SEAFDEC/AQD launches first 2025 sandfish seed production course with trainees from Seychelles and the Philippines

SEAFDEC/AQD ran its first 2025 training course on sandfish (𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘢) seed production, nursery, and management from 28 April to 13 May, welcoming six trainees.

Four from Seychelles were supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), while two were from the Provincial Government of Quezon in the Philippines.

The training course honed their skills in sea cucumber culture through expert-led lectures and hands-on exercises on broodstock preparation, spawning induction, set-up of spawning and larval rearing tanks, egg collection, counting, and stocking.

These sessions were held at SEAFDEC/AQD’s Tigbauan Main Station in Iloilo and Igang Marine Station in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

“The training on sandfish culture was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of sustainable aquaculture practices,” said Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Alexander Coronado Garcia of Quezon. “It equipped me with valuable skills that I can apply to support coastal communities and enhance marine resource management,” Garcia added.

He aims to promote sandfish aquaculture in Quezon—where the species is being explored for mariculture and processing—as a livelihood initiative for local fisherfolk. Initially focusing on the grow-out phase, he hopes to gain support from stakeholders and eventually establish a hatchery.

“I am truly grateful for your [SEAFDEC’s] support in advancing coastal resource development in our region,” Garcia added.

The sandfish seed-production course is one of SEAFDEC/AQD’s most sought-after training courses, attracting both local and international participants each year.