Information Division of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department

Abstract

One of the main functions of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) is to disseminate and exchange information on aquaculture. Its two other functions are to promote and undertake aquaculture research and to develop human resources for aquaculture development. The information function is discharged by AQD's Information Division created in November 1986, integrating various AQD units handling information-based services. The Division acquires, processes, and disseminates information on tropical aquaculture. This includes relevant information on breeding, feed development, fish health, and farming systems of aquaculture species such as finfishes, crustaceans, molluscs, and seaweeds. Research results including processed research data, are stored in a data bank. The Division disseminates technologies developed at AQD to fish farmers through outreach seminars, lectures, and the print media. It produces techno-packages and assesses their utilization. It implements the Brackishwater Aquaculture Information System (BRAIS) Project, with funding support from IDRC. It also implements the Aquaculture Technology Outreach Program (ATOP) with financial assistance, from the Philippine Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC). In January 1989, the implementation of ATOP activities was being evaluated. [Abstract extracted from the text]