SEAFDEC expands aquaculture research complex in the Philippines

PHILIPPINES – The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) is significantly expanding its research complex in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines. 

This expansion includes constructing three new aquaculture facilities: a feed mill, hatcheries, and grow-out tanks. These facilities aim to advance the region’s aquaculture capabilities.

Funded primarily by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 6, the PHP26.8 million (US$474,800) project is on track to greatly enhance local aquaculture production. 

The expansion’s centrepiece is a medium-scale feed mill plant, producing 500 kilograms of cost-efficient feed per hour, translating to an annual output of 1,560 tons. 

The feed mill, now 78% complete, is expected to play a critical role in boosting finfish production in ponds and cages across Region 6.

SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao emphasised the importance of the feed mill, noting its potential to sustain aquaculture production by providing high-quality, affordable feed. 

Construction of the plant began in September 2023, with SEAFDEC/AQD contributing PHP250,000 in counterpart funding.

In addition to the feed mill, SEAFDEC/AQD is constructing an incubator dedicated to producing Bali sardine, locally known as “tamban.” 

This PHP4.3 million project, part of a collaborative effort with the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), aims to domesticate the species and boost its production.

Recognising the market relevance of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), SEAFDEC/AQD is also establishing a hatchery and grow-out tank for shrimp cultivation. Valued at PHP51.9 million, this project will enhance the research and production of this vital commodity.

Since 2017, SEAFDEC/AQD has made substantial investments in its facilities, adding approximately 20,000 square meters of new broodstock facilities, hatcheries, reservoirs, water treatment tanks, and other support structures within its 40-hectare complex in Tigbauan, Philippines.

SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao emphasised that these developments are part of a broader commitment to maximising the department’s potential in aquaculture production, further solidifying its role in advancing aquaculture across Southeast Asia.

In other news, EAFDEC and USAID recently launched a five-year partnership to enhance the management of fisheries and aquaculture resources. 

This collaboration aims to safeguard inland and marine biodiversity and fisheries resources in the Indo-Pacific region.

“By working with SEAFDEC, we are leveraging regional expertise to develop tailored solutions for sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation, benefiting both local communities and the global environment,” Linda McElroy, Acting Mission Director of USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia, commented. 

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