MARINVEST
Marine Investment for Future Prosperity

Co-ordinator: AquaTT
Start: July 2004
Duration: 24 months
Funding: 60% Asia Pro Eco Programme

This initiative finished in July 2006.

Two MARINVEST seminars took place in Beijing on the 30th May 2005 and was repeated in Qingdao on the 1st June 2005. To view the agenda and presentations from the Beijing seminar click on Marinvest Seminar

Project Summary:

As a Technology Partnership, MARINVEST aims to transfer the technology of environmental monitoring to promote socio-economic progress and environmental improvements in the aquaculture sector in the Shandong region of China. The thrust of the project is to assist public authorities with the establishment of a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme, and train the workforce on implementation practices, to improve the quality and safety of shellfish through activities such as designing and implementing Harvesting Area Classification, generating a marine biotoxin monitoring regime, developing a network of depuration facilities, and designing a traceability system. Without these elements in place, exporting shellfish to the EU will be an unattainable objective. These will form the essential foundation for the industry in the Shandong Province and will ultimately serve as the model for other regions in China.

Project Partners:

AquaTT (Ireland)
Scotland Asia Training Association (UK)
Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute (China)
Qingdao Association for International Science and Technology Co-operation (China)

A group photo from the 1st partner meeting hosted by the Yellow Sea Fisheries Institute, Qingdao, China, August 2004

Overall Objectives of Project:
In line with the Asia Pro Eco Programme objectives, MARINVEST's overall objectives are:
1. To improve environmental quality (a cleaner Asia, including a positive influence on global change and health conditions);
2.To foster long term sustainable investment and trade between EU and Asia;
3.To build capacity for technology transfer.

Specific Objectives of Project
a) To assess the current situation in the region with regards to monitoring, water quality and policy. To compare it to international equivalents and then to evaluate what is required to improve the environment and meet internationally recognised standards for monitoring and reporting.

b) To improve the monitoring and management of the marine environment by training the competent authorities about monitoring systems and techniques including
- Assessing Water quality and safety (pollutants, faecal coliforms, viruses etc)
- Implementation of Harvesting Area Classification systems (on the basis of E. coli measurements), reflecting EU criteria and analytical techniques;
- Implementation of a marine biotoxin/Harmful Algal Blooms monitoring regime

c) Contribute to the development and implementation of government policies to improve the marine environment. The target region has legislation in place but it is not being enforced or the situation monitored. A major part of this project will be making decision makers aware of the needs and benefits of enforcing their legislation.

d) Contribute to the production of seafood of a high standard by contributing to the improvement of the environment and setting up systems which ensure the quality of seafood produced (Depuration centres, traceability systems) thus ensuring consumer protection and increased export potential.

e) Contribute to improved living and working conditions for the local communities

f) Contribute to the improved training infrastructure and expertise ensuring sustainability for the initiatives