Training programs of SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department

Abstract

With training as one of its three mandated functions, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department offered its first training course in 1974. Since then it has trained some 6 519 participants in various degree and non-degree programs. The degree courses are MS. Fisheries (Aquaculture) and M. Aquaculture in collaboration with the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

The non-degree programs include regular short-term courses, onsite seminars internship training and practicum for graduating students. The "hands-on" short-term courses cover Prawn Hatchery and Nursery, Marine Finfish Hatchery, Brackishwater Pond Culture, Sanitation and Culture of Bivalves, Freshwater Aquaculture, Aquaculture Management, Aquaculture Engineering, and Aquaculture for Social Scientists. A profile of 637 1982-1986 training participants show 82.3% from Southeast Asia, 79% male and 57.5% from government sector.

The paper discusses planning and implementation of training programs, funding support (Japanese Government, International Development Research Centre of Canada, FAO Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia), and future trends.