Innovation in seafood value chains: the case of Norway

Abstract

This article provides econometric estimates of the determinants of collaboration in innovation processes and innovation outcomes in Norwegian aquaculture and other seafood sector firms, using linked innovation survey and register data on individual firms for the years 1990–2010. The seafood sector in Norway has an extensive innovation system and a high research and development (R&D) intensity, where public R&D institutions receive much of the funding. Our econometric estimates imply that firms with internal R&D resources collaborate more with external organizations in general, and research institutions in particular. Internal skills in the form of R&D employees and external collaboration with firms in the value chain have highly significant positive effects on innovation rates. Collaboration with R&D institutions has a smaller direct effect on innovation. Innovation is clustered at the beginning and end of the supply chain. Aquaculture input suppliers are highly innovative, while aquaculture farms mainly incorporate innovations from suppliers.     

THE COORDINATING ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SMALL-SCALE HOUSEHOLD POND AQUACULTURE IN CHINA 1979–2011

Small-scale household pond aquaculture development has significantly contributed to Chinese food security, poverty reduction, and improved livelihood of farmers. Before the onset of the economic reform in 1979, markets were non-existent. We address the question of the importance of the part played by decentralized government in coordinating the economic activities from a planned to a market-directed economy in the aquaculture sector. In this case study, we have interviewed farmers and officials and used secondary official data in Shandong province. We find that coordination by local government has been crucial in developing small-scale household agricultural and aquaculture production in transitional economy, and enabling the market to become the driving force in the development of household pond aquaculture in rural China. The Chinese experience may bring valuable lessons for other developing countries, where hunger are endemic, and the smallholder farmers are the key target in poverty reduction.     

Innovation and gendered negotiations: Insights from six small‐scale fishing communities

There has so far been limited investigation into gender in relation to innovation in fisheries. Therefore, this study investigates how gender relations shape the capacity and motivation of different individuals in fishing communities to innovate. We compare six fishing communities in Cambodia, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands. Our findings suggest that gendered negotiations mediate the capacity to innovate but that wider structural constraints are important constraints for both men and women. Our findings show that men's and women's capacity to innovate is strongly mediated by the behaviour of their marriage partner. Consequently, we argue that gender research from a social relational perspective has an important contribution to make in understanding poor fishing communities where new ways of doing things or new technologies are being promoted.     

Research with a farming systems perspective needed for the development of small-scale aquaculture in non-industrialized countries

The global rise in the production of farmed fish and shellfish in non-industrialized countries has been supported by aquaculture research aiming most often to solve problems for factory-like production of highly valued aquatic species. It can be observed however, that research at the small-scale aquafarmers' level is lagging behind. Research with the holistic farming systems perspective and farmers' participation offers a chance to support aquaculture production at the small-scale farmers' level in non-industrialized countries.     

Aquaculture in Egypt: status,constraints and potentials

Aquaculture is a globally important industry that provides essential food to a growing world population, with a major role in the supply of cheap animal protein. Very rapid developments have been occurred in aquaculture sector of Egypt in recent years and exhibited the strongest growth of any fisheries-related activity in the country. As a result, aquaculture is considered as the only viable option for reducing the current gap between production and consumption of fish in Egypt. The rapid expansion in support activities such as local feed mills and hatcheries made the sector more sophisticated and diverse. Globally, Egypt ranks 9th in fish farming production and 1st among African countries. The aquaculture is practiced in different production systems including semi-intensive, intensive culture in ponds, tanks, intensive production in cages and traditional extensive production systems, but has yet to be adequately documented. Despite the fact that the aquaculture sector in Egypt has witnessed a spectacular development, it has also created challenges with respect to environmental issues and sustainability. This review provides an overview of the status and the perspectives of Egyptian aquaculture sector.     

SOCIOECONOMIC INTERACTIONS OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN GREECE: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTH EVOIKOS GULF

The present study investigates the socioeconomic sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in the South Evoikos Gulf. The results show poor labour mobility between fisheries and aquaculture. Internal geographical mobility, relatively high salaries and the relatively high educational level of the aquaculture workers contribute to the sustainability for the aquaculture sector. There is a high probability of young, low-educated individuals entering the fishing industry. Furthermore, earnings and professional training prevent people from exiting the fisheries sector, and this may act as a means towards fisheries' sustainability. Grants and subsidies do not seem to influence fishermen's decision to remain or exit the sector. On average more fishermen than aquaculture workers perceive that their profession is supported by the local community and tourist industry.     

Aquaculture development in India: An economic overview with special reference to coastal aquaculture

Abstract

Coastal aquaculture emerged as a sunrise sector in India during the 1990s. It was identified as a sector full of promise for expanding exports and for adding to foreign exchange. The sector has more than fulfilled its promise and has more in store. This paper gives an overview of the role and development of fisheries in general and aquaculture in particular in India. Growth, sources of growth, contribution to national gross domestic product, impact on rural economy, socio‐economic impacts, generation of backward linkages, and export growth of coastal aquaculture in terms of composition, direction and penetration are reviewed. The paper concludes on an optimistic note for development of coastal aquaculture in the country with the streamlining of policy measures for production and marketing.     

Effect of proline‐enriched abalone feed on selected metabolite levels of slow‐growing adult Haliotis midae

Abalone is currently considered South Africa's most successfully produced aquaculture export product, with a 76% share of the total value generated by the aquaculture sector. A major risk factor for this sector is slow growth rates experienced during farming. Abalone feeds are often supplemented with amino acids in an attempt to enhance abalone growth. This is a first investigation of the effect of added proline to standard abalone feed, on the metabolite profile of slow‐growing abalone. A targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics research approach was followed to recognise the metabolic response of abalone showing slower growth performance. The addition of proline to the standard abalone diet was found to serve as a substrate for amino acid catabolism in slower growing abalone, by means of proline breakdown to assist with energy production via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Other amino acids and urea cycle intermediates, that is, arginine, asparagine, ornithine and creatine further support energy production via the action of protein catabolism in slow‐growing abalone. Additionally, the importance of understanding how abalone respond metabolically to modified feed highlights the use of metabolomics to answer abalone aquaculture farming questions.     

Restructuring European freshwater aquaculture from family‐owned to large‐scale firms – lessons from Danish aquaculture

Aquaculture is the world's fastest growing animal food producing sector. Although its overall performance is very good, it is unevenly spread geographically. In particular, the growth in most EU countries has been stagnating over the past 20 years despite repeated policy initiatives to launch new growth in the industry. The lack of production growth in EU aquaculture is often explained by strict environmental regulation and bureaucracy. In this article, we argue that an additional important element is an industry structure that limits the innovation and use of new technologies. Historically, farms have been small and often co‐managed with larger agriculture production. However, to succeed in a market with global competition, technological innovation and sector‐wide specialization, it is necessary to continuously increase productivity and induce investments in larger production facilities to take advantage of economies of scale. In Denmark, a structural change was ‘kicked off’ in 2005. In just 6 years, 30% of Danish production in freshwater has been reallocated to larger and more technologically advanced recirculation farms. Labour productivity has increased and the environmental impact per kilo of fish produced has been reduced, improving future prospects for aquaculture in Denmark and Europe.     

Gleaner,fisher, trader,processor: understanding gendered employment in fisheries and aquaculture

Most research on gender difference or inequities in capture fisheries and aquaculture in Africa and the Asia‐Pacific focuses on the gender division of labour. Emerging research on globalization, market changes, poverty and trends in gendered employment within this sector reveals the need to move beyond this narrow perspective. If gleaning and post‐harvesting activities were enumerated, the fisheries and aquaculture sector might well turn out to be female sphere. A livelihoods approach better enables an understanding of how employment in this sector is embedded in other social, cultural, economic, political and ecological structures and processes that shape gender inequities and how these might be reduced. We focus on four thematic areas – markets and migration, capabilities and well‐being, networks and identities, governance and rights – as analytical entry points. These also provide a framework to identify research gaps and generate a comparative understanding of the impact of development processes and socioecological changes, including issues of climate change, adaptation and resilience, on gendered employment. Without an adequate analysis of gender, fisheries management and development policies may have negative effects on people’s livelihoods, well‐being and the environment they depend on, or fail altogether to achieve intended outcomes.     

Review of trends in the development of European inland aquaculture linkages with fisheries

Aquaculture is a multifaceted, dynamic food production sector in Europe. The average annual growth rate of aquaculture production in Western Europe was 5.5% between 1988 and 1998, while in Eastern Europe production declined by 56% during the same period. The main growth in aquaculture production has taken place in the marine environment, particularly in the expanding salmon, Salmo salar L., industry of Northern Europe. Inland aquaculture only contributed 19% of the total aquaculture production in 1998. Trout in Western Europe, and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in Eastern Europe are the dominant species in inland aquaculture. Inland fisheries production has been stagnant in Western Europe and has declined considerably in Eastern Europe. The importance of recreational fisheries is increasing all over Europe, although no reliable data are available on angler catches. The major interactions between aquaculture and fisheries are pollution by untreated effluents from farms and impacts on indigenous fish stocks. The conflict is decreasing as more advanced systems are used in inland aquaculture, including water recirculation and effluent treatment. The positive benefit of aquaculture is that the sector supports extensive stocking programmes in commercial and recreational fisheries all over Europe.     

Sustainable commercial aquaculture: A survey of administrative procedures and legal frameworks

Abstract

Commercial aquaculture which, for this paper, is defined as the rearing of aquatic organisms that is profit oriented and primarily by the private sector, contributes to food security, directly by producing food fish, and indirectly by generating employment, and thus, income for the purchase of food. In addition, commercial aquaculture can be sustainable because it depends on private, rather than public funds that are usually lacking or scarce. The paper describes some enabling policies that are conducive to the promotion of commercial aquaculture. In particular it focuses on administrative and legal frameworks. The paper concludes that development of aquaculture can be enhanced by legislation specific to the sector rather than relying on general fisheries legislation; such a legislative framework (particularly for land‐based aquaculture) would resemble that of agriculture. Regulations require expensive and time‐consuming monitoring and enforcement; they should focus on environmental protection and a sustainable industry.     

鲆鲽类苗种技术创新与推广对策——基于生产者技术需求调研的思考

苗种是水产养殖生产的基础资料,苗种科技创新与推广的有效程度直接影响到产业可持续发展。以作为我国海水鱼类代表的鲆鲽类养殖业为例,基于养殖生产者的技术需求调研结果,提出了该产业苗种技术创新与推广的策略,即以市场为导向,始终将苗种科技创新作为重要的产业发展战略;密切结合产业发展转型战略,有效对接产业差别化需求,有差别地重点推进快速生长苗种、强抗逆性苗种以及全雌化优质苗种的培育与推广;因地制宜推进特色品种苗种培育,为塑造区域性鲆鲽类产品品牌提供支撑;认真做好战略储备性品种的苗种培育,切实推进产业的梯度发展;密切关注我国近海渔业资源修复之需求,培育适于增殖放流的鲆鲽类苗种。     

Economic contribution of fish culture to farm income in Southeast Vietnam

Rural aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms with extensive and semi-intensive husbandry practised by small-scale rural households for their consumption and income. From a field survey in Southeast Vietnam, using enterprise budget analysis and nonparametric tests with indices of change, adoption, and agreement, this study justifies that rural aquaculture is a good option for rural development, making an important contribution to farm income with a high adoption rate among poor farmers. Fish farmers have gained an increased level of satisfaction by means of fish culture production growth along with corresponding economic gains. This enterprise continues to play an increasing important role in their livelihoods and has potential to develop further in the area.     

Production Parameters and Economics of Small-Scale Tilapia Cage Aquaculture in the Volta Lake,Ghana

To calculate the potential for cage aquaculture to create economic opportunities for small-scale investors on the Volta Lake, Ghana, a local NGO with technical support from the Government of Ghana ran two trials (one of four and one of six units) of small-scale cage aquaculture in the town of Dzemeni. Cages were built locally from available materials at a cost of approximately US$1000 per 48 m³ cage. An indigenous line of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, was stocked either as mixed sex (first trial) or all-males (second trial) at an average rate of 103 fish/m³ and grown on locally available pelleted feeds for approximately six months. Total costs averaged US$2038 per six-month production cycle. Gross yield ranged from 232 to 1176 kg/cage, averaging 460 kg/cage (9.6 kg/m³). Final average weight of mixed sex populations (253.05 ± 47.43g) was significantly less than of all-males (376.7 ± 72.30g). Likewise, percentage of fish over 300 g at harvest was significantly lower in mixed-sex (38.3%) compared to all-male (75.7%) populations. Mortality resulting primarily from poor handling during transport and stocking averaged 70% and was a major determinate of production and profitability. To break even, harvested biomass of fish needed to exceed 15 kg/m³. At 25 kg/m³, small-scale cage aquaculture generated a net income of US$717 per cage per six months (ROI = 30.2%) on revenues of US$3,500. Water quality in the area surrounding the cages was not negatively affected by aquaculture at the scale tested (5 tons of feed per six months).     

Evaluation of antimicrobial products used in tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture

Despite the importance of aquaculture increases for feeding the growing world population, professional farm management and proper use of aquaculture products or drugs are needed. It is important to know the quality of commercial antimicrobial products on the market while there is wide use of antimicrobials to treat fish diseases. The most commonly used antimicrobial products were identified from a previous survey, included amoxicillin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, sulphadiazine, sulphamonomethoxine and sulphadimidine. Eight local chemical supply shops were randomly sampled in representative aquaculture areas in Maoming and Zhanjiang districts of south China in 2013. In this study, only eight products contained active substances within ±10% of the concentration declared on the product label among the 30 different most used commercial products; while six products did not contain any of the declared antimicrobials. Three products without labels were sold as ‘pure antimicrobial’ and had high concentrations of active antimicrobials. Furthermore, most products only provided ambiguous information on the packages on both antimicrobial usage and dosage; and only one product stated how to prepare medicated feed which is important for efficient usage. The results of this study showed that the aquaculture antimicrobial products sold on the market were of low quality and thus compromised effective fish disease treatment. Moreover, insufficient information on products’ labels would provide limited instruction on correct antimicrobial usage. Inspection and supervision by both private companies and the government's sector require strengthening.     

福建省霞浦县大弹涂鱼养殖可持续发展策略

福建省霞浦县大弹涂鱼养殖发展迅速，已成为该县的一项特色产业，目前全县大弹涂鱼养殖面积已突破1333ha，并取得了明显的经济效益。然而，随着大弹涂鱼养殖业的发展，也出现了一些需要解决的问题，本文就如何使霞浦县大弹涂鱼养殖能够保持可持续发展提出一些看法。     

A comparison of traditional and modified inland artisanal aquaculture systems

Traditional artisanal aquaculture systems are commonly assumed to be mainly for subsistence, to use predominantly on-farm inputs, and to have been developed by farmers themselves. Such systems with a long history in South East Asia exist mainly in northern Lao PDR, northern Vietnam and in West Java. In most other areas the traditional fish supply, wild fish, has declined only relatively recently, providing a stimulus for growth of aquaculture over the past few decades. An overview of artisanal aquaculture so defined in the South East Asian region is presented from a systems context considering social and economic aspects (micro- and macro-level perspectives), production technology (rice fields, ponds, cages), and environmental aspects (fitting into the local resource base without adverse environmental impact). Most artisanal aquaculture systems are integrated with crops and livestock but generally resource-poor farms constrain production. Rising expectations mean that productivity must be enhanced by off-farm inputs for aquaculture to contribute significantly to the farm household livelihood system. It is proposed that the term ‘small-scale’ be used rather than ‘artisanal’ because of increasing farmer interest in income rather than subsistence, because of increasing use of off-farm inputs, and because of the increasingly important role of science in the promotion of such systems.     

Profitability and technical efficiency of aquaculture systems in pampaanga,philippines

Abstract

We evaluate the profitability and technical efficiency of aquaculture in the Philippines. Farm‐level data are used to compare two production systems corresponding to the intensive monoculture of tilapia in freshwater ponds and the extensive polyculture of shrimps and fish in brackish water ponds. Both activities are very lucrative, with brackish water aquaculture achieving the higher level of profit per farm. Stochastic frontier production functions reveal that technical efficiency is low in brackish water aquaculture, with a mean of 53%, explained primarily by the operator's experience and by the frequency of his visits to the farm. In freshwater aquaculture, the farms achieve a mean efficiency level of 83%. The results suggest that the provision of extension services to brackish water fish farms might be a cost‐effective way of increasing production and productivity in that sector. By contrast, technological change will have to be the driving force of future productivity growth in freshwater aquaculture.     

中国淡水养殖技术效率研究——基于2018年的数据

根据2018年中国淡水养殖地区统计数据,分析2018年中国淡水养殖技术效率水平。通过构建DEA模型,测算不同地区淡水养殖的效率值。结果表明:2018年中国整体淡水养殖技术效率较高,为0.85;不同地区的技术效率水平值存在差异,最高值为1.00,最低值为0.76。从空间分布看,7个区域的技术效率值不同,但没有明显区别,因此认为技术效率与空间分布无明显关系。基于研究结果,从技术创新、交流合作、产业结构等方面提出了相关建议,以期为中国淡水养殖效率研究提供可参考的资料。