Báo cáo Nghiên cứu khoa học Intensive in-Pond raceway production of marine finfish

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development CARD Project Progress Report 062/04VIE: Intensive in-pond raceway production of marine finfish MS6: SECOND SIX-MONTHLY REPORT 1 1. Institute Information Project Name Intensive in-pond raceway production of marine finfish Vietnamese Institution Nha Trang University (the former University of Fisheries) Vietnamese Project Team Leader Dr. Hoang Tung Australian Organisation Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries Australian Personnel Mr Michael Burke Date commenced 15 April 2005 (01 August 2005 in Vietnam) Completion date (original) 15 April 2007 Completion date (revised) 15 September 2007 Reporting period 12-month Report Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Name: Mr Michael Burke Telephone: +61 7 34002051 Position: Biologist Fax: +61 7 34083535 Organisation DPI&F Email: Michael.burke@dpi.qld.gov.au In Australia: Administrative contact Name: Michelle Robbins Telephone: +61 7 3346 2711 Position: Senior Planning Officer, R&D Coordination Fax: +61 7 3346 2727 Organisation DPI&F Email: Michelle.robbins@dpi.qld.gov.au In Vietnam Name: Dr. Hoang Tung Telephone: +84.914 166 145 Position: Director, International Centre for Research and Training Fax: +84.58.831145 Organisation Nha Trang University Email: htunguof@gmail.com 2 2. Project Abstract This project aims to develop the larval rearing and nursery capacity of marine finfish production in Vietnam through the use of accessible, cost effective and environmentally sustainable technologies. Through the development and use of in pond floating raceways (FR) this project will assist farmers to develop their own intensive but durable and manageable larval rearing capacity. This capacity will be used to improve fingerling supply to the industry which is currently both costly and limited. In addition, advanced nursery capacity will also be developed using the same principles. Grow out of finfish in raceways to market size will also be investigated in this project in conjunction with Australian researchers. Researchers from the Queensland DPI&F will provide expertise in systems management, water quality management and waste remediation. Species proposed for study include grouper, cobia and barramundi. All activities will be conducted using ‘zero discharge’ principles where there is no net discharge of effluent. Information from these activities will be used to train staff from the UoF, its students, industry and other relevant stakeholders. Active involvement and contribution of different stakeholders will make this research highly relevant and applicable to the local aquaculture industries. 3. Executive Summary In Australia, grow-out production trials have continued for both sand whiting (Sillago ciliata) and mulloway (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) with a view to testing market potential and acceptance before the need to dedicate raceway capacity and resources for further nursery trials this spring. Currently both species are being grown at densities greater than 100 kg/m3 without any perceived health, growth or water quality issues. Handling of sand whiting for growth checks at pond temperatures below 20oC was problematic due to secondary bacterial infections and low level mortality probably due, but not confirmed, to Flexibacter columnaris infection. Water quality remains good but with a current high exchange rate/pond/day which we will look to minimise or stop with future focus on remediating technologies for aquaculture wastes. Modification to the raceways to include a waste sump will go part of the way towards this goal. There has been a number of commercial entities expressing interest to develop and trial the in-pond floating raceway systems as a potential grow-out production unit that can be deployed into existing water bodies without expensive construction or site works. Uptake of this technology will depend on the outcomes of an economic analysis to determine cost of production. An extended abstract has been prepared for the World Aquaculture Society’s 2007 Conference in Texas, U.S. Negotiations are continuing with commercial operators, Good Fortune Bay, to include cobia (Rachycentron canadum) trials next year and the Northern Fisheries Centre to include estuary cod (Epinephelus coioides). In Vietnam, preparatory works including the establishment and testing of the experimental system were completed in February 2006, allowing the implementation continuous nursing trials. Species used for trials included barramundi (Lates calcarifer), snapper (Lutjanus argentimacus) and red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Fish grew fast at high density (up to 3,000 fingerlings per m3). Survival was much higher in floating raceways compared with nursing in earthen ponds. Water quality, plankton 3 growth, disease occurrence and electricity consumption have been monitored frequently. Electricity consumption was lower than estimated earlier. Profit margin was good (higher than 50%) ensuring the application of this developing technology for commercial production. The research team received financial offers by the Department of Fisheries of Phu Yen Province and Binh Dinh Province to expand research efforts to the production of eels in freshwater reservoirs. The research team are collaborating with other technical staff of the university to revise the design and scale of the raceways for these possible trials. An extended abstract highlighting the project outcomes has been submitted to World Aquaculture Society’s 2007 Conference in Texas, US for presentation. An Introductory Workshop was organized for more than 60 representative farmers and local extension officers in February 2006 with contribution of expertise of QDPI&F. Training on water quality was also conducted for project staff and other interested staff/students of the university. However, a crash of the whole system in early July 2006 (due to inappropriate intervention of one of the technicians: using chemicals to treat algal bloom without consulting the Project Leader), which killed 70,000 fish in raceways, and the occurrence of diseases in one on-going trial remind there are lots to do for the improvement of the system’s management. 4. Introduction & Background Aquaculture plays an important role in the development of Vietnam’s economy and has been widely considered as an effective means for poverty alleviation by the FAO. The country aims to produce 2 million tons of aquaculture products, mainly with marine species, by 2010. This ambitious target is unlikely to be achievable unless cost-effective methods of nursing are developed to produce large number of large fingerlings for stocking in sea cages and coastal ponds. As tank production of large fingerlings is highly costly, other option such as nursing in earthen ponds, hapas nets and floating raceways should be considered. In this regard, the floating raceway technology has a number of unique advantages over all the other systems, including effective management, high productivity and high level of biosecurity. In Queensland marine fish farming in sea cages is considered as damaging to coral reefs and other sensitive aquatic habitats. New sustainable yet profitable land based production methods are thus in need for development. Tank based marine recirculation facilities are cost prohibitive and would fail to take advantage of Queensland’s favourable climate and existing pond aquaculture infrastructure. The combination of floating raceways and bioremediation would eventually result in “low- discharge” or even “zero-discharge” system for coastal aquaculture. This CARD project combines the innovative design of floating raceways (FRs) with the concept of bioremediation. FRs, either made of plastic or cheap materials, have been trialled successfully in Japan, Australia and US. Through this project, different local materials have been used to design and built raceways, at both commercial and experimental scales for trials. Target species include high-value indigenous fish such as barramundi, whiting, snapper, cobia, Murray cods, etc. The project also emphasizes on improving capacity of the Vietnamese institutions through study tour, training courses and research internship. Information from the project once available is immediately disseminated to local farmers and the industry through extension workshop. The system is designed in a form that allows it to be used by farmers with 4 no major change of their existing ponds. This project is expected to help boosting production of marine fish fingerlings and better use the existing shrimp ponds, many of which are abandoned in coastal areas. These fit nicely into the CARD’s framework and aims, i.e. promoting productive technology addressing social, environmental and human resource development issues. 5. Progress to Date 5.1 Implementation Highlights In Australia: • Successful nursery trial with barramundi larvae conducted with MSc student (Mr. Ngo Van Manh) from UoF. • Two current production trials exceeding 100 kg/m3 giving indication that this level of biomass is capable of being sustained in the longer term. • Good market assessment of trial shipments of mulloway and sand whiting to A.Raptis & Sons and local seafood supplier. • Agreement with commercial hatchery to supply fertilised eggs or fry free of charge for nursery and grow-out trials once we successfully secure and domesticate cobia broodstock. • Negotiation to trial estuary cod (Epinephelus coioides) produced from the Northern Fisheries Centre, Cairns, Australia. • Invited presentation (Oct 2006) to Queensland Fisheries Service staff for further dissemination of project information through their extensive extension network. • One successful commercial operator producing Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) utilising raceway technology. • Automatic feeders designed and deployed successfully with ability to ‘interrogate’ and graph feeding times, duration and volumes. • Simple and effective diffusion systems used in raceways to maintain dissolved oxygen levels whilst only utilising air supplied to airlift chamber. In Vietnam: • Introductory Workshop organized in late February 2006 for more than 60 local farmers and extension officers to learn about floating raceway technology and examine the experimental system. • A training workshop on water quality management and analysis, sampling of plankton and sick fish was conducted for project staff and other interested staff/students of the university and Khanh Hoa’s Fisheries Promotion Centre. • Five continuous trials had been conducted from February to August 2006: one on red tilapia to test the experimental system, three on barramundi (one yielded great success, one crashed due to technical problem and one being implemented), one on snapper (had very promising results after one week but also crashed at the same time with the barramundi trial due to technical problem). 5 • One experiment on growth performance of barramundi fed different commercial pellets is being implemented to provide further understanding of the target species in relation with the use of raceways for nursing. • The project has trained three undergraduate students with their final year research and one MSc student with his thesis research. • Consultancy was provided to Phu Yen Province for planning to apply floating raceways in eel production. Activities will be carried out in early 2007 if funding is approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam in late 2006. • The design of the nursing system is being revised for a larger scale and higher level of sophistication including locally-made automatic feeder and waste traps. 5.2 Smallholder Benefits In Australia: • Consultation with Australian industry partners has resulted in supply of eggs for research trials from collaborative farms and other government agencies. Plans are being discussed with these farms to also fabricate raceways for use in their nursery facilities. • The nursery application and grow out of marine finfish at high densities in raceways has been demonstrated to several industry, university and training organisations on a steady but ad hoc basis. • An industry awareness program to promote and discuss options for finfish production in coastal prawn ponds has been proposed for late 2006 and discussion are underway with a large prawn farmer to look at diversification options and utilisation of raceways as production units in existing prawn ponds. • Local seafood markets have been engaged to determine both quality of product and consumer demand for raceway produced seafood. In Vietnam: • More than 60 local farmers and extension officers received instruction/advices for the application of floating raceways into aquaculture production through an workshop organized by the project at Khanh Hoa Fisheries Extension Centre (KFEC). Many of them have occasionally visited the demonstration site of the project to learn about up-to-date results or asked for large fingerlings for stocking at their own farms. Barramundi fingerlings were distributed to 10 local farms in Khanh Hoa Province for grow-out trial in earthen ponds. • Pellets provided by Grobest (a feed company) were also used in the trials, strengthen the linkage with the industry. • The Vietnamese Project Leader has discussed with Department of Fisheries of Phu Yen Province and Binh Dinh Province about possible assistance (by the project) to conduct large-scale trials on eel production in reservoirs using floating raceways in these provinces. 6 • The Project are working with staff of the Research Institute for Fishing Vessels – Nha Trang University and technical staff to re-design the raceways. 5.3 Capacity Building In Australia: • Additional staff members from the BIARC have been trained in the construction and function of floating raceways. These include Luke Dutney and Stephen Nicholson. The collection of cobia broodstock plans to re- commence in late 2006. This broodstock will represent the first captive cobia assembled for aquaculture research in Australia. • The University of Queensland provides 3rd year science students for ‘Industry Placement’ and to date 4 have been trained in raceway maintenance and water quality. • Departmental staff has recently attended a Fish Health Workshop for simple, fast diagnosis and treatment of possible disease outbreaks in raceways. • Negotiations with Northern Fisheries Centre, Cairns to trial estuary cod (Epinephelus coioides) in floating raceways. This may lead to potential diversification options for Australian prawn farmers. In Vietnam • Staff of Nha Trang University and Khanh Hoa Fisheries Promotion Centre are involved in project activities, thus improving skills and knowledge of marine fish nursing and pond management. • Plans are being made for the second MSc student (staff of Nha Trang University) to participate in research in Australia and/or attend courses at Australian universities. • Training workshop on water quality management and analysis, sampling of plankton and sick fish were conducted for 6 project staff, 2 technicians of KFEC, 17 young staff of the university and other students. • The project has trained three undergraduate students with their final year research (namely Nguyen Van Ngoc, Tran Manh Quyen, Ho Thi Ngoc Huong) and one MSc student with his thesis research (Mr. Luu The Phuong). 5.4 Publicity In Australia: • Invited presentation (Oct 2006) to Queensland Fisheries Service state-wide staff for further dissemination of project information through their extensive extension network. • Extended abstract titled “In-pond floating raceways – a cost effective alternative for intensive finfish production in Queensland” by Michael Burke, Adrian Collins, Ben Russell, Blair Chilton, Tung Hoang and Mao D. Nguyen was submitted to WAS 2007 Conference in Texas, USA. 7 • Presentation at WAS 2006 Conference in Adelaide, Australia regarding suitability and adaptability of in-pond floating raceways to existing irrigation water storages in cotton growing areas in Australia. • Numerous site tours by international delegations, Universities, local interest groups, aquaculture operators and researchers. In Vietnam: • Information about the project has been prepared by the research team. These information is, however, only available in October 2006 when the new website of Nha Trang University is launched. • One extended abstract titled “Nursing marine fish in coastal pond using floating raceways” by Tung Hoang, Mao Nguyen, Adrian Collins and Michael Burke was submitted to WAS 2007 Conference in US. • An article about project achievements is soon submitted to CARD Office in Hanoi for consideration to publish in CARD Bulletin. • The Vietnamese Project Leader introduced floating raceway technology to the Department of Science and Technology of Phu Yen Province in late August 2006. This was briefly documented by Phu Yen TV. • Two manuscripts (in Vietnamese) about the project results are being prepared for publication in national scientific journals. 5.5 Project Management • The Project Leader is now Mr. Michael Burke at Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre, QDPI&F, Australia. Mr. Burke has taken over this role since January 2006 and effectively cooperates with the research team in Vietnam. • Technical staff changes after resignation of Ben Russell. Has been replaced by Scott Shanks who was the manager of a commercial redclaw farm and has previous research experience at the DPI&F’s Walkamin Freshwater Research Centre and at Bauple (Inland Prawn Farm). • The first six-month report was submitted to CARD and approval was granted consequently. • The Vietnamese Component had host a visit by CARD Office in Hanoi in mid 2006. The delegation had discussed with the research team, examined the experimental systems, and granted positive comments about project activities. • Routines for information exchange have been practised between the Australian and Vietnamese project leaders. • The second request for funding transfer has been placed and was handled effectively by QDPI&F. 8 6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 6.1 Environment For research activities in Vietnam environmental concern is not an issue as the system is designed with minimum water exchange with the surrounding environment. In fact, the pond water has been used for seven months already with no exchange. Apart from the only incident encountered in early July (due to wrong practice of one project technician), water quality in the reservoir pond has been adequately good for the fish in the floating raceways. In the second year of the project, detailed studies on nutrient budget of the system will view more information and confirm the possibility to develop a “zero-discharge” system that not only remedy possible environmental impacts but also improve its biosecurity. Research activities in Australia will focus on potential minimal or zero discharge system utilising departmental expertise from the Intensive Livestock and Profitable Aquaculture Systems groups. Nutrient budgets and solid waste collection sumps will be examined and trialled. DPI&F has a fully equipped nutrient analysis laboratory and qualified staff who maintain and document the laboratory’s Quality Assurance program to ensure an accurate, efficient analysis system. The Nutrient analysis laboratory can provide a comprehensive range of tests including Nutrients [Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Total Ammonia Nitrogen, Oxides of Nitrogen, Ortho- phosphate] and Physical Parameters [Total Suspended Solids, Total Volatile Solids, Settleable Solids, Chlorophyll A, Biological Oxygen Demand, pH, Temperature, Salinity, Dissolved Oxygen, and Redox Potential]. The equipment available includes a Latchat Flow Injection Analyser, Spectrophotometer, balances, ovens and meters. The nutrient analysis laboratory successfully supports a number of DPI&F research projects in this manner. 6.2 Gender and Social Issues In Vietnam daily management of the nursing system showed that the system requires continuous attention rather than hard works. This may facilitate further involvement of women in aquaculture. Within the scope of the project alone two ladies are involved in experimental works. However, high level of intensification and high productivity of this nursing system will limit the number of farms to adopt it. The social benefits should be considered as more quality fingerlings are made available to fish farmers. 7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues 7.1 Issues and Constraints • In Australia, the lack of large scale aquaculture operations or investors has lead to a proliferation of smaller non-profitable operations that deter potential investors. High capital set up costs and ongoing operational (labour) costs requires a large economy of scale. In pond raceways may be a readily available and applicable solution with low setup and running costs and greater adaptability. 9 • In Vietnam the availability of fish for trials at the right time and in the right quantity/quality are still of concern. The research team are doing all possible means to ensure there are enough fish for trials by diversifying the target species, looking at possibility to self-produce fish for trials and collaborating with other operating businesses in marine fish farming. Cost for fish fingerlings and feed are high, suggesting that, within the approved budget, mobilization of over budgeted items is necessary to ensure the success of planned nursing trials. 7.2 Options • Flexibility in species of choice given ample justification provided. • Good demonstration of profitability and realistic production estimates and internal rates of return (IRR). 7.3 Sustainability • Appeared not to be an issue as more interested parties involved in the project. Already in Vietnam the number of provinces that are interested in this new technology keeps increasing. • Interest will continue to increase as information is disseminated through the aquaculture and farming industry. Quality, robust data and good demonstration will ensure industry uptake. 8. Next Critical Steps In Vietnam (for the period from August 06 to Feb 07) • Continue the on-going trial and experiment on barramundi; continue monitoring water quality, plankton growth and disease occurrence. • Conduct trials on seahorses and cobia. Second focus will be on system improvement with emphasis on bioremediation to improve water quality and explore the possibility to develop a “zero-discharge” system. • Draft up plan and get approval by the Project Leader for sending the second MSc student to Australia. • Complete plan for the second Extension Workshop in Vietnam in combination with the visit of the Project Leader, Mr. Michael Burke. • Complete manuscripts for publication and present project outcomes at international/national conferences. • Assist research on farming eels in freshwater reservoirs of Phu Yen Province and test the improved version of floating raceways if funding is made available by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam. In Australia (for the period from August 06 to February 07) • Harvest and market remaining production stock of mulloway and whiting and prepare new nursery trials for same species and hopefully cobia (Rachycentron canadum) and estuary cod (Epinephelus coioides). • Focus on minimal or zero discharge technology 10 • Complete manuscripts for publication and present project outcomes at international/national conferences • Complete plan for the second Extension Workshop in Vietnam in combination with the visit of the Project Leader, Mr. Michael Burke. • Produce economic model with Bill Johnston (Senior Fisheries Economist) demonstrating cost effectiveness of floating raceways including production costs, market value and species suitability. 9. Conclusion Project is progressing according to plans in both Australia and Vietnam. 11