Benefits of small-scale aquaculture comparing to industrial production

In addition to its economic viability, small-scale aquaculture is usually more environmentally friendly compared to industrial production systems based on industrialized feeds. Fish feed usually includes a certain ratio of fishmeal and fish oil and these ingredients are produced mainly from small pelagic fish from capture fisheries, which put an additional burden on the marine environment. It also affects the food insecure population because small pelagic fish are highly nutritious and help to combat food and nutrition insecurity directly. Fish feed also includes agricultural products like corn and soya, thus competing with food production for human consumption. Despite the negative externalities on ocean biodiversity, research has also shown that intensive aquaculture systems contribute more to global warming through automated processes and high demand for production inputs. Additionally, these systems cause habitat destruction and introduce alien species, which further affect the indigenous biodiversity. In contrast, extensive and semi-intensive small-scale aquacultures requires little external inputs and have less environmental impact. For this reason, GP Fish supports small-scale aquaculture farming of omnivorous fish species such as Carp and Tilapia. The aim is to empower producers technically and economically by optimizing pond productivity and integrating fish production into agriculture activities. This approach uses the natural environment sustainably to promote fish production.

Support and Incentives

This block focuses on the support and incentive structure for participants. It includes providing seedlings, technical advice, and capacity-building. Payments are performance-based, tied to tree survival and the presence of indigenous and long-rotation species, encouraging long-term forest establishment.

  • Technical Support: Seedlings and expert advice on forest establishment.
  • Performance-Based Payments: Incentives based on tree survival, promoting ongoing care.
  • Capacity Building: Training to enhance tree-planting and maintenance skills.
  • Incentives Motivate Care: Linking payments to tree survival encourages better tree management.
  • Technical Support is Essential: Providing seedlings and expert guidance and regular supervision improves survival rates.
  • Capacity Building Empowers Farmers: Training in sustainable forestry practices leads to successful forest maintenance.

 

 

Action Response Plan

Sensor alert system will be activated after sensor installation and software platform development phase till the end of data collection phase. A trial-based action response plan for each type of sensor is listed below. For long run, an action response plan will be developed through fine tuning after the completion of review and evaluation of IoT system phase. 

 

Scenarios (Trigger level) <Action Response>

A. Water level too high/ too low (The initial limit of high/low water level will be set with reference to the optimal levels set in the Mai Po Management Plan)  <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm the water level is out of range. 3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm and arrange adjustment of water level back to optimal range. 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm.>

B. Water quality out of range (Alerts will be set based on the normal range from past water quality data in Mai Po Nature Reserve) <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm the water quality is out of range.  3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm and decide if water exchange shall be performed for the sensor at Gei wai #12 For the sensor near Northern hide, record need to be kept and informed to relevant parties if necessary. 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm.> 

C. Buffalo out of fence (Tracker out of geofence) <1. Staff may decide if field check is needed and whether action shall follow. Normally, field check would be arranged. 2. Perform site check to confirm buffalo is out of fence. 3. If yes, mark the alert as true alarm. Followed by tracking of the buffalo with the assistance of AFCD Cattle Team and identification of reason of escape 4. If no, mark the alert as false alarm>

Insight Gained from the IoT System

Waterbirds’ sensitivity to water level : Correlation between water level and waterbird usage at the major high-tide roosting site (gei wai #16/17) was evaluated. Based on the available shorebird count data, all shorebirds seem to avoid using gei wai #16/17 when the water level is above 1.65m. 

Effectiveness of water exchange: For the water quality sensor at gei wai, results showed no significant difference in pH, dissolved oxygen level, temperature, chlorophyll-a and salinity before and after water exchange. (Based on the 6-month data during the reporting period in which twelve times of water exchange were performed)

Area use pattern of buffalo: The tracking data suggests that the buffaloes have contributed to vegetation control during the reporting period. Consequently, since the vegetation has been kept in acceptable height, it is concluded that no further habitat management efforts are required at this time. (Based on the 6-month tracking data collected from 1st December 2023 to 31st May 2024)

Building Cross sectoral Partnerships

Hack The Planet acknowledge that our partnerships allow us to combine strengths, resources, and expertise, amplifying the impact and fostering innovative solutions. Collaborating creates shared value and builds networks, enabling mutual growth and sustainability.

Scanneredge is a collaboration with Tech for Conservation organisation Smartparks, Management of national parks like Gonarezhou - Zimbabwe, park technicians, rangers(QRU) and the local community. Through this cross-sector partnership, we have demonstrated that ScannerEdge is ready for broader deployment, increasing the number of active national parks and total scanners in use.

To establish a successful cross-sector partnership, it is essential to clearly define each partner's role and level of involvement from the outset. Ensuring local ownership of the solution is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and impact.

Purpose: To align resources, expertise, and strategic goals across different sectors for effective implementation and operational success.

How it Works: Partnerships are built through workshops, shared missions, and transparent agreements outlining roles and responsibilities. Regular evaluations ensure partnerships remain productive.

Scanneredge offers a plug&play innovation offering a quick installation that can be monitor the area for signs of potential poachers immediately after installation. 

The true success depends on the internal Rangers Quick Response Unit's ability to act swiftly and effectively on the real-time data provided. The unit must remain on constant standby, equipped with reliable transportation, and prepared to respond on poaching activity.

Building trust among stakeholders takes time but is essential for long-term collaboration.

Cross-sectoral partnerships increase funding opportunities and knowledge sharing, enhancing the overall impact.

Quick Response Unit acting on suspicious threats based on real-time data

Leveraging real-time alerts from ScannerEdge, a response unit can quickly assess and mitigate potential threats, such as poaching or other illegal activities.

Purpose: To translate RF signal detection into actionable insights that trigger swift response actions in the field.

How it Works: Alerts are routed to dedicated response teams equipped to investigate and intervene. ScannerEdge’s GPS functionality and integration into EarthRanger aids in pinpointing signal sources for precise action.

Response protocols must be clearly defined to avoid delays in decision-making.

Collaboration with local enforcement agencies enhances the effectiveness of rapid response teams.

Real-time response is more effective when combined with predictive analytics based on historical ScannerEdge data.

Committee establishment, formalization and operationalization

Inclusive and participatory mapping of all stakeholders in the mangrove space in the five counties of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu. A series of meetings for sensitization on the National Mangrove Management Plan, and later facilitated formation of the national and five county committees. The committees were then facilitated in developing their workplans and executing some of the activities. This has since been picked up. 

Partnership and collaboration.

Inclusive processes

Willingness and trust amongst partners 

Debriefing

The debriefing occurs both during and after the game. Brief debriefs can take place after each session to gauge participants’ feelings about the game at individual and territorial levels. These are kept light to maintain the game’s flow.

Once the game is over, a more in-depth debriefing can take place. It doesn’t necessarily have to happen immediately after the game; it could be scheduled for the following day. Some preparation is required for this discussion. The facilitator should bring a list of prepared questions and a printed map of the territory. During this debriefing, participants will identify the challenges they faced regarding land use, as well as the causes of those challenges. Key actors needed for resolution and potential solution ideas will also be discussed. The map serves as a visual aid to guide the discussion. Some basic questions that could be asked include:

  • What happened during the game? How much, how quickly, and why did the soil degrade?
  • What were the main conflicts that arose during the game? Between which actors?
  • Did you find any solutions?
  • Did you try to implement them? What was the outcome?

Of course, the questions can be more specific and adapted to the participants and the situations that arose during the game. 

-A trained moderator that also facilitated the game of the debate participants

-open atmosphere

-prepared questions and material (such as maps) for the debate

-knowledge of the facilitator in land use planning and risk management

A structured approach—categorizing conflicts, problems, causes, and solutions— can help to break down the situation and identify solutions more effectively. For exemple, during the debriefing, different types of conflicts could be identified, such as agro-pastoral conflicts or disputes between farmers. For each type of conflict, various problems may be identified. In the case of an agro-pastoral conflict, one of the problems could be the dispersion of cattle, leading to the destruction of crops. For each problem, potential causes can be identified. Continuing with our example, one cause might be that the herd is not well managed. Finally, for each cause, ideas for resolving the conflict and identifying key actors should be proposed. 

Module 5: Community Awareness and Early Warning Promotion

Early warning messages are primarily distributed through channels such as the early warning app, intelligent broadcasting, phone calls, and SMS. Among these, the early warning app is the most widely used method, covering the largest population. Monitoring personnel can also share messages from the app to WeChat groups or personal networks, enabling multiple rounds of dissemination and further extending the reach of early warnings. Expanding the user base of the early warning app is therefore critical. To maximize coverage among residents in elephant-affected areas, the monitoring teams have conducted in-village promotional campaigns to encourage app adoption. As of now, the early warning app has been downloaded by 246,661 users.

  1. Safety Awareness Among Residents: The strong demand from residents in elephant-affected areas to ensure their safety has driven engagement with the early warning system.
  2. Community-Friendly Outreach: Monitoring teams conduct in-person visits to villages and households, fostering trust through approachable and relatable communication.
  1.  Continuous Training: Regular training sessions are essential, particularly for transient populations and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities.
  2. Impact of Targeted Warnings: Precise delivery of early warning messages via phone calls and SMS has significantly influenced community residents’ ability to take timely protective actions.
Modular Drone Technology

Our modular drones are designed for accessibility, adaptability, and sustainability. Initially crafted using wooden components with fewer than six screws and zip ties, they are simple to assemble, repair, and replicate using local materials, empowering communities to lead restoration projects independently.

As we’ve advanced, we’ve integrated hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, enhancing flight endurance, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. These innovations enable drones to cover larger areas and operate in remote environments while reducing their carbon footprint.

The modular design ensures flexibility for continuous adaptation, allowing communities to upgrade drones with tools like cameras or sensors for monitoring. This approach combines simplicity and cutting-edge innovation, bridging grassroots empowerment with scalable, impactful environmental restoration.

Results

Under the application of the trap for intermittent harvest, the best results were achieved with the following combination of variables: maize bran (supplementary feed) x maize bran (trap bait) x O. Shiranus (species) x 2 fish/m2 (stocking density).

The total yields under this combination were 25 percent higher than in the control group with single batch harvest. A higher stocking density (3 fish/ m2) led to a slightly higher total harvest in the control group, but to a lower net profit. The use of pellets reinforced both effects and was the least economical.

Results from the on-farm trials (see Figure 1) have demonstrated the functionality and the excellent catch effect of the traps. Over the three-month on-farm trial period, the trap was used 2 to 3 times a week and a total of 27 times. On average, around 120 small fish – an equivalent of 820 grams – were caught each intermittent harvest. With the use of the trap, all households reported that they now eat fish twice a week. Before that, fish consumption was between one and four times a month.

The benefits:

  • Reducing the competition for oxygen and food among the fish in the pond and thus measurable increase in yield.
  • Improved household consumption of small, nutritious fish and better cash flow.

Success factors:

  • Traps are easy and inexpensive to build (USD 3).
  • Traps are easy to use, also for women.
  • Directly tangible added value thanks to easy and regular access to fish.

 

Examples from the field

Overall, the user experience of households engaged in the on-farm trials was very positive:

As a family we are now able to eat fish twice and sometimes even three times a week as compared to the previous months without the technology when we ate fish only once per month.” (Doud Milambe)

Catching fish is so simple using the fish trap and even women and children can use it.” (Jacqueline Jarasi)

It is fast and effective compared with the hook and line method which I used to catch fish for home consumption that could take three to four hours but to catch only three fish and thus not enough for my household size.” (Hassan Jarasi)