Tag Archives: aquaculture

Most people would not expect a scientific breakthrough to emerge from pond mud. But in 2017, a routine culture experiment at SEAFDEC/AQD in Iloilo took an unexpected turn. Then researcher Dr. Mary Anne Mandario stocked culture tanks with jelly cocoons, the egg capsules of mudworms, and expected little more than another round of observations. Instead, the worms multiplied far beyond what Dr. Mandario (now a scientist as of this writing) expected. The dramatic increase caught her attention. More intriguing, however, was the appearance of two distinct polychaete species. One appeared familiar. The other did not resemble any species she could identify. Rather than dismissing the anomaly, Dr. Mandario pursued it. Specimens were sent to Dr. Christopher Glasby, a polychaete taxonomist …

The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) launched its first training course on oyster hatchery operations, equipping aquaculture practitioners from three countries with practical hatchery skills to support sustainable oyster farming. Held from 23 June to 2 July 2026 at its Tigbauan Main Station in Iloilo, the 10-day course brought together five participants—two from the Philippines, two from Brunei Darussalam and one from Bangladesh—representing government and research institutions, the academe, and the private aquaculture sector. “One of the biggest challenges facing oyster farming is ensuring a reliable supply of quality seed. The establishment of oyster hatcheries will help lessen our dependence on the fluctuating supply of wild seed which is affected by seasonal spawning, pollution, and other natural …

Automated fish farming run by sensors, artificial intelligence, and powered by the internet and big data is seen to be the next frontier in sustainable production to meet the future demand for seafood.

To help bolster the supply of seafood and sustain the development of the fish farming industry during a pandemic, SEAFDEC/AQD is fast-tracking the development of online training courses. Distance learning courses are conducted through online learning platforms, where participants can access lecture notes, instructional materials, activities, and even examinations.

Recognizing the importance of science and research for food security, the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department encourages students to pursue research in aquaculture while opening the doors of its laboratory facilities.

Losses experienced by some crab farmers in the Philippines were traced to the very low survival of crablets that were misidentified as the popular king crab

The illumination is supposed to help the young pompano see their natural prey, mostly tiny crustaceans called copepods floating near the surface, allowing the fish to efficiently feed overnight; thus, improving growth and survival.

Thousands of collections including fish farmer-friendly materials, journal articles, and books produced by SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) and written by its scientists are available online for free through AQD’s very own digital library.

As part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s anniversary celebrations, a Farmers’ Forum and Aquaculture Clinic were held for fish farmers and the private sector on 10 July 2019 at SEAFDEC/AQD’s Multi-Purpose Hall in Tigbauan, Iloilo from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Over 60 participants, mostly scientists and researchers from Southeast Asia are expected to attend the International Workshop on the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture, Aquatic Animal Health and Resource Enhancement in Southeast Asia (SARSEA)

SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department scientist reported on the genetic research initiatives being done in the Philippines towards sustainable aquaculture

“The Philippines’ aquaculture industry needs to improve aggressively and this country is hungry for results,” BFAR director Eduardo Gongona said during the 27th PTAC Meeting last 17 October 2018 in Makati City, Philippines

Former SEAFDEC Secretary-General Dr. Siri Ekmaharaj shared the experiences and current success of the tiger shrimp industry in Thailand despite the threat of emerging diseases

“If done right, aquaculture can be the sustainable platform for creating wealth and environmental sustainability in the rural fishing communities,” says Joseph Martin Borromeo, president of the Philippine Association of Fish Producers Inc.

Congressman Scott Davies Lanete of the third district of Masbate visited SEAFDEC/AQD in 15 March 2018 to explore a possible linkage towards developing aquaculture in Masbate.

Mr. and Mrs. Rito Bombeo, retired researchers of SEAFDEC/AQD continue to promote aquaculture in Naawan, Misamis Oriental.

An organization of young professionals in Mindoro, ventured into crab farming and partnered with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center - Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) in organizing a training course on crab culture for fish farmers in Mindoro.

Two SEAFDEC/AQD scientists presented the department's climate change efforts

Dr. Rolando Platon returns to SEAFDEC/AQD as the DKV Memorial Lecture speaker and shares his experience in tilapia hatchery operation

Farmers Forum was organized as part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s 44th anniversary celebration held at the SEAFDEC/AQD Multi-Purpose Hall in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines on July 6, 2017.