Outline of the Project

Project Name

Oyster and Oyster Aquaculture Promotion Project for Craft Fishermen

Subject

Fisheries

Country

Nicaragua

Date R/D Signed

R/D no signed

Project Site

Managua: INPESCA headquarters
Directions: Development and Aquaculture.
Caribbean Sea: Laguna de las Perlas, South Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAS)
Pacific Ocean: El Ostional, San Juan del Sur Municipality, Rivas Department

Term of Cooperation

Jan. 17, 2022 to Jun. 16, 2023

Implementing Organization

The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua, Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INPESCA)

Background

INPESCA developed "Strategy for the Development of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in Nicaragua 2017-2021" in December 2016 and 2020-2023" in November 2019. In these strategies, INPESCA indicated a development plan such as technological innovation in capture, aquaculture and processing, capacity building for workers throughout the fisheries sector, improving fisheries resource management. Numerical targets were also set on increased fisheries production and the export quantity of fishery products by dividing three axes by 1. Promotion of capture, processing and market, 2. Promotion of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture and 3. Improved management of fishery resources.

INPESCA is challenging the promotion of small-scale aquaculture by artisanal fishermen to improve their livelihood as an important policy in the development of the fisheries sector. For the reason that an increase in catch production is not expected, due to the instability of fishery resources due to global climate change and above-limit fishing pressure.

The target species for aquaculture promotion and technical development in seed production are Robalo(Centropomus undecimalis)on the Caribbean Sea side, Pargo (Lutjanus guttatus) on the side of the Pacific Ocean and Gaspar (Atractosteus tropicus) in Rio San Juan, Ostiones (Crassostrea rhizophorae) on the side of Laguna de Perlas, Oysters (Prismatic Striostrea / Crisostrea prismatica) in San Juan del Sur, Rivas.s.

The Crassostrea rhizophorae, also known as mangrove oyster, It lives attached to the roots of the red mangrove, is mainly located in the area of Laguna de Perlas and Bluefields Bay, is a species with great potential for large-scale cultivation, this species is marketed in popular markets and in stalls specialized in the sale of fishery products, exporting also, but in minimal quantities (3,980 pounds in 2019). ,

The Prismatic Chrysostreais located inthe Pacific area, like the Crassostrea rhizophorae,, marketed in popular markets and in stalls specialized in the sale of fishery products, exporting in 2019; 33,000 pounds of oysters of different varieties.

In The Bay of Ostional, located in the municipality of San Juan del Sur, Rivas department, there is a cooperative "Cooperativa Arrecifes Pacífico del Sur" dedicated to the cultivation of the rock oyster(Crisostrea prismatic),which is a native species of the area. The culture system is given in long lines. According to a visit made, in December 2019, the cooperative had 06 long line systems, 40 meters long each line. The oyster seed, 06 cm long, was collected from the natural environment (extracted from rocks), and deposited in bags, which hung from long lines. In each bag they deposited about 74 oysters. It should be mentioned that the oyster farming system, of this cooperative, was established at a depth of 11 to 11.5 meters. The average oscillations between tides in that area are 1.8 m.

It is important to mention that the technical staff of the Institution has little knowledge of the cultivation of molluscs, so it is necessary to have training in crop development, production systems, reproduction, post-harvest management, including purification, as well as marketing

On the Caribbean Sea side, the seed production center was built in September 2019 with own funds and support from taiwanese government cooperation, however, in other regions seed production infrastructures have not yet been established. In fact, the cultivation of the experiment is carried out using young fish caught in natural water.

In order to promote small-scale aquaculture by artisanal fishermen and to create a new local industry by diversifying aquaculture species in Nicaragua, technical cooperation for capacity building in small-scale oyster and oyster aquaculture and the development of an appropriate plan for the promotion of aquaculture is indispensable. Therefore, the Government of Nicaragua is requesting technical cooperation from the government of Japan.

The Overall Goal

Living standards for artisanal fishermen is improved through aquaculture practice

Project Purpose

Strengthen the aquaculture promotion system for oysters and oysters for artisanal fishermen by INPESCA.

Output

1. Planning for the promotion of aquaculture for oysters and oysters for extension is elaborated, including at least one production model.
2. Knowledge and capacity on aquaculture techniques and technologies for oysters and oysters are strengthened.
3. Aquaculture training for oysters and oysters is carried out.
4. The action plan for the promotion of aquaculture for oysters and oysters for artisanal fishermen is prepared and consulted among all entities involved.

Project Activities

Output 1

1-1.	Conduct study on the current state of oysters and oysters with artisanal fishermen involved in the development of small-scale aquaculture.
1-2.	Conduct a survey on the demand and supply of target species on the market and the possibility of increasing the added value of products.
1-3.	Carry out evaluation of the technology available for the development of aquaculture of oysters and oysters on a small scale.
1-4.	Identify the content of training course for the promotion of artisanal aquaculture aimed at artisanal fishermen.
1-5.	Design a oyster and oyster production model.

Output 2

2-1.	Develop training course plan for in-PLACE oyster and oyster aquaculture extension persons, local governments and related organizations.
2-2.	Develop the content, manuals and materials of the small-scale oyster and oyster aquaculture training course.

Output 3

3-1.	Conduct the training course for inPESCA aquaculture extension persons, local governments and related organizations.
3-2.	Replica training course at Caribbean and Pacific sites by people trained under the guidance of Japanese expert.
3-3.	Establish aquaculture promotion information network for artisanal fishermen.

Output 4

4-1.	The action plan for the promotion of oyster and oyster aquaculture for artisanal fishermen is prepared and consulted among all entities involved.

Inputs
[Japanese side]

1. A short-term expert 3 months in speciality in oyster and oyster aquaculture
2. Example: Webinar on JICA experiences in third country
3. Local cost for expert activities
4. Materials needed

Note: This content may vary depending on the influence of COVID-19 at the time of execution..

Inputs
[Nicaraguan side]

1. Personal counterpart of INPESCA
2. Office space in INPESCA for experts
3. Means of transport for experts
4. Current costs of activities