Aquaculture in Brazil

Transcription

1 Aquaculture in Brazil Rodrigo Roubach, 1,2 Eudes S. Correia, 1,3 Sergio Zaiden, 1,4 Ricardo C. Martino 1,5 and Ronaldo O. Cavalli 1,6 Brazil has a total area of 8,514,876 km 2 (IBGE 2002), divided in 26 states, a Federal District, and 5,561 municipalities. The states are grouped in five regions: Northern, Northeastern, Midwestern, Southeastern and Southern (Figure 1). Each region has its own geographical, economic and social characteristics (Valenti 2000). Brazil is a privileged country in the aquaculture sense, due to the size and richness of the water resources, with a high point being the Amazon basin, accounting for 20 percent of all the freshwater in the world. There are also over five millions hectares of water impounded by dams constructed for hydroelectric power and drought control in the Northeastern region, and an extensive coastline that stretches for 8,000 km and is appropriate for marine aquaculture. Despite its potential, Brazil annually expended more than US$350 million respect to fisheries commodities to supply its domestic market during the 1990s. Its total fisheries production supplied only 54 percent of the demand, and fisheries commodities represent between 7.5 and 10 percent of Brazil s meat consumption (CIDASC 1997). During 2000, more than 181,919 tons were imported, valued at US$274,165,000 (MDIC/SECEX 2001). The majority of imports consisted of codfish, merluza (Merluccius spp.) and salmon (Salmo sp.). The characteristics of fisheries vary considerably due to latitudinal gradient along the coast the size of the hydrologic basins and to cultural differences that influence the fisheries in the various regions (FAO 2001). In 1999, world aquaculture expanded around nine percent, with a net value of US$40 billion. In Brazil, during the same year, aquaculture growth was 35 percent, with a total value around US$30 Fig. 1. Brazil regions and states. Northern region in green; Northeastern region in orange; Mid- Western region in blue; Southeastern region in yellow; Southern region in red. million, mainly compromised of the sale of live fish to the sport fishing industry and processed fish from aquaculture. In 2001, total aquaculture production in Brazil was 204,000 tons according to IBAMA/DPA/MAPA. Valenti (2000) showed that Brazilian aquaculture could be divided in six main sectors, defined by the type of cultured organism being produced. Those sectors are: freshwater fish, marine shrimp, clams, oysters, freshwater shrimp and frogs. Freshwater fish is the only sector present in every state in the country, representing almost 80 percent of total production, followed by freshwater shrimp, which are cultivated in 20 states. All other sectors are restricted to a certain region of the country. Brazilian aquaculture is mainly based on small-scale production units (with the exception of marine shrimp, which is responsible for up to 14 percent of the production) with around 100,000 aqua farms that comprise an area equivalent to 80,000 ha. Another important characteristic of the Brazilian aquaculture industry is the number and diversity of species cultured; at least 64 aquatic at present. The main species are tilapias (Oreochromis spp.), common and Chinese carp (Cyprinus carpio, Aristichthys nobilis, Hypophthal-michthys molitrix and Ctenopharyn-godon idella), followed by Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), catfish (surubim, Pseudoplatystoma sp.), marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and molluscs (Crassostrea gigas, C. rhizophorae and Perna perna; FAO 2001, Queiroz et al. 2002). The Northern region The region includes the states of Acre (AC), Amapá (AP), Amazonas (AM), Pará (PA), Rondônia (RO), Roraima (RR) and Tocantins (TO). It occupies an area of 3.87 million km 2, equivalent to 45.3 percent of area, and 7.6 percent of the population of Brazil (IBGE 2002). Large rivers with extensive floodplains characterize the region. The main habitats of the Amazonian floodplains are lakes, floating meadows and seasonally inundated rainforest (Figure 2). The floodplains (varzéa and igapós) systems have an estimated flooded area of 250,000 km 2. River-level fluctuations which vary, depending on the exact site and year, between five and 13 m, cause great seasonal changes in the environment (Araujo-Lima and Goulding 1998). In the region there are more than 2,000 fish species including almost all the freshwater fish orders, from the most primitive to the more specialized ones, representing almost 75 percent of all Brazilian freshwater species and 30 percent of the world s fish fauna. 28 March 2003

2 Fig. 2. Aerial view of the Amazon forest and some of its aquatic ecosystem, Northern region. Photo by Yann Arthus-Bertrand/EARTH Not long ago aquaculture in the region was viewed as an unnecessary activity due to fish abundance. The initial activity occurred during the 1980s, when the first government initiative took place through an Aquaculture development program in the Amazon state. Since then, the activity has grown and expanded to all the Northern states. The region provides an excellent location for aquaculture, due to its freshwater abundance and aquatic faunal diversity, which facilitates the collection of wild broodstock for foodfish culture and for the fish ornamental industry. The main ornamental fish, in order of importance, are cardinal (Paracheirodon axelrodi), discus (Symphysodon discus) and coridoras (Corydoras sp.) Most of these fishes are captured in the Rio Negro basin in the state of Amazonas. Research efforts are needed to develop reproduction and local production technology to culture these fishes. Better management of the collection, transporting and holding techniques would also improve the survival of wild-caught ornamental fish, and increase profits (Chao et al. 2001). Four groups of aquatic animals are represented in the aquaculture that occurs in the Northern region. The largest group are the freshwater fish, with 17 species, three being exotics. The main species are the tambaqui which are cultivated in six of the seven states in the region, curimatã (Prochilodus nigricans) and pirarucu (Arapaima gigas; Figure 3). Exotic species cultured in the region are C. carpio, Oreochromis niloticus and Tilapia sp. Three other groups of Fig. 3. Pirarucu, Arapaima gigas, juvenile (1.0 m length) under culture. Photo by Rodrigo Roubach. organisms cultured in the region are represented by five species: crustaceans (L. vannamei, Macrobrachium amazonicum, M. rosenbergii), amphibians (Rana catesbeiana) and the Amazonian turtle (Podocnemis expansa). All states in the western part of the region have fish hatcheries, with the leader being Amazonas state, which has five. Fish culture has also grown at a fast pace in RO and RR states, but it is in the AC state where natural fish production was less significant, that fish culture has grown to the point that the state leads aquaculture production in the region. The vast majority of the fish farms (86 percent) are operations of less than 2 ha, and most employ extensive and semi-intensive systems in excavated ponds or small impoundment semi-natural lakes. Therefore, there is great variability in fish production within and between states, with the extremes between 600 and 6,500 kg/ha (Val et al. 2000; Melo et al. 2001). Cage culture in the Northern region has yet to reach its full potential, as more technical studies are needed with native Amazon species. Also needed are more detailed studies to define appropriate areas for that method of culture. Pilot studies with tambaqui (Figure 4), matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) and pirarucu showed promising results with respect to growth rate, stocking rates and productivity (Cavero et al. 2002). However, due to the diversity of localities within the region, the level of technology required and transportation costs, each potential site needs to be considered individually. Agriculture products and supplies for the feed industry are imported from other regions, with the exception of soybeans, farms for which have recently been established in Humaita, AM. The number of feed mill in the region is limited (five at present) and those Fig. 4. Cage culture system with tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, in a community lake at the Amazonas state, Northern region. Photo by Rodrigo Roubach. are concentrated in the Amazonas state, at Manaus or nearby. Tambaqui, pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) and matrinxã are widely accepted as foodfish within the Amazon River basin but may have limited markets outside the region because of the intramuscular Y-shaped bones present in the flesh (Lovshin et al. 1997). Nevertheless, native fish production forms the aquaculture sector in the region. In addition to the importance of native fishes for the food World Aquaculture 29

3 Fig. 5. Tilapia semi-intensive culture in the Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. Fig. 6. Marine shrimp nursery tanks in the Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. Fig. 7. Marine shrimp growout ponds in the Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. Fig. 8. Feeding trays (before use) in the Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. production sector and alternative income for local populations, aquaculture could provide, in the end, a diminishing impact on the already overexploited capture fisheries for those species. Also, stock enhancement to boost fisheries yields is an option that is being performed on a pilot scale to increase Colossoma abundance in the Amazon. Amazonian politicians are considering implementing stock enhancement programs to help manage Colossoma populations and develop extensive aquaculture for small farmers. The Northern region can be viewed as one of the most promising regions in Brazil when one considers all its untapped freshwater potential. However, there is still a need to develop clearly defined regulations if the aim is to develop sustainable and profitable aquaculture. The Northeastern region The Northeastern region is composed of eight states: Alagoas (AL), Bahia (BA), Ceára (CE), Maranhão (MA), Paraíba (PB), Pernambuco (PE), Piauí (PI), Rio Grande do Norte (RN) and Sergipe (SE). It has an area of 1.56 million km 2, which represents 18.3 percent of the country, and is home to 28.1 percent of the Brazilian population (IBGE 2002). It has a great potential for tropical species farming because it possesses a climate with warm water temperatures year round, about 70,000 reservoirs and extensive areas suitable for aquaculture. The region also has good market potential. Aquaculture in this region is practiced in all kinds of culture systems. In extensive systems, farmers stock juvenile tambaqui, curimatãs (Prochilodus argenteus and P. brevis), tilapia and carp (common and Chinese) in reservoirs, and can obtain yields up to 800 kg/ha/yr. Juvenile production capacity in 2000 was about 233 million, with increasing numbers projected for future years due to new projects that will employ intensive systems. Semi-intensive culture is conducted in earthen ponds that are stocked with tilapia (Figure 5), tambaqui, freshwater shrimp (M. rosenbergii) and marine shrimp (primarily L. vannamei). Productivity varies from 3,000 to 10,000 kg/ha/yr for fishes, around 2,000 kg/ha/yr for freshwater shrimp, and from 4,000 to 7,000 kg/ha/yr for marine shrimp. Statistical data on aquaculture are very scarce, therefore it is difficult to present the real situation in the region, except for marine shrimp which is a very well organized sector. In 2001, marine shrimp production in the region was about 37,000 tons, representing 94 percent of national production. Marine shrimp culture has been growing rapidly since 1996 when the exotic species L. vannamei was adopted. From 1997 to 2001, Brazilian production increased by 83 percent per annum (from 3,600 to 40,000 tons). Another variable that is showing the high technological level applied in Brazil is mean productivity, which was 1,015 kg/ha/yr in 1997 and reached 4,706 kg/ha/yr in The technology involves total control of the entire production process, including post-larval production, nursery tanks (Figure 6) and growout pond management (Figure 7). Despite high production levels, northeastern shrimp culture is growing according to sustainability principles, where more ecological acceptable practices are being adopted. Included are the use of areas outside the mangrove ecosystems, partial or total water recirculation, use of high quality feed offered in feeding trays 30 March 2003

4 (Figure 8) and prohibition of antibiotics use during all phases of culture process. Normally, shrimp are stocked in growout ponds at densities varying from 30 to 60 postlarvae/m 2, but some experiments using up to 150/m 2 showed promising results. In addition, some farms are doing polyculture with the indigenous mangrove oyster (C. rhizophorae) and macroalgae (Gracillaria sp.), as a natural filter of suspended particles and nutrients in the drainage canals to improve the quality of the effluent water. Intensive fish culture is practiced in many states of the region, with Bahia being the most important one due to governmental commitment and support. Nowadays, tilapia are cultured in floating cages behind hydroelectric power dams (Figure 9) and in raceways (Figure 10). Floating cage projects involve several associations with approximately 150 cages each, distributed among 15 members. Normally, they use 4 and 6-m 3 cages with gram juveniles/m 2, raised to grams over 120 days with about 90 percent survival. This means production of about 600 kg/cage/cycle. Some other places in the Northeastern region have also adopted this type of culture system in reservoirs. Another intensive project is developing a raceway system that involved, during the first phase of operation, development of a 100 million tilapia hatchery in 208, 30 m 2 concrete tanks. Raceway tanks were stocked at the same density and reached the same production levels of floating cages. Estimated 2003 production is about 1,350 metric tons, from which 760 tons will be exported to United States and Europe. Despite growth in the sector, feed ingredients (fishmeal, soybean meal, wheat meal and corn) for feed rations still have to be imported from other states. To date there are only four major feed mills that are located in BA, PE and SE states. The Mid-Western region This region is formed by the states of Goiás (GO), Federal District (DF), Mato Grosso (MT) and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). It occupies an area of 1.61 million km 2, equivalent to 18.9 percent of Brazil, and 6.9 percent of the Brazilian population (IBGE 2002). Its location is very favorable for aquaculture due to the intersection and presence of several rivers from the Prata and Amazonian Basins. The region also features a unique ecosystem, the Pantanal (Paraguay rivers tributaries), which is shared by Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. Aquaculture in the region is represented by the culture of finfishes (scaled and catfishes), mostly of native species composed by the pacu (P. mesopotamicus; Figure 11), surubim pintado (P. coruscans), surubim cachara (P. fasciatum; Figure 12), piracanjuba (Brycon orbignianus), piraputanga (Brycon hilarii; Figure 13), piauçu (Leporinus obtusidens), as well as bullfrog (R. catesbeiana), Amazonian turtle (P. expansa), tracajá turtle (P. unifilis) and alligator (Caiman crocodiles yacare). The regional aquaculture production is around 5,790 tons from small (less than 2 ha) properties spread on 2,099 ha. Private enterprises produce fish and frog, and export them to Europe, Asia and the United States. There is a high potential for expansion. Ornamental fish are also hold possibility due to the impressive number of species. The region is also considered to be the main grain producer of Fig. 9. Tilapia floating cages in lake behind hydroelectric dam at the Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. Fig. 10. Tilapia raceways at Bahia state, Northeastern region. Photo by Eudes S. Correia. Fig. 11. Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) at a fish farm in GO, Mid-Western region. Photo by Panorama da Aquicultura Magazine. World Aquaculture 31

5 Fig. 12. Surubim (Pseudoplatystoma sp.) harvest in Mid-Western region. Photo by Projeto Pacu (Panorama da Aquicultura Magazine files). Fig. 13. Piraputanga (Brycon hilarii). Photo by Pojeto Pacu (Panorama da Aquiculltura Magazine files). Fig. 14. Fishing fee enterprise in the Southeastern region. Photo by Jomar Carvalho-Filho. soybeans, corn and sorghum in the country, even though most of the processed fish feed used in the region is still being imported from other states. Due to regional diversity and available water in the states, there is still an enormous amount of available area for further aquaculture growth, but due to controversy surrounding water use legislation presently being implemented in the country, potential investors are holding off until they have full confidence in the activity. Legal procedures for the preservation of natural stocks, including prohibition of the introduction of exotic species, and the implementation of several programs for responsible development of the region are being developed. The Southeastern region The southeastern region includes the states of Espírito Santo (ES), Minas Gerais (MG), Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and São Paulo (SP). It occupies an area of 930,000 km 2, is equivalent to 10.9 percent of Brazil, and 42.6 percent of the country s population (IBGE 2002). It is the most developed region, has the largest number of universities and research institutes and the highest income level in the country. Aquaculture in this region is characterized by the farming of several different species - both indigenous and non-indigenous that are farmed and harvested for human consumption or as sport fish, in fishing fee enterprises, distributed in small properties and reared in semi-intensive and intensive systems. The climate and topography (characterized by plains and mountains areas and a long coastline) allow the farming of coldwater fish species in the mountains, warm freshwater fish and crustaceans on the plains and molluscs along the coast. Among the indigenous species, pacu and tambaqui which are farmed in all states and surubim farmed in MG, RJ and SP, can be considered the most common representatives. The non-indigenous species are mainly represented by common carp, which was introduced to the region early in the last century. Tilapia are also produced. Production of tilapia in cages, as well as some native carnivores species, such as surubim, surubim cachara (P. fasciatum) and dourado (Salminus maxillosus) are on the rise, mainly due to the increased demand from the fee fishing sector (Lovshin and Cyrino 1998), which has become the most important segment of aquaculture in the region (Figure 14). Recent studies showed that in the Piracicaba river basin alone fee fising accounted to more than US$70 million/year (Kitamura et al. 1999). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were introduced in 1949 in the Bocaina area (São Paulo state) from Denmark, and its farming is well established and occurs in all the states in the region. According to the Brazilian Trout Association, estimated production is 1,385 tons/year. Mariculture in the region is mainly represented by the farming of molluscs. Culture of the Japanese oyster (C. gigas) and native mussel (P. perna) started in the 1970s, with an experimental project located in Arraial do Cabo, RJ. Nowadays, large numbers of mussel farms are established in ES, RJ and SP, while C. gigas and scallops (Nodipecten nodosus) are being farmed in RJ and SP. Scallop farming continues to be constrained by limited spat production. Recently, the indigenous mangrove oyster (C. 32 March 2003

6 rhizophorae) has become widely produced by oyster farmers, including those in low-income fishing communities. Crustacean culture is mainly represented by the freshwater prawn (M. rosenbergii), and ES is the main producer, although the farming of freshwater prawns can be found in all states. Two new projects, one academic and one private with the white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) are under development in RJ. The northern coast of that state is characterized by excellent areas for marine shrimp farming. Lastly, the bullfrog (R. catesbeiana) is farmed in the states of MG, ES, RJ and SP (Figure 15). Products are primarily sold locally to restaurants, hotels and at fish-out ponds. However, some species, mainly tilapia (filleted or in the round) are sold directly to food companies or supermarkets. Because there is a large poultry industry in the region, many agriculture feed companies, including the major ones, are manufacturing aquaculture feeds. The region is characterized by a wealth of nutrient sources (grains, seeds and roots) for use as ingredients in feeds. Fish meal and fish oil, mainly from the sardine fishery, are produced in this region, however they are of low quality. Similar to other regions, most of the fish meal is imported from Chile and Peru. Currently, there is consensus about the social and environmental impacts of aquaculture. Social projects designed to integrate fisherming communities with aquaculture are well established and more are under development. These projects involve non-governmental organizations, universities (public and private), local and federal government agencies, research and extension institutes and public companies. The main concern of the aquaculture sector in this region is water quality and effluents, along with the health conditions in the culture systems. Therefore, the focus now is on producing aquaculture species in a sustainable manner in the intensive management approach that is needed due to space limitations and land prices. a lower rate in comparison to other species. Regardless of species and culture system employed, small farmers are responsible for the bulk of the production. Although freshwater fish farming provides a good example of aquaculture development, possibly the best example of sound aquaculture development in the region (and perhaps even in the whole country) is mollusc culture in SC. Since the 1980s, the biology and culture of the native mussel (P. perna) has been studied. Research and extension efforts have paid off to the extent that today more than 11,000 tons of mussels are produced annually. Culture of the Japanese oyster (C. gigas) has also become a reality. Other native species, such as the oyster C. rhizophorae and scallop N. nodosus, are being considered and will likely be brought into production. For years, the culture of penaeid shrimp in the region focused on indigenous species, mainly due to their higher tolerance to lower temperatures. However, with the success of L. vannamei in Northeastern Brazil, Southern region farmers decided to look at that species. In a few years, the area devoted to shrimp farming increased from a few dozen to over 800 ha. Most farms are concentrated in the municipality of Laguna, the capital of farmed shrimp in the South. Shrimp fever has headed south to RS (32 S latitude), where the probable southernmost L. vannamei farm in the world is starting its first cycle this year. Aside from traditional pond-based shrimp culture, the culture of native Farfantepenaeus paulensis in pen enclosures in coastal lagoons is also being considered (Figure 16). Production of other crustaceans in the region is practically negligible, but there is a The Southern region Comprising the states of Paraná (PR), Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Santa Catarina (SC), Southern Brazil can be differentiated from the other regions of the country because of its sub-tropical climate. It occupies an area of 580 thousand km 2, equivalent to 6.8 percent of Brazil, and is home to 14.8 percent of Brazil s population (IBGE 2002). Although this may sound odd to those not acquainted with this large region, well-defined seasons are a rule in the South. Consequently, aquaculture development has taken a somewhat different direction in comparison to the rest of the country. Aquaculture in Southern Brazil can be broadly characterized as a small household affair. For instance, freshwater fish culture in Northern RS, Eastern SC and PR can be divided into two main lines of production: 1) polyculture of carp (C. carpio, A. nobilis, H. molitrix and C. idella) usually integrated with swine production, and 2) semi-intensive culture of tilapia (around 80 percent O. niloticus). Rainbow trout (O. mykiss) is farmed in some mountain areas. Native fish species are also cultured, as the case of jundiá (Rhamdia quelen), a very promising catfish that has been studied by Southern research groups, but raised at World Aquaculture 33

7 Fig. 15. Bullfrog (R. catesbeiana) processing plant in the Southeastern region. Photo by Jomar Carvalho-Filho. Fig. 16. Shrimp net pen in a coastal lagoon in the Southern region. Photo by Jomar Carvalho-Filho. sense that the culture of M. rosenbergii as a crop supplemental to tilapia may increase in the years to come. Commercial marine fish production is not yet a reality in Brazil. Nevertheless, most research developments in this area have occurred in the South. Candidate species include flounder (Paralichthys orbignyanus) and snook (Centropomus parallelus and C. undecimallis). For those species small-scale production of juveniles has already been accomplished, but additional information on growout technology is still needed. The region is the primary producer of cereal grains in Brazil so soybeans, corn, wheat, rice, etc. are widely available. Fish meal is produced in the port cities of Itajaí (SC) and Rio Grande (RS), but since it is usually manufactured from fishery bycatch and fillet trimmings, its quality is questionable. Most fish meal used in aquafeeds is thus imported from Chile and Peru. Several feed companies have plants in the region, mainly for the poultry Concluding remarks and swine industries, but at least three produce feeds for tilapia and penaeids. Marketing of freshwater fishes is considered a major bottleneck. Carp are sold locally, while tilapia are marketed live for recreational fishing ventures or filleting. Prices paid by the recreational fishing industry are much higher but in the last few years, that market has become saturated. In relation to mariculture, the success of mollusc and, more recently shrimp farming, have demonstrated that those species will gradually increase in importance. (Continued on page 70) There is a general perception that, if not well managed, aquaculture may negatively impact the environment. The introduction of exotic species is one point of public debate. Culture of L. vannamei in cages has been restricted in PR and SC, whereas in Laguna (SC) legal attempts to disrupt the issuing of authorizations for shrimp farms have also been reported. The integrated culture of carp and swine has also been questioned in relation to the potential effects of the practice on human health. In conclusion, the development of aquaculture has prompted a significant socio-economic improvement in the South, and similar to other new and developing sectors, has environmental and legal issues that need to be resolved. Yet, it is generally recognized that aquaculture is one of the most profitable activities within the agriculture sector in the region. Brazilian aquaculture shows a remarkable diversity in production and potential for growth in the near future. To fully exploit its potential all the key players in the sector, be they in science, production or commerce, need to establish a common goal for a national policy, as already envisioned by Embrapa (Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria) as one of the main coordinating agencies. Aquaculture is expected to produce a sustainable element in the nation s fisheries production through the use of present 34 March 2003

8 Aquaculture in Brazil (Continued from page 34) techniques and the development of new ones. Brazil is also expected to increase fisheries exportation, reaching new international markets and creating a strong production sector with competitive and integrated segments of economic, social and ecological dimensions, besides increasing employment opportunities. The final objective, however, should be the preservation of biodiversity allied Aquaculture and society (Continued from page 59) waters, and their importance for aquaculture and fisheries. ALCOM Field Document 24, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. UNDP Overcoming human poverty. United Nations Development Programme, New York, USA. Van der Mheen, H.W. and B.A. Haight, editors Report of the technical consultation on species for small reservoir fisheries and aquaculture in Southern Africa. AL- COM Report 19. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Van der Mheen, H Report of the technical consultation on extension methods for smallholder fish farming in southern Africa. ALCOM Report 21. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy. Winkelmann, D.L CGIAR Activities and goals: tracing the connections. Issues in Agriculture. The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, World Bank, Washington, DC, USA. Williams, M.J Aquaculture and sustainable food security in the developing world. Pages In J.E. Bardach, editor. Sustainable Aquaculture. John Wiley & Sons, New York. World Bank Malawi: human resources and poverty. Report MAI. Southern Africa Department, World Bank, Washington, D.C. World Bank Entering the 21 st century: world development report 1999/2000. Oxford University Press, New York, USA. WRI/IIED World resources : a report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). Basic Books Inc., New York, USA. with sustainable aquaculture production (Queiroz et al. 2002). Acknowledgements We thank Eduardo A. Ono at CPAQ/ INPA and Levy C. Gomes at Embrapa/ Amazonia Ocidental for reviewing the manuscript. For help in supplying some of the photos we thank Mr. Jomar Carvalho chief-editor of Panorama da Aqüicultura magazine. Notes 1 Members of the National Organizing Committee (NOC) of The World Aquaculture Conference WAS Rodrigo Roubach, Ph.D. is currently The Department Head of The Aquaculture Department at the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia/INPA, C.P. 478, Manaus, AM, , Brazil. roubach@inpa.gov.br. 3 Eudes S. Correia, Dr. Professor at Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Fisheries Department, Campus Universitário - Dois Irmãos, , Recife, PE, Brazil. ecorreia@ufrpe.br. 4 Prof. Sergio F. Zaiden, Dr. Head of the Biology Department at Fundação do Ensino Superior de Rio Verde FESURV, Rio Verde, GO, PO Box 104, E- mail: sfzaiden@hotmail.com. 5 Ricardo C. Martino, Dr. Researcher. Head of the Unidade de Tecnologia do Pescado of Fundação Instituto de Pesca do Estado do Rio de Janeiro-FIPERJ, Guaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, , Brazil, rmartino.rlk@terra.com.br. 6 Ronaldo O. Cavalli, PhD, Professor at FURG - Oceanography Department, Marine Aquaculture Station, C. P. 474, Rio Grande, RS, , Brazil. Cavalli@mikrus.com.br. References Araujo-Lima, C.A.R.M. and M. Goulding So fruitful a fish. Ecology, conservation, and aquaculture of the Amazon s tambaqui, Columbia University Press, New York, New York, USA p. Cavero, B.A.S., R. Roubach, M. Pereira-Filho, D. R. Ituassú, R. Crescêncio and A. L. Gandra Potential for cage culture of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) in the Amazon region. Global Aquaculture Advocate, 5: 59-60, 01 Oct. Chao, N.L., P. Petry, G. Prang, L. Sonneschien and M. 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