The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will launch Aqua-Kapihan 2010 Sunday in cooperation with AANI or Agri-Aqua Network International.

The event, which is open free to the public, will start at 8 a.m. at the AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

BFAR Assistant Director Gil Adora will present the Philippine roadmap of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. On the other hand, Nicomedes Eleazar of the Bureau of Agricultural Research will talk on the challenges of climate change in the fisheries and aquaculture sector while Rogelio D. Amatorio, national president of a fishermen’s organization will talk on behalf of his members.

Other invited speakers are Phillip Ong of Santeh Feeds who will discuss domestic fish trading and the global fish market; and Ike Macadangdang who sill talk on the status of organic aquaculture and its value-added business opportunities. Jojo Baldia will moderate the open forum.

The Aqua-Kapihan will be a monthly forum to be held every second Sunday of the month. Timely topics will be discussed by experts with the end in view of promoting sustainable practices in fish farming.

AANI, the major partner of BFAR in this endeavor, has been conducting technology transfer seminars for more than 10 years now. It also pioneered in the development of weekend markets where producers can sell their harvests at most reasonable prices. AANI is the operator of the weekend market at the FTI behind Sunshine Mall.

Agri-Aqua Network International also operates the AANI Urban Farm in Antipolo City where it employs organic farming practices in producing high-value vegetables and fruits. It has also set up a mushroom laboratory in cooperation with Teddy Laurie to produce fruiting bags for sale to the public as well as to produce mushrooms for the market.