The Organizing Committee of the Workshop “STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINICAN AQUACULTURE 2010-2015″ has reported that its plans are well advanced. Institutions and public and private agencies linked to national and international production and marketing of fish, shrimp and other seafood in our country have been invited to participate in this important event.

The workshop will be held on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 March in the Conference Room of the Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Research (IDIAF), whose Executive Director, Dr. Rafael Perez Duvergé, has expressed the commitment of this institution to strengthen the development of aquaculture through efforts for training, research and evaluation and technology transfer.

The Organizing Committee is composed of a representative from each of the following institutions and agencies: IDIAF, CONAPROPE, ADOA, CODOPESCA, FAO-RD, University ISA and the TAIWAN Mission.

This unique event will bring together more than 45 professionals from government institutions, local and international universities, international cooperation agencies, consultants, importers and exporters, in hotel and restaurants, supermarkets, congressmen and producers, who will debate the way forward for the next five years, and update the 2007 Plan.

Kentucky State University (KSU) has confirmed the participation of Dr. James Tidwell, Director of the Department of Aquaculture and past president of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS).  He will give a lecture on global aquaculture and strategies for success.  Also Dr. Darryl Jory, a professional with the American Soybean Society (ASA-IM) will give a lecture.  ASA-IM has concluded support arrangements for 2010 with the Dominican Association of aquaculturists, Inc. (ADOA).  

Agriculture Minister Salvador Jimenez is scheduled to give the keynote address, and a paper will be presented by the Deputy Minister of Planning.

Dr. David Stillman, Executive Director of the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF), will also participate.  PPAF is linked to the United Nations.  Since 2007 PPAF has supported numerous events and activities of  ADOA and the aquaculture sub-sector in the Dominican Republic.  Through the efforts of PPAF, Mr. Aurelio Monreal will make a presentation on alternative energy use in aquaculture.

Discussion and debate will begin in mid-afternoon the first day and continue on the final day of the event, concluding with the presentation of the draft new strategies for 2010-2015.