News and Events

Consultation on Education and Investment for Fish Farming in the Dominican Republic, December 2007

The First International Congress on Investment, Education and Transfer of Technology for Development of Aquaculture in the Dominican Republic took place in Santo Domingo from December 3 to 5. Its purposes were: (1) to focus on problems and prospects in the current situation, and (2) to agree on solutions and actions in relation to policy, marketing, factors of production, capacity-building, applied research and extension services, and partnerships for investment.

The national public university, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), served as host. A team from UASD, the Dominican Aquaculture Association (ADOA), farmers, private investors, the Fisheries Council of the Dominican Government (CODOPESCA), the Dominican Institute for Agribusiness and Forestry Research (IDIAF) and others led the preparations in collaboration with PPAF. Government leaders including elected officials indicated their support.

Over 70 attended, including business people, academicians, Dominican government officials, local farmers, representatives of non-governmental organizations, commercial interests, United Nations organizations, the European Union, Taiwan, US Department of Agriculture and others.

Dr. Clara Benedicto, UASD Vice Rector for Research and Post Graduate Studies opened the session. Adding their words of welcome were Mr. Ricardo Colom (CODOPESCA), Dr. Victor Hugo de Lancer (CEESCYT), Ambassador Francis Lorenzo; Ms. Josephine Infante (Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation), Senator Charlie Mariotti, Dr. Carmen Moreno (UN-INSTRAW), Mr. Hector Mata (FAO) and Dr. David Stillman (PPAF). See the Agenda of the Congress.

Presentations on the first day included a situation analysis of aquaculture in the Dominican Republic and success stories in this field in Costa Rica, Honduras and Chile. These were led by Mr. Máximo Nicolás, (ADOA); Dr. Álvaro Otarola Fallas (INCOPESCA); Dr. Greg Lutz, (Louisiana State University); and Dr. Mario Roman (Alltech). Dr. Chakalall (FAO Sub-Regional Office in Barbados) discussed the future of aquaculture and its challenges in the region. Mr. Colom outlined current public policy on aquaculture in the Dominican Republic. A dinner hosted by the University in its Rectory in the Colonial Zone followed, with entertainment from a band and a troupe of traditional dancers.

The second day Dr. Frank Richardson (UASD) spoke on education and technical aspects of biology as related to aquaculture and Ms. Mercedes García (IDIAF) reviewed research on aquaculture in the D.R. Ms. Infante described opportunities at Hunts Point Market and the Fulton Fish Market in New York. Mr. Nicolás then delineated the draft strategic plan for the development of aquaculture in the D.R. which had recently been prepared by a Presidential Commission (CONAPROPE).

Dr. Stillman introduced the afternoon's methodology, where participants joined workshops on marketing, production, finance and support, education and technology transfer, research, promotion, sanitary aspects, environmental concerns, and public and social policy. They discussed issues and possible actions in keeping with the draft strategic plan. Government officials and other experts in the team that prepared the conference led the discussions. The conference participants confirmed the validity of the draft plan, offered suggestions and agreed to take actions in keeping with it through public-private partnerships.

On Wednesday many of the participants visited the provinces of San Pedro de Macoris and Monte Plata. Senator Alejandro Williams of San Pedro de Macoris convened a public meeting of about 100 for a briefing on the results of the conference. He also took the group to two sites with potential for fish farming. In Monte Plata Province, the group visited a successful fish farm and enjoyed a picnic lunch at TerrAqua, an ecotourism site based on fish farming.

Lessons learned: Frank Astacio, host of the TV-radio-internet show Sábado Agropecuario interviewed Maximo Nicolas and David Stillman. To his question "What were the most important lessons learned?" Stillman responded, "The importance of listening to each other and the importance of coming to creative solutions."

The conference revealed the significance of numerous factors affecting production and management. Briefly put, to dig a pond is the easiest part of the job. Many ponds were dug in the country with enthusiasm and initial financial support some 20 years ago, but for various reasons the fish farming business was not or could not be sustained. Reasons included stocks of fingerlings, fish food, the price of electricity, technical support, business know-how, interest rates, debt, and economic and political problems in the country and internationally.

International demand for farmed fish has grown dramatically in recent years. Other countries of the region have become major producers for domestic and export markets, as tilapia is easily grown in Caribbean countries. Tilapia has become a major fish import by the U.S. The tourist market in the Dominican Republic has boomed, the economy is in a much better position, and there is general optimism about the future of the country. In addition, there are real investment prospects.

Next steps: During the conference, its workshops and in the days immediately after, ideas for future collaboration began to take shape. These include possibilities through FAO, the Development Fund of the European Union, UASD, the non-government organization Esperanza International, Samana College Research Center and other Dominican and international organizations and commercial interests. Prospects range from small early actions to major commitments. A conference report and updates on progress will appear in future PPAF newsletters and on the website.