The YSLME Training on Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) for mariculture operators in Rongcheng City of Shandong Province was held on 20th of May 2018 in Chudao, Rongcheng of Weihai City, Shandong, PR China.
The Director of Project Management Office of Ocean and Fishery Department of Shandong Province, Mr. Yubao Yuan, opened the workshop, followed by welcome remarks by Mr. Chao Hong, the Director of Bureau of Ocean and Fisheries of Rongcheng.
The training began with introduction an of the UNDP/GEF YSLME Phase II Project including the institutional, policy and framework for YSLME by Mr. Zhengguang Zhu, Environment Officer. It was highlighted that this training seeks to improve mariculture production and quality in PR China and RO Korea, considering that unsustainable mariculture is identified as a key transboundary environmental concern for both countries.
The training was followed with very impressive presentation on the trends of sustainable mariculture and practices, delivered by Prof. Jianguang Fang from YSFRI, and the experience of sustainable aquaculture management in Norway by Professor Oivind Strand from The Institute of Marine Research of Norway. The third presentation is from Prof. Zengjie Jiang from YSFRI, featuring on foundational theories of IMTA. The last lecturer is delivered by Dr. Jinghui Fang from YSFRI, who introduced specific techniques in application of IMTA.
In the experiencing sharing session, Manager Junwei Wang at Chudao Aquaculture company and Manger Wang Qiang From Yandunjiao Aquaculture company of Rongcheng City shared their practical experiences in the control of density of kelp farming using carrying capacity as the basis. The stories from the two companies were well received by participants as use of carrying capacity as the stocking principle can increase production, reduce labor and save costs.
A questionnaire survey indicates continued demands for training by aquaculture companies, which include the following areas and topics:
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IMTA theoretical basis
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Policies on IMTA or aquaculture from national and provincial level
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Sharing of experiences and practices from abroad if available
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application of IMTA on the ground
