AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGIES OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS — Department of Agriculture SBIR Phase II: 8.12

Description

The goal of "Fish & Feeds: Creating a Sustainable Model of Agriculture in the Marshall Islands" isto develop locally sourced fish feeds and produce fish in the Republic of Marshall Islands whichimports 90% of its food. This project will address food insecurity and improve sustainability andprofitability of small and mid-sized farms while supporting environmental stewardship by utilizingby-products/by-catch and agricultural waste. The by-products and waste from one sector of thefarm will act as inputs/resources for another which would allow for more efficient and sustainablefood production in a limited resource environment.ATMI will refine the composition and pelletazation of the feeds (dry and semi-moist) test semi- moist and dry versions against the previously developed diet in order to improve its impact ongrowth performance of Moi; conduct density trials in order to establish the most optimal density forcommercial grow-out; and train a local aquaculture workforce.At the end of Phase II the project expects to have two commercially-viable products fordistribution and sale - fish and feeds. The project plans to sell fish and feeds locally and throughoutthe Pacific.Local availability of fish feeds will increase fish production and demand for other agriculturalinputs. It will ultimately boost aqua and agricultural farms by developing a local production systemnot so closely tied to shipment cost fluctuation availability of resources from other countries andnatural and man-made disasters. Connecting farmers and boosting local production is one way forthe RMI to achieve self-sufficiency and enhance food security.