National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2012-2030.

The National Aquaculture Development Strategy is a national strategy with a cross-sectoral approach covering the period 2012-2030. The Strategy aims at ensuring: a) aquaculture development; b) poverty reduction; c) food security; d) economic development; and e) an effective ecosystem management.
As mentioned, the strategy aims at ensuring foo security throughout the country. To this end, measures are laid down to develop freshwater aquaculture and increase productivity, especially in inland communities. Average per capita fish consumption will be increased to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity.
Mariculture diversification opportunities will be identified, tested and implemented. The access of farmers to quality fish seed production will be ensured.
With a view to contributing to the eradication of rural poverty, aquaculture farmers' groups and institutions will be established and supported. The strategy promotes the development of brackish water aquaculture and mariculture to provide more small business and income raising opportunities for coastal communities. Women and marginalized communities will be empowered and their organizations will be supported. The number of households deriving direct nutrition, food and income benefits from aquaculture will be increased. The coordination between and contribution of all stakeholders at central level and local level will be ensured. Aquaculture farmer groups and representative institutions will be empowered.
Further the strategy aims at enabling more inclusive and efficient aquaculture systems. Measures are laid down regarding viable production technologies; supply of feed; strengthening linkages between input and output markets will be established strengthened; establishment of small and medium aquaculture business enterprises in suitable agro-ecologies; development of integrated agriculture-aquaculture systems; promotion of participatory processes will be promoted. Priority will be given to the development of aquaculture based on low-cost technologies that are environmentally benign, socially acceptable and economically viable. Joint ventures between the government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and development partners will be established. All aquaculture suitability maps will be updated by using most recent bio-physical, social, economic and statistical data. Local (district and sub district) markets for fish sales and production inputs will be developed through public private sector cooperation. Existing brackish water aquaculture ponds will be rehabilitated and development of appropriate milkfish and possibly shrimp culture technologies will be ensured. Aquaculture statistical system will be established and data will be collected on a regular basis at district and national-level. Fish feeds based on locally available resources will be made available to fish farmers.
The National Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, is responsible for the development and management of aquaculture in the country. The strategy takes account of relevant regional and international experience including the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and guidelines on the ecosystem approach to aquaculture.