SEAFDEC/AQD Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center | Aquaculture Department
The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) is implementing a pilot initiative to support the development of oyster farming in Barangay Bayuyan, Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines.
SEAFDEC/AQD is carrying out the project “Mass Production of Hatchery-Reared Single Spat Oyster (Magallana bilineata)” in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 6.
Hatchery-reared single spat oysters were produced at the SEAFDEC/AQD Oyster Hatchery in Tigbauan, Iloilo, using microcultch—finely ground oyster shells—which allows oyster larvae to settle individually rather than in clusters.
Once the spat reached 3–15 millimeters in shell length, they were transferred to the Dumangas Brackishwater Station of the research center for nursing over a four-month period using floating bags and wellers. The oysters were subsequently deployed to the culture area managed by the Bayuyan Small Fisherfolk Association in Estancia for grow-out.
As part of the pilot, SEAFDEC/AQD introduced tray culture using floating bags measuring 80 × 35 × 10 centimeters. According to SEAFDEC/AQD associate researcher Ms. Marinelle Espino, the system is intended to support more uniform growth, facilitate handling, and allow the reuse of culture materials.
Espino added that while the system is expected to help reduce production costs for small-scale oyster farmers, continued monitoring is necessary to assess performance under local environmental conditions.
The Bayuyan Small Fisherfolk Association has traditionally relied on clustered oyster culture, which is highly dependent on favorable weather and stable salinity. The pilot initiative is being undertaken to explore alternative approaches to address challenges associated with climate variability and production losses.
The oysters are currently in the grow-out phase, with initial harvests projected within six to twelve months from stocking, once they reach an estimated shell length of 60–90 millimeters.
According to SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao, the pilot initiative is intended to demonstrate how science-based hatchery technologies can help strengthen oyster farming practices and improve resilience for fisherfolk organizations. Results from the pilot will be evaluated to guide future oyster aquaculture interventions and technology transfer efforts in coastal communities.
