Dr. John Woiwode, Fisheries Scientist, chronicles his latest volunteer assignment in Bangladesh

“I returned to Bangladesh [as a volunteer] this December to address a critical problem for the country: the exhaustive use of groundwater for fish hatcheries. The hatchery industry has evolved in very concentrated areas of Bangladesh, and their water requirements are massive: a typical hatchery uses up to 1500 liter per minute during peak spawning/production cycles. In the area around Jessore, for example, there are 44 such hatcheries. The water table was dropping dramatically. WorldFish, a worldwide non-profit with a large presence in Bangladesh, was my partner in this endeavor.

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Winrock is pleased to be sending volunteers to Burma (also known as Myanmar) through our USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program. Recently, F2F volunteers Mike Frinsko and John Woiwode worked with shrimp hatcheries and fish processing plants to help increase production, improve quality, and increase sales. True to the spirit of F2F, the trainings were hands-on and engaging for the eager-to-learn participants. Here are some photos of John, Mike, and trainees in action:

Dr. John Woiwode demonstrates improved techniques to prepare tilapia fillets

Volunteer, Mike Frinsko, and hatchery staff collect prawn larvae for health screening

Hatchery technician conducts water quality measures

Hatchery technicians participate in training on new methods of brine shrimp production

Mike says, “Personally, this was an excellent cultural experience. Having worked in development projects previously, this one rates at the top.”

Here are some other photos of beautiful Burma, taken by Mike:

Dr. Harvey Pine recently completed a volunteer assignment in Nigeria, where he worked with a private aquaculture enterprise to improve the quality of their fish brood stock. Dr. Pine’s trainees were thrilled to recieve his support.

“We have been making too many mistakes and wasting money unnecessarily; thank God for USAID/Winrock Farmer-to-Farmer Program and Dr. Harvey Pine. We have learned a lot from Dr. Pine and shall implement his recommendations. His participatory approach has built our confidence. We shall always keep in touch with him.”

Thanks, Dr. Pine!!