Syria Announces New Plans for Sustainable Fish Farming Development

The General Authority for Fish Wealth and Aquatic Life, part of Syria’s Ministry of Agriculture, has unveiled a series of new measures aimed at enhancing the fish farming sector. These initiatives focus on expanding fish farms across various provinces while providing technical and advisory support to farmers. The ultimate goal is to increase production and achieve sustainable development.

New Policies to Enhance the Fish Sector

Eiad Khadro, the General Director of the Authority, emphasized that the organization is developing comprehensive policies that cover several key areas. These include issuing licenses and overseeing the establishment of fish farms. The policies also aim to provide technical support and guidance to farmers, as well as monitor production quality to ensure compliance with environmental and health standards.

Technical Support and Infrastructure Development

Khadro explained that the Authority plays a crucial role in advancing fish farming projects by improving farm infrastructure. This includes training farmers in modern breeding techniques and promoting the use of effective feeding strategies and water management. Additionally, the Authority supplies high-quality fingerlings and offers consultations on selecting species that suit local environments and market demands.

Expansion Plans for the Future

Future plans include increasing the number of fish farms and the area of invested water bodies. The focus will be on high-yield species that can adapt to environmental conditions. The Authority encourages small and medium-sized projects and aims to expand integrated farming systems that combine agriculture with fish and poultry farming.

Health Monitoring and Strict Oversight

The Authority regularly monitors water quality and the health status of farms by measuring various factors, including temperature, oxygen levels, and pH. It also tracks fish growth and identifies diseases and parasites, taking necessary treatment actions to ensure production health.

Reducing Production Costs and Addressing Challenges

The Authority promotes the use of alternative and plant-based feeds to lower costs and improve growth rates. However, it faces several challenges, including limited water resources, rising feed costs, and fish diseases. The Authority is actively working to address these issues by enhancing water management and strengthening prevention and treatment programs.

Current Fish Production Statistics

Since the beginning of the year until the end of March, Syria’s fish production reached approximately 30,400 tons. This total includes 3,500 tons from marine fishing, 400 tons from marine farms, 10,500 tons from freshwater sources, 21 tons from government freshwater farms, and 16,000 tons from private sector farms.

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This article first appeared on Yemen TV.

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