December 27, 2007

Philippines to intensify eco-friendly aquaculture output

Philippine aquaculture experts have formulated a long-term plan to increase the country's aquaculture industry production without harming the environment.

Rafael Guerrero, executive director for Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) said the strategy aims to "attain sustainability in production of bangus (milkfish), tilapia and seaweed

for self-sufficiency and global competitiveness".

Guerrero said aquaculture or fish farming is one of the 'brightest spots' that can shore up the Philippine economy as it is one of the fastest growing food production systems in the world.

Aquaculture contributes 2.2 percent, roughly P95.49 million (US$2.28 million), to the Philippines' gross domestic product (GDP), placing the country in the top eight in global fisheries production.

The country is the top producer of world milkfish and carrageenan (or seaweeds) production, second world tuna exporter and fourth in world tilapia production.

However, there are some concerns that need to be addressed such as unregulated fish cages and fish pen in many coastal waters. Overcrowding of these systems severely contributes to degradation of water quality that ended up in fish kills, he said.

At least seven agencies came up with the framework, which primarily revolves around assessing hatchery systems, maintaining gene banks for screening and utilizing biotechnology to secure bio-safety, among others.