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the website)

Cambodian women processing fish

 

 

Cambodian fishery sector has more women than men due to decades of war including many female heads of households. In fact, women form the majority of fish marketers in Cambodia whereas they play a primary role in fish processing and marketing, which generate income for family maintenance. The inserted picture shows a group of Cambodian women while cutting and has been taken

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13278

Apr 08 2016

The fight for climate justice in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh- Video

Video credit: OXFAM International

Note: Permission to use this video to this channel/site has been granted on 7 April, 2016.

Review: OXFAM and Abdel Rahman El Gamal (Founder of the video channel)

Bay of Bengal (01) Bay of Bengal (02)

 

This interesting video was filmed in the village of South Tetulbaria in the Bay of Bengal, situated on the bank of the Bishkhali River, Bangladesh. This village community relies on fishing which significantly contributes to their life.

Because of climate change, the seas turned more violent, less predictable and boats are capsizing more frequently. It is really sad to know that about 20% of the women in this village are widows after losing their husbands in the seas. In fact, Mamtaz Begum (35) -the key character in this video- is not different from that as she became a widow when she was 24 after she lost her husband while fishing in 1999 in a boat accident because violent weather. After that, she lost her mother due to Cyclone SIDR, leaving her with her four children.

Mamtaz, the young widow decided to fight for climate justice and demanded justice for vulnerable communities near to the Bay of Bengal. She was one of four witnesses who gave testimonies in November 2010 in front of the panel of juries at a ‘Climate Tribunal’ in the capital, Dhaka about how climate change is affecting their lives.

The tribunal concluded that the impacts felt by the coastal fisherfolk community of Bangladesh is the direct consequence of climate change and based on that some important recommendations have been issued for action by the Government of Bangladesh including immediate measures to reduce vulnerability to the projected impacts of climate change on the people of climate-impact zones.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13275

Apr 03 2016

Sea urchin (biological features and utilization) – Video

This short video was filmed at “Tuna Harbor Dockside Market”, San Diego, USA during the Saturday fish market held on 27 December 2014.

Sea Urchin

 

 

 

 

Introduction: The name “urchin” is an old word for hedgehog, which sea urchins resemble. Sea urchins are small and spiny animals that are members of the phylum Echinodermata, which also includes sea stars, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, and crinoids. There are nearly 200 different species of identified sea urchin with various shapes, sizes and living in different environments. The red sea urchin is the longest living creature on earth, with some living more than 200 years.

Sea urchins have a certain regenerative ability.  If a spine is damaged or lost, a sea urchin can re-build it.  However, animals would not be able to heal extensive damage such as the test damage.

Feeding habits: Sea urchins are omnivorous animals and therefore feed mainly on algae but can also feed on sea cucumbers along with a wide range of invertebrates, such as mussels, polychaetes, sponges, brittle stars, and crinoids.

Sea urchins are preyed upon by many predators including sea otter, lobsters, crabs, trigger fish, starfish, wolf eels, California sheephead, birds, and humans. Almost all these predators carry particular adaptations (e.g. teeth, pincers, claws) and enough strength that enable them to overcome the excellent protective features of sea urchins as represented by their strong and sharp spines, and poisonous apparatus. Because sea urchin is nocturnal, they will usually hide in holes or crevasses during the day and only feed at night.

Reproduction and life history: A female sea urchin releases millions of 100-150 micron tiny, jelly-coated eggs into the water that are then fertilized by the sperm of the male sea urchin resulting in the formation of sea urchin larvae which is known as a “pluteus”. The larvae require several months to complete its development before sinking to the ocean floor and metamorphose into adult.

The sex of sea urchin cannot be distinguished until adults themselves release their gametes whether eggs or sperms and this occurs at the age of 2-5 years.

 

Utilization:

As food: Certain species of the sea urchin are eaten in some countries in the Mediterranean, New Zealand, and Japan and by native populations in some continents and on some islands. Traditionally sea urchins are eaten raw, with lemon or used in some sauces and flavor. Wherever sea urchins are eaten, their gonads are served as a delicacy. In Japan, sea urchin and its roe are served raw as sashimi or in sushi. In that regard, Japan is the main importer of sea urchin from the United States, South Korea, and other producers whereas Japanese demand for sea urchin corals has raised concerns about over-fishing.

For aquaria: Some species of sea urchins, such as the slate pencil urchin and others are sold in aquarium stores and recommended for sea water aquariums. In addition to their unique shapes and colors, selected sea urchin species eat and control variety of algae, such as green, red and coralline algae. However, they should be under check as without enough algae to eat they will graze on corals and invertebrates.

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://fishconsult.org/?p=13267

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