Thursday, September 4, 2014

A little bit of Aquaculture

innovation thumbAs part of our integrated approach to marine conservation and development, we work with coastal communities and private sector aquaculture businesses in Madagascar to develop viable livelihood activities appropriate to the local environment and culture.

Our community-based aquaculture initiative is providing coastal people with new sources of income, allowing improved access to food and education, while alleviating pressure on fisheries and marine biodiversity.
Our aquaculture specialists have trained over 700 people to become farmers of sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) and red "cottonii" seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii). Sea cucumbers (known as trepang after processing) are in high demand in Asian markets where they are considered a delicacy, health food and aphrodisiac, while red seaweed is widely used in food and cosmetics industries as a texturing agent. 

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