OFFSHORE PEN AQUACULTURE CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA – THE U.S. SOYBEAN EXPORT COUNCIL’S SOUTHEAST ASIAN AQUACULTURE PROGRAM WORK

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a non-profit marketing agency for international promotion of U.S. soy products.  As a part of this effort USSEC has provided technical servicing to the global aquaculture industry for over 35 years.  Southeast Asia (SEA) is a key focus area for these efforts and USSEC has worked to improve the conditions for a larger, more efficient and productive feed-based marine fish aquaculture industry in SEA.  Through these efforts USSEC hopes to show the superior value of U.S. soy in feeds for marine fish species.

SEA has unique geographical and marketing advantages for marine aquaculture. This region has long coastlines and generally clean offshore waters, and largely sits in the tropical or sub-tropical zone allowing year-round production. There are thousands of islands in the region that provide convenient bases for logistical supply and servicing for developing offshore aquaculture operations. SEA is a seafood processing hub and has close links with international seafood markets and is adjacent to one of the main aquatic product consumption markets, China.

Despite the potentials of a good environment and good markets for marine fish culture, the production volume is still quite low compared to other regions of the world.  An important part of this is a need by governments to provide clear approach for zoning, licensing, and security for offshore sites, but also there is a lack of experience and knowledge by producers who are more familiar and comfortable with continuing culture in near-shore, shallow water environments.  USSEC has taken a holistic approach to work with the entire marine fish production chain industry to try to educate and promote a shift to offshore pen culture for marine fish in SEA.

USSEC’s approach for technical servicing for marine fish aquaculture has included:

• Guidance on hatchery operations and genetic improvement of marine fish species
• Assessment, implementation, and training for offshore marine pen culture
• Workshops with international marine fish pen aquaculture experts
• Work on marine fish health management and disease control
• Offshore pen marine fish feed feeding demonstrations using U.S. soy-optimized diets

The presentation will illustrate USSEC’s SEA aquaculture program work in the marine fish aquaculture sector and will discuss the challenges and opportunities in the region.  The current offshore cage aquaculture status and impact of Covid-19 pandemic will also be introduced.