World Aquaculture December 2018

56 DECEMBER 2018 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WA S.ORG prawn hatchery constructed at Klay expended considerable resources with negligible benefits as local conditions were not adequately assessed. Our on-going Ponds for Peace approach illustrates that aquaculture development should occur within the context of what is achievable. As authorities, educators and guests we possess technical competency in aquaculture that must be complemented by good communication skills and cultural sensitivity to nurture personal interactions, mutual respect and project ownership by stakeholders. In Liberia, relationships have been forged with prospective growers, educators, managers, administrators and officials. A staggered, but dependable and persistent presence that employed cell phones and email to maintain relationships and facilitate training during absences over five years has moved aquaculture forward within the constraints of upcountry Liberia, where electricity is sporadic, relevant infrastructure lacking and trained personnel largely nonexistent. Aquaculture challenges and opportunities were collaboratively identified, leading toward increased aquaculture production and a growing number of Liberian aquaculturists. The ultimate goal is to expand this network and create a cadre of competent and confident Liberians who can train their fellow countrymen and women to pursue aquaculture consistent with the social, climatic and economic realities of upcountry Liberia. With the establishment of a vibrant and growing aquaculture industry, protein production, revenue generation and job opportunities will increase and the likelihood of a sustainable peace will be enhanced. On a more global scale, our Liberian experience provides relevant insights. Aquaculture training and production can be enhanced with creative and dedicated application of limited resources (Fig. 14). Proponents of aquaculture should appreciate that implementation and enhancement efforts need not require large monetary investment to generate impressive benefits. A growing cadre of “graying” aquaculturists with decades of experience exists. They do not require the financial support often needed by junior faculty and researchers who are establishing programs, supporting themselves and others and required to generate indirect costs. A significant opportunity exists to use aquaculture and aquaculturists as ambassadors that generate more than pond construction and fish production. The resultant social, economic and quality-of-life impacts can promote a sustainable peace and better future for people beyond Liberia. Acknowledgments Without the enthusiastic support and assistance provided by many individuals and institutions, Ponds for Peace could not have happened. Financial and logistic support was provided by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (Project ID 6321, 22 January 2015). Essential support was provided by United Methodist University of Liberia, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Liberia, and Salem State University. Students that participated in the Liberian experience (Thomas Pedulla, Nadine Budrow, Lawrence Gleekia and Mirna Portilla) and Liberians that assisted with sampling, construction, and supervision (Winston Guanu, Earnest Tokpah and Stanley Wehyee) made our efforts possible and successful. Notes Joseph K. Buttner, Department of Biology, Salem State University, Salem, MA USA 01970; jbuttner@salemstate.edu Gregory Carroll, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Salem State University, Salem, MA USA 01970; gcarroll@salemstate. edu Alan Shwedel, Secondary and Higher Education Department, Salem State University, Salem, MA USA 01970; ashwedele@salemstate. edu George Weagba, Vice President for Research and Development, United Methodist University, Ashmun St, Monrovia, Liberia; glgweagba2001@yahoo.com Priscilla Jaiah, Superintendent, Ganta Mission Station, P.O. Box 10- 1010, LAC-UMC, Ganta City, Nimba County, Liberia; pjaiah@ yahoo.com Roger Domah, Ganta Mission Station School, P.O. Box 10-1010, LAC-UMC, Ganta City, Nimba County, Liberia; daddyrog11@ yahoo.com ; Jerry Kulah, Dean, Gbarnga School of Theology, UMU, Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia; jerry.kulah@gmail.com Moses Yama, Dean, College of Agriculture, United Methodist University, P.O.Box 1010, Gbason Town, Sinoe County, Liberia; ; mosesmyama@gmail.com Zizi Kpadeh, Bureau National of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Free Port, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia; zak0004@ tigermail.auburn.edu George Weefa, Bureau of National Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Free Port, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia; georgesweefar@yahoo.com FIGURE 13. The Klay Hatchery produces tilapia and catfish in ponds. The red-roofed building in the upper left was constructed as a prawn hatchery and has never been used. Photo: Joe Buttner. FIGURE 14. Aquaculture activities in 2016 were made possible only through the assistance of many collaborators and with $19,100 from the Fulbright Program and U.S. State Department. Most expenditures were for travel.