Mandates

SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) was established in 1973 to conduct research, develop technologies, disseminate information, and train people in the farming of fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweeds for food, livelihood, equity, and sustainable development.

The Philippines, as host, provides AQD the physical facilities and the funds for operations and the salaries of researchers, scientists, and service personnel. The Philippine Technical and Administrative Committee (PTAC) for SEAFDEC is a special committee of the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. PTAC oversees the operations of AQD.

AQD works closely with various universities, fishery schools, and government agencies in the Philippines. AQD also has strong linkages with foreign research and academic institutions and international agencies.

SEAFDEC/AQD is mandated to:

• Promote and undertake research on aquaculture relevant and appropriate to the region
• Encourage human resource development in aquaculture through training and extension
• Disseminate and exchange information in aquaculture

With these functions, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department will implement programs comprising research, training and information dissemination, and technology verification and commercialization activities as approved by the Council of Directors, in order to promote sustainable aquaculture development in Southeast Asia.

Core Philosophy

The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) is committed to sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of aquaculture resources through science-based research and the promotion of appropriate aquaculture technologies and information relevant to the Southeast Asian region

Vision

A global leader in the generation and transfer of appropriate and sustainable tropical aquaculture technologies for food security and holistic human development

Mission

To provide dynamic and competent leadership in the generation and promotion of responsible science-based technologies to strengthen stakeholder capacities in aquaculture and aquatic resources management

Goals

• Generate science-based aquaculture technologies and information appropriate for the region
• Verify, demonstrate, and transfer viable technologies
• Develop and strengthen capacities of the aquaculture sector
• Promote the organizational and financial stability of SEAFDEC/AQD

Strategies

• Focused-targeting of stakeholders and their specific needs and requirements for aquaculture technologies
• Conducting research, technology transfer, and training in line with stakeholder needs
• Integrating strategic fund raising activities in the line functions of the organization
• Developing best practices in management through improvements in organizational systems