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>> Download PDF of this Press Release September 15, 2007 The National Aquaculture Association of Guyana Is Represented at the Tilapia Conference and GEORGETOWN – The National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) and the Ministry of Agriculture was recently represented at the Tilapia 2007 Conference and Trade Show and the Fourth Meeting of the Tilapia Aquaculture Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. NAAG attended the conference to get the latest information on the research, technology, industry developments, and market trends related to Tilapia and aquaculture. While there, NAAG also reported on recent developments within aquaculture and the raising of Tilapia in Guyana. The Tilapia 2007 Conference and Trade Show showcased a good selection of recent trends and developments in areas of the global Tilapia industry, including production and processing, markets and marketing, and technological developments. Approximately 400 delegates from industry, government, academia, as well as potential investors and marketers attended. NAAG reports that the conference was an ideal opportunity for Guyana to acquire additional technical expertise, gain firsthand knowledge of the global Tilapia business, form links and partnerships with relevant individuals and companies, and to promote Guyana’s emerging aquaculture sector. NAAG was also pleased to note that the research results and technical decisions taken at Guyana’s Mon Repos Aquaculture Station have been corroborated by relevant research in other parts of the world, including in pond management, use of YY (Super) Male Tilapias, and market-led strategies. The Tilapia Aquaculture Dialogue (TAD), which immediately followed the Tilapia Conference, was a meeting between stakeholders from around the world seeking to develop environmental and social performance levels that reduce or eliminate key negative impacts of tilapia farming, address food safety and human health concerns as they relate to tilapia culture, processing, distribution and labeling and recommend standards that achieve these performance levels while permitting the tilapia farming industry to remain economically viable. Those participating in the TAD standards will have an advantage over their competitors, as they will be demonstrating greater social responsibility, which will translate into an “Eco-Label” that will have a marketing advantage. At TAD, NAAG presented a paper that outlined Guyana’s interest in participating in all processes set out by the TAD. Dr. Aaron McNevin, the World Wildlife Fund Process Manager of the TAD, stated that, “Guyana’s participation is much appreciated, given the emerging nature of aquaculture in Guyana. It is always better to begin commercial aquaculture in the correct way, rather than trying to change an established industry.” Discussions were also held with scientists, researchers, marketers, industry suppliers, and key Tilapia producers in the Americas who can provide valuable assistance in establishing Guyana as a prime location for aquaculture while helping to further developing the sector. With support provided by United States Agency for International Development / Guyana Trade and Investment Support project, NAAG is a member of the American Tilapia Association and the World Aquaculture Society. USAID provides assistance to private sector firms and organizations and government institutions to assist Guyana to become more competitive and develop export market opportunities.
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