EU_(Artemia4Bangladesh). Introducing circularity through climate-smart aquaculture in Bangladesh_Progress Report_September 2021 - November 2021

Abstract

The objectives of the report are to describe progress, challenges, opportunities and lessons learned during September- November 2021. The major accomplishments during this period include-

i. Selection of new eleven Artemia demonstration farmers, pond designs and progress in pond preparation ii. Successful harvest of nine integrated salt-aquaculture demonstration ponds in the second production cycle in a year. Harvested Tilapia was transferred to farmers’ homestead ponds to grow into larger size (150-200 g), increase production, income, household consumption and engage women in the activity iii. Partnership with Department of Fisheries, Government of Bangladesh, Non- Governmental Organization Mukti, Cox’s Bazar and two shrimp hatcheries iv. Organize annual workshop, project steering committee meeting and field visit v. Organize seven consultation meetings with salt farmers in the field, two training of trainers on Improved Artemia cyst Hatching and Preservation and Different production system of Tilapia in Bangladesh vi. Participation in two international workshops organized by network for aquaculture centres in Asia and Pacific (NACA), and Global Conferences on Aquaculture (GCA) vii. Communication and visibility materials development (wooden and glass frames, project folder, large banners, pond demonstration signboards) viii. Proven excellent quality of locally produced Artemia cyst and biomass through testing in overseas and domestic laboratories ix. Progress in research (baseline survey, traditional aquaculture farm survey, application of live feed in shrimp hatcheries).

Climatic vulnerabilities (cyclone, flood, erratic rainfall), social issues (poaching in fish ponds), cost-sharing of the farmers in Artemia and aquaculture demonstration are major challenges. Diversification of activities in the salt farms (Artemia, aquaculture, salt), introduction of short duration aquaculture (for example Tilapia culture for 3-4 months), season specific activity (dry season, wet season) will enhance climate resilience of the farmers. Increasing the number of aquaculture farmers in the area, enhancing household aquaculture, improving awareness, community/cluster management of salt farmers can be useful to tackle social challenges such as poaching in fish ponds. Low income of salt farmers, limited investment capacity, Artemia culture is a new technology, uncertainty in cost-benefits, lack of Artemia biomass supply chain might explain the limited interest in cost sharing of Artemia pond culture. Partnership with governmental, non-governmental and private organizations, annual workshop and project steering committee meeting enhanced collaboration with stakeholders. Promotion of nutrition sensitive homestead pond aquaculture (for example Carp-Mola-Tilapia polyculture), vegetable gardening, and women engagement will improve food security, nutrition, gender equity and livelihood improvement opportunities of the marginalized salt farmer families.