Message from Mahfuzuddin Ahmed
(Project Coordinator, ADB-RETA 5945, WorldFish Center)

On behalf of WorldFish Center, I would like to welcome you to the Fish Supply and Demand Project Webpage. The Project aims to assist developing member countries (DMCs) in (i) developing appropriate strategies for helping poor (often-landless) fisherfolk to escape poverty, and (ii) identifying appropriate fish species and technologies in aquaculture and fisheries management to increase fish production and improve the income and nutrition of poor fishers and fish farmers, and to protect the fisheries resources.

These can be achieved through the following activities:

• formulate strategies and an action plan for increasing fish production, improving nutrition and income, and protecting fisheries resources so as to benefit poor fish producers and low-income consumers;
• determine the most viable and sustainable aquaculture and fisheries practices (including prioritization of fish species, farming systems, fishing technologies, and management practice) that are of critical importance to poor fish farmers as fishers as well as low-income consumers;
• analyze and forecast fish production and consumption by fish species and income groups to evaluate the market potential for alternative fish products of poor farmers and fishers and to identify fisheries management options for increased participation by small-scale fishers; and
• strengthen the capacity of the DMC participating institutions in fisheries policy research in monitoring the impacts of changes in policy, technologies, and markets on poor households.

The Project is divided into five interrelated research components and will provide a number of outputs in the form of technical reports, training materials and manuals related to fishing practices, aquaculture technologies, policies, institutions and support services in fisheries and aquaculture and workshop proceedings for DMCs planners to improve fisheries policy decisions. The Project's objectives and activities can only be attained through collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary teams from the national, regional and international organizations.

We also encourage readers to submit their constructive suggestions to the Project Coordinator to better serve researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders working on related research areas.

Dr. Mahfuzuddin Ahmed
Project Coordinator
ADB-RETA 5945