working with small-scale shrimp farmers at FINCAMAR, Cristo Rey and Agropesca to promote and implement good management practices GMPs in shrimp culture—practices that help
prevent environmental problems and increase production efficiency. Ecotourism efforts at Padre Ramos have advanced well, with all studies and trainings completed.
This includes identification of aquatic and terrestrial tourist trails, trail development, training of local guides, training in food service and customer services and publication of a brochure of
attractions and tourist routes. Community members are beginning to practice tourism and UCA is supporting by assisting with marketing and liaising with tourist operators and potential clients.
4.2 Report Period Accomplishments January 1 – June 30, 2007
4.2.1 Promotion of Sustainable, Low-tech, Mariculture Practices Appropriate in the
Central American Region as Diversified Livelihood Options for Coastal Communities
Continue implementation of best management practices BMPs to improve environmental sustainability and operational efficiency
Good Management Practices GMPs Implementation of best management practices BMPs for shrimp culture continued with
extension visits to shrimp producers of FINCAMAR and AGROPESCA as well as visits to another farm in Padre Ramos, Cristo Rey, in coordination with another funder’s program.
Recommended BMPs include the proper use of field equipment, maintenance of production records, monitoring of water quality, improvement of survival and growth rates, and management
of feed and fertilization. These practices simultaneously improve production, reduce costs and mitigate potential environmental impacts. One farm whose pump broke faced a decision—
complete the production cycle and risk losing most of the crop from insufficient water supply, or as recommended by UCA, sell the shrimp for bait. The farmers chose the latter and harvested and
sold 8,000 pounds as bait. All three farms have now stocked and begun a new production cycle. Overall, achievements to date are significant. For the first time, there are improved yields,
reduced costs and consistent monitoring of water quality. Findings from this work will be used to analyze the effects of implementation of BMPs.
Policy For years, UCA has worked with the Nicaraguan Association of Aquaculturists ANDA. More
recently this has included working with the government to develop a national code of practice for responsible aquaculture. During this reporting period, the National Government approved the
code, making it part of the Nicaraguan legal framework. This approval is a major step in moving the shrimp industry and a major national export commodity further along the spectrum of
sustainability. Once officially published by the government, UCA will help disseminate the information in and assist producers in compliance with the code.
4.2.2 Technical Support for Alternative Livelihoods
