Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
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Effect of season, culture system, and stocking density on growth performance and limb loss in blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus) from instar to early juvenile stage
No full textThe study investigated the growth, survival rates, and limb loss occurrence of blue swimming crabs (BSC), Portunus pelagicus from crab instar to the early juvenile stage at different culture systems (outdoor tanks, net cages in ponds, and net cages in pens), and varying stocking densities (30, 50, and 100 individuals/m2). These variables were assessed during the wet and dry seasons for 21 days following a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial design. Survival showed a significant interaction between culture systems and seasons (p p > 0.05). Results showed that pond and pen systems, particularly at moderate densities (30–50 individuals/m2), yielded significantly higher growth, survival, and biomass production compared to tank systems (p P. pelagicus, contributing valuable insights for improving aquaculture protocols and supporting stock enhancement initiatives toward sustainable fisheries.This work was supported by Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), and the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) (Nr-01-C2014 T)
Species composition of seaweed biofoulers in fish cage aquaculture in Bongao Channel, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
No full textThe excessive growth of seaweeds (macroalgal biofouling) on submerged cage structures is a severe operational constraint for fish cage aquaculture in tropical environments. This study investigated the species composition of macroalgal biofouling growing on the submerged structures of the fish cage aquaculture in Bongao Channel, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, via a qualitative survey (e.g., snorkeling around the cage systems). The primary objective was to provide a taxonomic inventory of the colonizing seaweed species to understand the biological makeup of the fouling community. Through morphological examination of the collected samples, a total of 26 species belonging to 16 distinct genera were identified, representing the three major algal divisions: Chlorophyta (green algae) exhibited the highest generic richness, including Boergesenia, Caulerpa, Chaetomorpha, Cladophora, Halimeda, Boodlea, and Ulva. Rhodophyta (red algae) were represented by Acanthophora, Actinotrichia, Chondrophycus, Yonagunia, Gracilaria, Hypnea, and Endosiphonia, while Ochrophyta (brown algae) included Padina and Sargassum. The presence of various taxa, particularly filamentous Chaetomorpha and stoloniferous Caulerpa, identifies these groups as the key structural components of the biofouling community on the cage nets. Additionally, the inventory recorded the occurrence of economically valuable red algae (e.g., Gracilaria and Hypnea) and ecologically significant brown algae (e.g., Sargassum) within the assemblage. These findings establish a critical taxonomic baseline, providing the essential species-level data required to develop targeted mitigation strategies and sustainable management practices for the floating cage aquaculture in Tawi-Tawi
Best operational practices for biosecure farming of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in earthen ponds
No full textThis extension manual "Best Operational Practices for Biosecure Farming of Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in Earthen Ponds," is designed to meet the urgent needs for a comprehensive, time-ready guide that bridges gap between theoretical aquaculture models and on-ground execution. It consolidates critical technical protocols, from pond design, water management, feed scheduling, biosecurity, probiotics, and efficient harvesting into a coherent step by step format suitable for farm managers and extension workers. Rooted in regionally relevant evidence-based practices, including stocking densities reflective of extensive to intensive systems, precise water quality targets (salinity 15–25 ppt, temperature 29–33 °C, and dissolve oxygen >2.7 ppm), and sludge-removal and disinfection protocols. It provides clear performance benchmarks for growth, survival and productivity. Further, it emphasizes biosecurity-covering intake filtration, probiotic use, routine sampling, and pond drying to mitigate diseases risks endemic to P. monodon. The manuals adaptability across farming intensities and its insistence on monitoring and record-keeping empower farmer to continuously optimize operations, enhancing both economic resilience and environmental stewardship
Storm-induced stress and mortality of juvenile black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon during intermediate culture for stock enhancement
No full textIn aquaculture-based stock enhancement, releasing juveniles at larger sizes can increase their chances of survival. Moreover, on-site (or within the release area) nursery rearing or intermediate culture of hatchery-bred stocks is important for acclimatization prior to release. In the Philippines, the prospect for tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius 1798) intermediate culture was evaluated in the New Washington Estuary (NWE), Aklan, Philippines. Locally sourced postlarval (PL13) tiger shrimp P. monodon were reared in a temporary netted pen within a disused pond with mangroves. Serendipitously, storm events occurred during a couple of our rearing trials (Runs 1 and 2). This provided us with the unique opportunity to assess the effects of rainstorms on the cultured PL using morphological and environmental data, measured before, during, and after storm events. Notably for Run 1, four distinct phases were identified: Acclimatization phase (ACCL), Stable phase (STBL), Storm phase (STRM), and Recovery phase (RCVR). Culture performance indicators like growth, survival/mortality rate, and condition factor (CF) revealed significant differences among phases. Mortality rate of − 6.4% d−1, growth rate of 9.9% d−1, and low CF (0.24) of shrimp in the initial first week (D1–D9 of ACCL before the storm) were associated with stress and density stabilization (from 325 m−2 to 178 m−2). During STBL (D10–D18), stock conditions improved (growth: 20% d−1, mortality: − 0.17% d−1, CF: 0.49). However, this abruptly degraded during STRM (D20–D28) with negative growth rate (− 9.7% d−1), high mortality (− 4.3% d−1), and low CF (0.28), indicating very high stress levels of stocks induced by acute heavy rainstorms, leading to steeply fluctuated water temperatures. Subsequently, recuperation of stocks after the storm (D30 onwards) was significant during RCVR (Growth: 19% d−1; Mortality: − 0.34% d−1; CF: 0.41). Remarkably, the surviving shrimp (now > 0.5 g) became adapted and resilient, showing stable growth and survival despite another abrupt rainstorm with fluctuating water conditions at D45–46. On the other hand, Run 2 with a lower initial stocking density (56 m−2) showed better performance during ACCL (D1–10) and STBL (D11–30) with respective low mortality rates (− .2% d−1 and − 0.75% d−1) and high growth rates (24.4% d−1 and 14.6% d−1). However, two subsequent storms caused prolonged (> 10 d) rainfall during STRM, leaving only 4% survival at D38 with no RCVR phase. We showed that acute (~ 2 d) intense rainstorms can be detrimental to young (< 0.2 g) PL, but the stable environmental conditions after storms can allow the surviving stocks to recuperate, grow fast (> 0.5 g), then become quite resilient even to a subsequent acute (2 d) rainfall. However, extended rainstorms (> 10 d) cause continuous decline in salinity and temperature, leading to high mortality of shrimp. Therefore, careful programming of future on-site intermediate culture activities is important, considering the space and duration required for culture, initial densities and target sizes of PL, and cautious account of rainstorm seasonality.This study was primarily supported by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto, Japan, under the Research Project, “Coastal Area Capability Enhancement in Southeast Asia” (Ishikawa and Watanabe 2015), specifically from “Component 7: Stock Enhancement”; with counterpart support by SEAFDEC/AQD through the study code SE-01-CM2012T
AQD Matters 2025 May - June
No full textIn this issue: 1) SEAFDEC/AQD makes waves at Aquaculture Philippines expo; 2) Trainees from Asia and Africa upskilled in sustainable fish feed development; 3) SEAFDEC/AQD welcomes BFAR-RFO 1 staff for training on milkfish culture; 4) Nat'l consultation on revised aquaculture standards for crustaceans; 5) 600k tiger shrimp larvae stocked in SEAFDEC/AQD ponds; 6) Scientists highlights Philippine freshwater prawn farming at Giant Prawn 2025 in China; 7) Aquaculturists in Asia-Pacific dive into sandfish culture training at SEAFDEC/AQD; 8) Pompano harvest at Igang Marine Station; 9) Routine health checkup for sea bass broodstock; 10) SEAFDEC/AQD shares seaweed research progress at international congress; 11) OJT Fellowship for trainees; 12) Chief, Deputy Chief attend 57th SEAFDEC Council Meeting; 13) Artificial diet boosts reproduction in Indian white shrimp; 14) SEAFDEC/AQD nets 2.7 tons of milkfish after 106 days of culture; 15) SEAFDEC/AQD Chief attends annual diplomatic reception at Malacañang; 16) Trainees from Quezon and Sulu learn abalone culture; 17) Farmers, fisherfolk from Laguna learn freshwater aquaculture; 18) SEAFDEC/AQD, Japanese experts map out future collabs; 19) SEAFDEC/AQD showcases aquatic animal health research, biosecurity measures in FAO-led study tour; 20) SEAFDEC/AQD, BFAR to collaborate with Blue Horizon seaweed projec
Giant freshwater prawn culture
Full text linkThis brochure provides information on the culture of the giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), detailing hatchery, nursery, and grow-out operations. Key highlights include larval rearing, nursery, and grow-out techniques developed by SEAFDEC/AQD. The brochure also presents the economic feasibility of giant freshwater prawn farming both in ponds and in cages
The impact of indoor biofloc-based system on water quality, growth, and disease resistance of black tiger shrimp
No full textThe present study investigates the efficiency of an indoor biofloc-based system for the intensive culture of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Water quality, growth performance, and disease resistance of black tiger shrimp (0.35 ± 0.07 g) were evaluated after 90 days of rearing in a zero-water exchange system. Shrimp were stocked at 180 individuals/m3 in nine 5-ton concrete tanks under three treatments: biofloc with molasses (M), biofloc with wheat flour (WF), and a control group reared in a conventional clear water (CW) flow-through system. The WF treatment resulted in significantly higher final weight and improved FCR compared to CW (p < 0.05). Survival was also significantly higher in both biofloc-based treatments despite elevated concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen levels in the WF group (p < 0.05). Additionally, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that shrimp reared and challenged in the biofloc system exhibited better resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND1212), as evidenced by higher survival rates. Although total hemocyte count, prophenoloxidase, and respiratory burst activities were not significantly different from the control group (p > 0.05), they were consistently elevated in the biofloc-based treatments. Overall, biofloc-based treatments, specifically WF, proved effective in biofloc formation, contributing to improved water quality, enhanced immune response and disease resistance, and superior growth performance in P. monodon. This study highlights the potential of indoor biofloc systems as a sustainable strategy for intensive P. monodon culture in indoor biofloc tanks.This work was supported by the Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (NR-01-C2020T)
Gleaning of fishery of conch (Gastropoda: Strombidae) in seagrass beds of Guimaras Island, the Philippines
No full textGleaning is a subsistence fishery vital to the lives of coastal communities. The gastropod conch is among those found abundant in gleaners’ catch, particularly observed in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, the Philippines. Three adjacent barangays with a wide expanse of seagrass intertidal area were studied for aspects of conch gleaning fishery through a structured questionnaire and the conduct of an actual catch survey. Results showed that conch gleaning is a secondary source of income (80%), mainly conducted by women (85%) during low tide. It contributes to their food consumption and additional income, where a kilo of conch is sold fresh and unprocessed at PHP 50–60, contributing to their monthly income at PHP 500–1000 maximum and PHP 100–200 minimum. Six species of conch were identified from the actual catch survey. Gleaning time ranges 2–4 h/d at 0.2–0.6 kg/h CPUE. An estimated 1,728–5,184 kg of conch, or around 180,000–550,000 individuals, may be exploited annually based on actual catch calculations. These levels of exploitation may pose a risk to the sustainability of the resource. An observed decline in the abundance of conch for the past 20 years, where management measures such as limitations on conch size and collection volume were indicated by the respondents. As an undocumented fishery in the Philippines, this study presented the importance of conch gleaning in the livelihood of coastal residents and may serve as vital information for fishery policy recommendations. This study also showed that the use of an actual catch survey, aside from a questionnaire, enhanced the data and earned better interpretation of results.This study was funded by the Thesis Grant SP 23-09 by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miagao, Iloilo
AQD Matters 2025 July - August
No full textIn this issue: 1) Baliao highlights mission-driven growth at 52nd anniversary; 2) SEAFDEC/AQD joins 2nd Regional Aquaculture Seminar in Côte d’Ivoire; 3) Chief, TID Head participate in workshop for combating microplastic pollution in Indonesia; 4) SEAFDEC/AQD showcases aquaculture technologies at PPS+ILDEX Philippines 2025; 5) Scientists, researchers share expertise during international aquaculture exhibition seminar; 6) SEAFDEC/AQD invests in new laboratory equipment; 7) Collaborative prawn-tilapia project in Iloilo yields 1.5 tons; 8) Cebu Doctors' Univ visit; 9) Training course enhances competencies in marine fish hatchery operations; 10) Visitors from Kagoshima University; 11) SEAFDEC/AQD introduces two new aquaculture manuals on crab, shrimp farming; 12) Medical mission for Dumangas fisherfolk; 13) FishWorld Open House & AQD Tour; 14) SEAFDEC/AQD teams up with stakeholders to clean coasts; 15) SEAFDEC/AQD @ 52: Advancing Aquaculture through Sustainability and Innovation; 16) SEAFDEC/AQD experts inspire in Aquaculture Research Talk; 17) Aquaculture experts, farmers, academics convene at Farmers' Forum; 18) Staff wellness through mental health talk; 19) A "rags to riches story" of a retiree; 20) AQD staff help plan for SEAFDEC 60th anniv, SEASOFIa 2027; 21) Bacolod analytical lab inauguration attended by SEAFDEC/AQD; 22) Routine health checkup for grouper broodstock; 23) 12 trainees complete mangrove crab hatchery operations course; 24) SEAFDEC/AQD shares expertise in consultations for responsible crayfish farming; 25) Trainees learn from SEAFDEC/AQD experts on tilapia hatchery and grow-out operations; 26) Local, international trainees complete course on seaweed farming; 27) RES&POA 2030 regional workshop; 28) SEAFDEC/AQD Chief joins partners for launch of Davao milkfish hatchery; 29) SEAFDEC/AQD joins 34th NACA Governing Council Meeting; 30) $250M opportunity: Scientist urges Philippines to farm rock lobste
Fish Health Laboratory Services
No full textUpdated version with revised prices effective August 2025