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Online training portal for fish farmers
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Ioannis Zabetakis Fish and Inflammation
e are what we eat. Our food is also what it eats. In other words, if fish are fed better aquafeeds, then we can improve the nutritional value of the final fish product, maximise the added value of the final produce and expand nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications of fish, fish products and marine oils. Working towards the improvement of the nutritional value of aquafeeds and fish, we would need to focus on the bioactivities of fish components against inflammation. Fish have a great positive impact on all chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Linking fish consumption to CVDs was first established through the seven-country study and today we know that fish components have strong cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The Journal Fishes published by MDPI is going to publish a special issue titled “Fish and Inflammation”. In this Special Issue, we would like to present the latest research on fish consumption and its impact on inflammation-related chronic diseases in humans, e.g., CVDs. In vitro and ex vivo studies are equally welcome. We would be pleased to solicit manuscripts pertaining to original research, mini and full reviews, short communications, as well as perspectives, which address any aspect of fish, CVDs and inflammation. Submissions are invited that include, but are not limited to: Fish diet and its impact on the nutritional value of fish; Fish intake and development of CVDs; Specific fish components (e.g., polar lipids, omega-3 fatty acids) and their anti-inflammatory properties; Bioactive compounds from the seafood chain. The Guest Editors are Professor Jana Pickova and Dr Ioannis Zabetakis. Further research on the topic of “Fish and Inflammation” would provide the aquaculture industry with the necessary data and tools to formulate novel health claims of fish against CVDs. Fish deserves a better place in the food pyramids around the world; not only because it is a nutritional food but it can a medicine for life! Moderate fish consumption (2-3 portions per week), as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, can provide an anti-inflammatory shield. In this way, fish can protect us from developing CVDs without the need to consume any medicines at all (e.g. statins). Further reading Special Issue “Fish and Inflammation” http://www.mdpi.com/journal/fishes/special_issues/Fish_and_ Inflammation Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2018.
e: ioannis.zabetakis@ul.ie
@yanzabet
Currently working on Food Lipids at the University of Limerick, Ireland, focusing on feeds, food and nutraceuticals against inflammation, Ioannis is a co-inventor in two patents, has edited a book on marine oils, and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles (h-index 19). He is currently writing a book on "The Impact of Nutrition and Statins on Cardiovascular Diseases" for Elsevier.
arm Africa has launched a one-of-akind online training platform focused on fish farming. The training website, which was developed as part of Farm Africa’s Dutch-funded Kenya Marketled Aquaculture Programme (KMAP), helps fish farmers, traders, fingerling producers, feed manufacturers and other stakeholders across the aquaculture value chain develop the technical and business skills needed to setting up a successful fish farming business. The website includes four training modules that offer detailed guidance on four subjects: pond construction, pond stocking, fish health management, and fish harvesting and transportation to market. The site offers a multiple-choice exam in each module. Upon successful completion of all four exams, participants will be able to print certificates of completion and also have the training material at their disposal for future reference. Arnoud Meijberg, the KMAP Team Leader commented, “By equipping key aquaculture players with skills and providing market linkages with private sector markets, KMAP is ensuring sustainable growth of their businesses. We have so far witnessed an increase in production and productivity of medium- to large-scale fish farmers, hatcheries and fish feed producers. By introducing the online training portal, Farm Africa will ensure a wider reach of our training material to farmers across the geographical divide in Kenya and beyond.” Launched two years ago, KMAP has so far recruited over 1000 farmers, 400 of whom have undergone training on good aquaculture practices. Noteworthy change has been observed with the trained farmers adopting the skills and technologies disseminated by KMAP, understanding their production costs and calculating the returns on their investment. Evans Nyabuto, a farmer in Nyamira County remarked, “I have shifted from subsistence to commercial fish farming since undergoing training. I was getting meagre profits from my venture before but since KMAP came on board, I learnt about proper feeding using quality feeds and I’m certain that I will be in for a bountiful harvest and improved sales.” Farm Africa tackles poverty in rural Africa head on by working with small-scale farmers, government and the private sector across eastern Africa to boost food production, helping farmers grow more, sell more and sell for more, while protecting the environment for years to come.
8 | March 2018 - International Aquafeed