1. Aquaculture & Climate Change
By Monte Depaune

2. Introduction
Nauru traditionally practiced extensive aquaculture method of milkfish (Ibiya).
Currently there are few people involved still involved in aquaculture for subsistence purposes.
There is a move to revive aquaculture of milkfish with the main aim of substituting importation of the product and creating an alternative livelihood.

3. Current Status of Aquaculture
Recommendations
Action Taken
Govt considers strengthening development of the aquaculture sector (i.e. brackishwater farming of milkfish) and looks at the possibility of mariculture of certain species, to expand options currently available from reef resources.
A review of the 5 Year Aquaculture Development Plan is being finalized.
The Nauru Aquaculture Holding Facility will be constructed this year and operational by the end of the year.

4. Projected Changes to Aquaculture

5. Food security
Culture brackishwater fish for food security is gaining momentum
‘Drivers’ are increasing populations and a decline in the coastal fisheries

6. Milkfish
Brackish ponds
Freshwater ponds
Cage culture

7. Milkfish Production
30 – 80 tonnes per year in intensive systems in Guam
5 – 15 tonnes per year in Kiribati
Four farms now operate in Palau
Capture-based culture trials underway in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga

8. Projections for milkfish
Increased temperatures will
extend the geographical range of spawners and season for fry collection
Result in faster growth rates
But some pond management problems

9. Pond management
Increased risk of stratification from higher temperatures causing de-oxygenation; pond aeration may be needed
Greater heat stress, and incidence of pathogens

10. Overall assessment
Milkfish aquaculture is likely to be favoured by climate change

11. Nile tilapia Semi-intensive culture in earthen ponds Lined ponds
Aquaponics
Red Tilapia – Cage Culture
Intensive
Recirculating
Intensive flow-through

12. Projections for Nile tilapia
Tilapia aquaculture has a low vulnerability and is expected benefit from warmer temperatures and higher rainfall

13. Pond management
Increased risk of stratification from higher temperatures causing de-oxygenation; pond aeration may be needed
Greater heat stress, and incidence of pathogens

14. Overall assessment
Nile tilapia aquaculture is likely to be favoured by climate change

15. Summary
Plans to increase future production and livelihoods from brackishwater aquaculture are national priorities
Brackishwater aquaculture should benefit from climate change