Family fish farming in the Amazon is vital for food security, providing a crucial source of dietary protein and ensuring a healthy and diverse diet for traditional communities. In addition to promoting income generation and economic strengthening of communities, fish farming increases family income and improves living conditions, boosting the local economy. However, one of the major challenges of family fish farming in the Amazon is the availability and cost of aquafeed, which can account for up to 80% of the total production costs.
In this context, the Peixe Caboclo Research and Extension Network was created to bring together researchers, professionals, and students from various institutions in the Amazon to study, discuss, and propose solutions for developing Amazonian fish feed formulated with regional ingredients.
The objectives of the Peixe Caboclo network are: i) to gather information from the literature on potential ingredients that have already been studied; ii) to evaluate new ingredients, especially protein sources, to identify new local options; iii) to develop feed formulations with Amazonian ingredients that are suitable for extrusion and effective for fish nutrition; and iv) to train human resources for rural extension.
To achieve the above-mentioned goals, professionals from the Brazilian, Colombian, Peruvian, and Bolivian Amazon regions gathered at the I "SUSTENTA: International Symposium on Sustainable Use and Feed Technologies for Family Fish Farming in the Amazon," held from May 28 to 30, 2024, in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The event was supported by the Amazonas Research Foundation (FAPEAM) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). At SUSTENTA, the members of the Peixe Caboclo network planned the initial activities: i) establishing a formal cooperation agreement between the institutions; ii) organizing published information on Amazonian ingredients for fish feed, which will be available on the website www.redepeixecaboclo.com.br; and iii) seeking funding for research projects and exchanges among members and their students.
The Peixe Caboclo network is an open forum for scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange among scientists, professionals, farmers, and fish farmers from the Amazon. The official languages are Spanish and Portuguese. Those interested in joining the Peixe Caboclo network can send a letter of intent to the email address: redepeixecaboclo@gmail.com
In conclusion, the Peixe Caboclo Network represents a crucial initiative for advancing sustainable family fish farming in the Amazon. By focusing on the development of regionally-sourced aquafeed and fostering collaboration across the Amazon region.