• A study was conducted to investigate substrate preference of juvenile abalone with combination of sand, gravel, coralline rubbles and coral skeletons. Juveniles measuring 1.2-2.0 cm SL tended to go to seaweeds 8-35 hours after release, while those measuring 3.0-3.5 cm significantly preferred coral skeletons 2-77 hours after release.
• Effects of post-transport stress and period of acclimatization were investigated. Results showed 100% survival after an 8hr simulated transport, regardless of the size.  However, after 24 hr simulated transport, larger size juveniles showed a higher survival than smaller size juveniles.
• Effects of diet-tagging shells on survival in the presence of crab predators were investigated. There was no difference in crab predation between diet-tagged and untagged abalone.
• A site assessment was conducted in Carbin Reef. Reef benthic characteristics showed a wide area of broken (34% - 61%) and unbroken branching coral (9% - 23%). Sandy areas were 12% - 50%.

• Ten permanent transects were set up on the reef flat in Sagay Marine Reserve to determine the population structure of wild abalone.
• All abalone were regularly collected in each transect, SL measured, weighed and monitored and returned to the respective transect.
• Wild abalone were mostly found in transects rich in dead corals covered with epiphytic algae.
• Male to female ratio was 1:1.
• Almost 60% of both males and females have matured. Minimum size (shell length) of sexually matured males was 3.5 cm while 4.6 cm for females.

• SEAFDEC/AQD and the Municipal Government of Anini-y signed the memorandum of agreement to implement stock enhancement study of abalone.
• Interview on economic condition and lecture on stock enhancement were conducted in Anini-y.
• Available food sources for hatchery-bred abalone were surveyed at the release sites in advance. Various species of seaweeds (dominated by Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta) and seagrasses were found in the site.
• Juvenile abalone measuring 3.5-4.5 cm SL (n=5,800) were released in the coral areas of Nogas Island (Anini-y) (water depth: 0.6 – 3.0 m during low tide).
• For sampling after the release, 8 x 50-m transects were laid parallel to the shoreline. A 4 x 2-m quadrat was laid along the transect line covering a total sampled area of 1,600 m2.
• Of the total  5,800 juveniles released, only 1 live abalone was recaptured during the survey (0.0172% of the total released stocks).
• Empty shells of both wild and hatchery-bred released juveniles were found along the transects.

• Three types of data collection methods have been conducted: 1) survey of fisheries, 2) survey of visitors to Sagay Marine Reserve, 3) key informant interviews with abalone traders and processor-exporters.
• According to fishers report, there is scarcity of abalone catch and an average catch of less than 5 kg of fish a day. Daily catch was estimated at 1 - 20 kg a day 12 years ago.
• The fishermen have general understanding of stock enhancement, having limited knowledge and requiring training on the principles of stock enhancement.
• According to the abalone traders, all sizes of abalone were harvested and traded. In principal, fishers, middlemen, and exporters acknowledge the importance of size-selective harvest, but fishers have urgent necessity of the market of all size for cash income due to lack of other livelihood options.

Hatchery-bred abalone juvenile will be released into cages in wild conditions to determine the growth and survival under the cage-condition (in Carbin Reef, Sagay Marine Reserve, Negros Occidental)

• To determine the growth rate of shell length and body weight of released abalone juveniles under cage conditions;
• To determine the survival of released abalone under cage conditions;
• To monitor the shell length, body weight and survival of the released abalone into cages by a monthly sampling.

Hatchery-bred abalone will be released into natural conditions to assess the impact of released abalone on the wild abalone population (in Carbin Reef, Sagay):

• To conduct monthly monitoring of wild stocks of H. asinina in Carbin Reef for one year;
• To release hatchery-reared abalone juveniles in the study site after monitoring wild abalone population;
• To conduct monthly monitoring of both wild and hatchery-reared H. asinina after the release;
• To monitor growth and survival of released H. asinina

This study aims to develop a sustainable utilization and exploitation of natural marine resources through sea ranching of donkey-ear abalone in Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique. To develop appropriate release strategy and proper harvest or recapture techniques, the following activities will be done in 2008:

• Hatchery-bred and marked juveniles will be released into natural conditions (in Nogas Island, Anini-y, Antique);
• Released abalone will be monitored for growth and density at monthly intervals;
• Harvesting will be done one year after release to develop proper harvest or recapture techniques (i.e. size, quantity or management techniques) that will sustain the enhanced fisher;
• Initiation of development of appropriate release strategies (i.e. suitable size, stocking density or season) for sea ranching of abalone Haliotis asinine.

The objective of this study is to determine the socioeconomic effects of stock enhancement activities being conducted in SMR located in the northern part of Negros Occidental in the Philippines; and assess the efficiency of allocation of economic and social gains to intended beneficiaries and stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the following activities are planned in 2008:

1. Continuation of analysis of survey data, including ex-ante evaluation of estimates of appropriate costs of and benefits from stock enhancement in project sites;
2. Conduct of seminars to present results to stakeholders in project sites.