
In Papua New Guinea, aquaculture is an important source of protein for the rural majority of the population, contributing food security and income generation. Pond water quality is influenced by the soils in which aquaculture ponds are built, yet very little is known about soil limitations for freshwater pond aquaculture in PNG.
My project involves characterising soils and soil interactions with phosphorus so that water quality and pond productivity can be enhanced. I aim to develop pond management strategies to minimise cost of fertilisers and feeding, enhance natural feeding and ultimately increase pond yield and profitability for farmers.
Pond-based production of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) and European Carp is rapidly expanding in the rural areas of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the point that there are approximately 50,000 farms.
Throughout the Asia-Pacific, aquaculture has been promoted as a means of improving income and food security for rural communities.
The project will develop site selection criteria and improve farming methods to enable farmers in the inland areas of PNG to sustainably farm fish for income and food security.