Saturday, December 2Food Security Matters

Aquaculture

Learn about raising bangus, tilapia, and other fish crops in the Philippines

Modular Bangus Farming in the Philippines

Modular Bangus Farming in the Philippines

Aquaculture
As a family of bangus farmers in Negros Occidental, I want to share my first-hand experience in bangus farming in this short article. Milkfish, commonly known as "Bangus" or occasionally pronounced as "Bangos," holds a significant position as the primary aquaculture product in the Philippines, making it the most popular seafood dish among Filipinos. One of its remarkable characteristics is its adaptability to diverse aquatic environments, allowing it to thrive in confined freshwater or brackish water fish pens and marine cages. The Bangus is known for its robust and sturdy nature, making it a suitable candidate for aquaculture and cultivation. This article discusses deeper into the importance of Bangus in the Philippines, the challenges and intricacies of its cultiv...
Oyster Farming: How to Raise Oysters for Profit

Oyster Farming: How to Raise Oysters for Profit

Aquaculture
Oyster farming in the Philippines began at Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, in 1921 and since then, it become the primary source of income for people living in the coastal waters of Hinigaran. The town is the biggest Oyster producer town in the country. Magallana bilineata, commonly known as the Philippine cupped oyster or slipper oyster, is an economically important species of true oyster found abundantly in the western Pacific Ocean, from the Philippines to Tonga and Fiji. In 2020 an exotic population was discovered in north-east Australia. They grow attached to hard objects in brackish shallow intertidal or subtidal waters, at depths of 0 to 300 meters (0 to 984 ft). They are cultured extensively in the Philippines, where annual landings can range from 11,700 to 18,300 tons. They...
Giant Tiger Prawn Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Tiger Sugpo

Giant Tiger Prawn Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Tiger Sugpo

Aquaculture
Giant Tiger Prawn farming was one of the highly profitable aquatic farming activities in the Philippines, especially during the 80s when the country was still allowed to export. Today, because local demands are very high and prawn supply is low, tiger prawn farming is still highly profitable and one of the better medium-term investments. The Giant Tiger Prawn Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon), commonly known as the giant tiger prawn, Asian tiger shrimp (sugpo or hipon), black tiger shrimp, and other names, is a marine crustacean that is widely reared for food. It is called sugpo in Tagalog and lukon/lokon in Hiligaynon.  The tiger prawn is one of the two most important prawn and shrimp species farmed in the Philippines. The other one is Penaeus vannamei or the White Leg Shrimp. Tiger ...
Halaan Farming in the Philippines: How to Culture and Farm Clams

Halaan Farming in the Philippines: How to Culture and Farm Clams

Aquaculture
Halaan farming  (Manila clam scientific Lajonkairia lajonkairii) in the Philippines is common on muddy beaches around the country, especially in places near estuaries. Halaan farming can be a profitable aquaculture business if properly managed and with enough clam seeds. The Halaan Shell Halaan (scientific name: Lajonkairia lajonkairii) is an edible species of saltwater clam in the family Veneridae, the Venus clams. It is popularly known as punaw  shell in Negros and is one of the most economically important clam shells alongside blood cockle or blood clam (punaw in Negros, Tegillarca granosa). Halaan is different from Tulya (Corbicula fluminea) which grows in freshwater. Common names for the species include Manila clam, Japanese littleneck clam, Japanese cockle, and Japanese carpet s...
Giant Freshwater Prawn Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Prawns

Giant Freshwater Prawn Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Prawns

Aquaculture
The giant freshwater prawn in the Philippines (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), locally known as ulang in Tagalog and Hiligaynon, is a valuable aquatic product that if properly managed, can provide good profit. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has been introducing this valuable freshwater product to fish farmers, but not many Filipinos are aware of how the ulang is properly managed in captivity. Giant Freshwater Prawn Description Freshwater prawns can be found in many rivers and lakes in the Philippines but because of habitat loss, catching them from the wild is no longer profitable. The prawn can grow up to 30cm (12inch) in length and can weigh up to a kilo. They are predominantly brownish in color but can vary. Smaller individuals may be greenish and display faint ver...
Green Mussel Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Mussel

Green Mussel Farming in the Philippines: How to Raise Mussel

Aquaculture
Green mussel farming in the Philippines is widely distributed all over the country due to the economic importance of tahong and in this article, we will discuss how to grow tahong for profit. The Green Mussel The Philippine green mussel (Perna viridis), also called green shell in Visayas and Mindanao, and tahong in Tagalog, or Asian green mussel, is an economically important mussel, a bivalve belonging to the family Mytilidae. It is harvested for food but is also known to harbor toxins and cause damage to submerged structures such as drainage pipes. It is native to the Asia-Pacific region but has been introduced in the Caribbean, and in the waters around Japan, North America, and South America. Perna viridis ranges from 80 to 100 millimeters (3 to 4 in) in length and may occasiona...
Red Tide Prompts Shellfish Warning in Madridejos Island, Cebu

Red Tide Prompts Shellfish Warning in Madridejos Island, Cebu

Aquaculture, News & Opinion
Cebu City - The picturesque island town of Madridejos in northern Cebu finds itself grappling with an ominous threat as the red tide contamination has reared its dangerous head in its municipal waters. Local officials, led by Mayor Romeo Villaceran, have issued a stern warning to their fishermen and the community at large about the potentially life-threatening presence of red tide in their waters. Red tide, a harmful algal bloom, has plagued coastal communities for years, causing the accumulation of toxins in various shellfish. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed the presence of red tide in Madridejos on October 21, leading to immediate action by local authorities. Mayor Villaceran took to the municipality's official social media page to communicate the...
Abalone Farming: Do You Want to Make Money with Abalone?

Abalone Farming: Do You Want to Make Money with Abalone?

Aquaculture
When the word "abalone" is mentioned in the Philippines, many people envision a foreign delicacy, often served in high-end restaurants. However, not many are aware that the Philippines is home to three native abalone species: the donkey's ear abalone (Haliotis asinina), H. varia, and H. ovina. These marine mollusks, known for their unique ear-shaped shells and delectable meat, can be a source of significant income through sustainable abalone farming. This article explores the potential for making money through abalone farming in the Philippines and how modern techniques have revolutionized this industry. The Abalone Market Abalone, commonly referred to as "sea ear," thrives in shallow waters and primarily feeds on small algae and diatoms. What sets abalones apart from other mollusks ...
Oyster Farming and Production

Oyster Farming and Production

Aquaculture
Oysters, those enigmatic bivalve mollusks, have graced the plates of humanity for centuries. This seafood delicacy plucked from the briny depths, was once primarily gathered from the wild. However, the evolution of oyster farming has revolutionized the way we enjoy these marine gems. Oyster farming isn't just about satiating our gastronomic desires; it's a complex blend of science, art, and industry, with a rich history and a future full of promise. Oysters: Nature's Bounty Oysters are revered for being one of nature's most perfectly balanced foods. They serve as an abundant and economical source of protein, packing substantial quantities of essential minerals and vitamins needed for a well-rounded human diet. In the Philippines, a mere 200 grams of oyster meat can provide approximat...
DA Explores Seaweed as Affordable Livestock Feed

DA Explores Seaweed as Affordable Livestock Feed

Aquaculture, Livestock, News & Opinion
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is embarking on an innovative initiative to reduce the cost of meat production by introducing processed seaweed as a cost-effective alternative fodder for livestock and other farm animals. With the goal of enhancing food security, curbing inflation, and promoting sustainable agriculture, the DA's novel approach aims to tap into the abundant resource of seaweed in the country. DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano recently highlighted the untapped potential of seaweed as a valuable and affordable source of animal feed. The Philippines' extensive coastline and marine resources provide an ideal environment for the cultivation and harvest of this underutilized resource. Seaweed is known for its versatility and nut...