SEAFDEC Targets 15 PHL Towns for Multi-Species Hatchery

A regional treaty organization targets to establish legislated multi-species hatchery in 15 municipalities in the different parts of the country.

Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) has conducted the site assessment survey which was the first stage of the project. The site assessment included aspects for sustainability, infrastructure, and eventual operation.

The 15 pilot hatcheries will be established in the following provinces: Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Quezon, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Albay.

The project will not only boost fish production, but also generate employment to the rural people especially in the coastal areas. The number of persons working in the fisheries industry was estimated at 1.6 million in 2015.

At present, the SEAFDEC feasibility study team is now into its second leg scouting for ideal sites for multi-species hatchery. They are currently scouring the province of Zamboanga del Norte and to proceed to Bantayan, Cebu.

The project is a multi-million collaboration between SEAFDEC and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Earlier, the team was in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

Fish production has been reportedly static since late 1980s, hence, the project hopes to achieve a common goal of SEAFDEC and BFAR – increase fish production. This goal can only be achieved if the need for seedstocks be addressed first.

SEAFDEC is a regional treaty organization established in 1967 to promote fisheries development in Southeast Asia.

Member countries include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Aquaculture Department (AQD), one of SEAFDEC’s five technical departments, is dedicated to aquaculture research and development through the production, dissemination and exchange of aquaculture information. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)