SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – From 12–14 March 2025, government personnel, experts, and researchers from across Southeast Asia convened to tackle key challenges in aquaculture and strengthen regional collaboration.

The commercial production of pompano in the Philippines may not be as big as that of tilapia or milkfish, but it is developing. And with development comes challenges. There are increasing reports of sea lice infecting pompano grown in fish cages.

A study, led by SEAFDEC/AQD Scientist Dr. Leobert de la Peña, demonstrated the efficacy of probiotics and a disinfectant against two of the deadliest shrimp diseases: acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and luminescent vibriosis.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) has partnered with SEAFDEC/AQD to train its extension workers and local fishers in marine fish farming from 24 to 28 February 2025.

Seven participants completed the International Training Course on Community-Based Freshwater Aquaculture for Remote Rural Areas in Southeast Asia, held at SEAFDEC/AQD’s Binangonan Freshwater Station on 13-27 November 2024.