July 10, 2023

Southeast Asian Fisheries Centre opens shrimp and milkfish facilities in Iloilo, Philippines

The inter-governmental Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC) marks its 50th anniversary with the inauguration of two state-of-the-art facilities for shrimp and milkfish technology in Iloilo province, Philippines, Manila Bulletin reported.

The Black Tiger Shrimp Broodstock Facility and the Milkfish Larval Rearing Facility were opened by SEAFDEC's Aquaculture Department (AQD).

While the technology transfer programme can benefit all member-states, SEAFDEC-AQD chief Dan Baliao said that these new facilities primarily aim to enhance the shrimp and milkfish industries in the Philippines.

Dr Leobert dela Pena, head of the SEAFDEC-AQD Research Division, said that these facilities will provide high-quality aquaculture seeds to fish farmers, contributing to the development and sustainability of the industry.

The Black Tiger Shrimp Broodstock Facility plays a crucial role in supplying disease-free broodstocks of the sought-after tiger shrimp species. With four separate 120-tonne broodstock tanks, the facility has the capacity to produce 80 million post-larvae annually, ensuring a sustainable and healthy shrimp population.

The Milkfish Larval Rearing Facility comprises four separate 500-tonne broodstock tanks, enabling the production of 320 million eggs and 256 million larvae each year. In addition, the facility's larval-rearing tanks and natural food tanks can generate 10.8 million to 18 million fish fry annually, supporting the growth of the milkfish industry.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr, BFAR-6 Director Remia Aparri, as well as local officials.

-      Manila Bulletin