Water and Energy for Food: A Grand Challenge for Development MENA Regional Innovation Hub: Request for Proposal (RFP)

Within the above context, the Berytech Foundation is seeking the assistance of a service provider to support “Alrakais Alhandasiyeh" (a supported Innovator by RIH MENA) in building their capacity in Fish Diseases and Hatchery.

Innovator Description – Alrakais Alhandasiyeh

The innovation relies on intensive fish farming combined with IoT technology that is used to reduce production costs and improve water quality. By converting ammonia into proteins that fish can consume, this system allows for a significant reduction in feed consumption by 25% while maintaining optimal water conditions. Additionally. This closed-loop or semi-closed loop system allows full control of the fishing environment and produces a high quantity with less space for farming (30-50) fish /m3. The innovator also aims to shift towards sustainable and renewable energy by making the whole system dependent on solar system. The company demonstrates strong potential for scalability and expansion. The company aims to expand the facility size, which will increase the production capacity fourfold, through the acquisition of additional equipment for several production lines

To ensure the scalability within the foreseen timeline, Alrakais Alhandasiyeh seeks to further improve their technical knowledge on Fish Diseases and Hatchery and how to optimize on that.

Scope of work 

Key Activities:

The service provider will design and deliver a comprehensive training and capacity-building program focused on fish diseases, hatchery management, and specific considerations for developing a hatchery in Iraq for Alrakais Alhandasiyeh. The program will cover the following key areas:

1. Formative assessment: conducting in-depth assessment of the technology that the business is using and intending to expand on in the future and the currently adapted practices. This assessment should guide the formulation of the whole training and capacity building package.

1. Common fish diseases; conducting in-depth training on the identification, prevention, and treatment of common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic diseases affecting fish in aquaculture systems, with a focus on diseases prevalent in Iraq.
2. Disease diagnostics: delivering hands-on training on diagnostic techniques, including sample collection, and feasible testing methods, to accurately identify fish diseases.
3. Biosecurity: implementation of strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens within the hatchery and grow-out facilities, tailored to the specific conditions and challenges in Iraq.
4. Quarantine protocols: development and implementation of effective quarantine protocols for new fish stocks to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks.
5. Vaccination strategies: design and implementation of vaccination programs to protect fish against specific diseases prevalent in Iraq.
6. Water quality management: consulting on the role of water quality in fish health and disease prevention, and strategies for maintaining optimal water conditions in hatcheries and grow-out systems, considering the specific water sources and quality issues in Iraq.
7. Hatchery design and operation: consulting on best practices for hatchery design, including layout, water treatment, and larval rearing systems, to optimize fish health and survival, with considerations for the climate and resources available in Iraq.
8. Broodstock management: selection, conditioning, and spawning of healthy broodstock to produce high-quality eggs and larvae, including various treatments needed for fish to increase egg production.
9. Larval rearing: consulting on techniques for optimal larval rearing, including feeding regimes with appropriate types and proportions of fodder for eggs, environmental control, and disease prevention strategies, considering the best practices for optimum conditions for larvae.
10. Record keeping: training on the importance of maintaining detailed records of fish health, disease outbreaks, treatments, and hatchery operations for effective disease management and traceability.
11. Carp diseases: giving general knowledge on carp diseases worldwide, including symptoms, diagnosis, prevention methods, and appropriate treatments to eliminate diseases.
12. Production capacity analysis: Identification and analysis of production capacity for the hatchery in Iraq, considering local market demand, resources, and infrastructure.
13. Egg mortality management: monitoring and control of egg mortality rates, implementing best practices to minimize losses.

ESG Considerations:  

Ensure all training material and tools are inclusive and address men and women equally. Ensure that the training material is written in a simple language to ensure that targeted women trainees would understand it. The training should consider environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. Key considerations include ensuring the training and capacity-building program promotes sustainable practices in fish disease management and hatchery operations. The assessment of current technologies and practices should highlight opportunities to reduce environmental impacts, such as minimizing chemical use and improving waste management. Emphasis on biosecurity and water quality management must align with sustainable practices that protect local water bodies from contamination. Additionally, the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, should be considered into hatchery design and operations to support the firm's goal of shifting towards sustainable energy. Finally, all protocols and guidelines developed should consider the local ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and reducing the ecological footprint of aquaculture activities in Iraq.

Main Deliverables

• Detailed Workplan
• Training program: a detailed training program outlining the topics covered, training methodology, schedule, and resources required.
• Training materials: comprehensive training materials, including presentations, handouts, case studies, practical exercises, diagnostic protocols, and information specific to fish diseases and hatchery management in Iraq.
• Biosecurity manual: a customized biosecurity manual for Alrakais Alhandasiyeh, outlining specific procedures and protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread, tailored to the Iraqi context.
• Hatchery management guidelines: detailed guidelines on hatchery design, operation, and management practices to optimize fish health and production, considering the specific conditions in Iraq.
• Disease outbreak response plan: a comprehensive plan outlining the steps to be taken in the event of a disease outbreak, including diagnostics, treatment, and containment measures.
• Production capacity analysis report: a detailed report on the identified and analyzed production capacity for the hatchery in Iraq.
• Egg mortality management protocols: Protocols and best practices for monitoring and controlling egg mortality rates.
• Follow-up support: ongoing support and consultation to address any questions or challenges that may arise after the training program.

Assumptions

1. This support shall be delivered over a period of 3 months from the contracting date.
2. Relevant WE4F innovator staff will be available to respond to questions and information requests from the support provided within a time frame that enables the project to meet on-time completion.
3. Alrakais Alhandasiyeh will provide all relevant information needed to establish the work including previous market studies and data collection.
4. The service provider must be available for regular meetings with possible need to site visits to Alrakais Alhandasiyeh office or work sites for hands-on context comprehension purposes and other relevant WE4F country teams for discussions and iterations of the drafted documents.