Collab with Japanese research center kicks off

New research projects between SEAFDEC/AQD and the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) kicked off during a project meeting last 2 August 2022.

The upcoming research projects were on the theme, “Development of Sustainable Agriculture Technologies in Tropical Areas” and included the following sub-studies:

1. Development of surrogation technique and genetic resource conservation system by transplantation and cryopreservation of germ cells in fish;
2. Improvement of larval settlement and post-larval production for abalone (Haliotis asinina) and sandfish (Holothuria scabra);
3. Assessment and development of an intermediate culture system for tropical aquaculture species

The attendees also had an exchange of ideas for another project on seaweed research.

The Executive Committee, headed by Chief Dan Baliao, along with Filipino and Japanese researchers, attended the hybrid program. The JIRCAS participants were led by Dr. Kazuo Nakashima, its director for the Food Program.

“We are glad to finally hold this workshop to introduce the research plan and progress of our collaborative research and to exchange views and ideas with our counterparts at SEAFDEC/AQD,” according to Dr. Nakashima, who attended the program through teleconference.

“I hope that through this workshop, we will deepen our understanding of the significance of each activity in our collaborative research and the importance of cooperation and strengthen our collaboration. So that, as we call partners, we can address various issues in developing sustainable agriculture technologies in tropical areas,” he added.

The workshop capped off with a tour of SEAFDEC/AQD facilities and an inspection of prospective experimental areas at Tigbauan Main Station.

Prior to the activity, a Memorandum of Agreement was inked on 29 March 2022 between SEAFDEC/AQD and JIRCAS to formalize their research collaboration which will remain effective until 31 March 2026.