Technical seminars a hit at aquaculture expo

by Development Communication

The seminar room was overflowing with over 150 participants attending each of the nine lectures given by SEAFDEC/AQD experts during the last day of the Aquaculture Philippines held 24-26 May 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines.

The Technical Seminar Series featured SEAFDEC/AQD aquaculture technologies for sustainable food production and stock enhancement.

The morning topics included the production of quality seeds of marine fishes; community-based resource enhancement; breeding and farming updates on tilapia, freshwater prawn and silver perch; and aquaculture in inland waters. The lectures were delivered by Research Division Head Dr. Evelyn Grace Ayson, Associate Scientist Dr. Nerissa Salayo, and Scientists Dr. Maria Rowena Eguia and Dr. Maria Lourdes Aralar.

Afternoon sessions were on feed formulation and production; emerging diseases in Philippine shrimp farming; clonal propagation and culture of seaweed Kappaphycus; mud crab production in pond; and production of single oysters. The lectures were given by Retired Scientist Dr. Relicardo Coloso, Scientist Dr. Rolando Pakingking, Jr., Associate Scientist Ms. Maria Rovilla Luhan, Senior Scientist Dr. Emilia Quinitio, and Training and Information Division Head Dr. Ma. Junemie Hazel Lebata-Ramos.

Acting Chief Dr. Chihaya Nakayasu expressed his gratitude to UBM, the organizer of the event, and to all the speakers for sharing to the stakeholders the latest updates in the science-based aquaculture technologies and technical services of SEAFDEC/AQD.

Co-located with Aquaculture Philippines was the 2^nd National Aquaculture Summit where Dr. Eguia was able to present SEAFDEC/AQD as a generator and promoter of science-based aquaculture technologies. She emphasized that SEAFDEC/AQD’s main mandate is to do research on aquaculture and has been partnering with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to address the needs of the fish farmers and other stakeholders in the industry.  Associate Scientist Ms. Jocelyn Ladja, Researcher Ms. Gregoria Pagador and Senior Technical Assistant Ms. Haydee Dumaran also attended the event.

The three-day expo, organized by UBM Exhibitions Philippines, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, served as one of the venues for SEAFDEC/AQD to promote its programs and reach out to the public. As one of the exhibitors, SEAFDEC/AQD offered technical consultation and farmer-friendly publications to entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.