On august 31-September 3, 2016, a training course was conducted by the NGO for Fisheries Reform (NFR) at Brgy. Old Kawayan, Tacloban City, Leyte wherein high ranked staffs from SEAFDEC were invited to be the resource speakers. Different fisher folks association in Tacloban City, Leyte attended the said event. Tacloban Urban Fisherfolks Association (TUFA) was one of the presentassociations during the seminar and was represented by Emilio D. Onate while Cabalawan Fisherfolks Association was embodied by Lyric Earl Demain and Lito Balangbang. On the other hand, St. Vincent Women’s Association was represented by Vevilyn C. Tranoza, Ilene M. Bonguet, Emilina B. Ojales, and Rebecca P. Bodanoza. Another participant was a facilitator from BFAR named Catherine Mecaydor.
The said seminar mainly focused on discussing different methods of grow-out culture techniques of seaweeds and oysters. The objectives of this event are: impart the skills and knowledge on how to increase the production of seaweeds and oysters, illustrate the different types of seaweeds, teach different methods of grow-out culture techniques of seaweeds and oysters, demonstrate different seaweed post-processing techniques, and determine the most efficient method for seaweed and oyster farming.
Statistics on seaweed and oyster production
Philippines is one of the major contributors of seaweeds and oysters. In seaweed production, Philippines belongs to the top 3 producing countries. First is Malaysia, followed by Indonesia, and the third is Philippines.
On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Junemie Hazel L. Ramos explained that most of the oysters came from Asia. Philippines is ranked sixth in Asia but is the top producer in Southeast Asia since 2011.
Factors to consider for seaweed and oyster culture sites
Rovilla J. Luhan from SEAFDEC pointed out that, “in order to have a good yield in seaweed production, you have to know where to grow your seaweeds.” Site fertility (light), water motion or current, water quality, and temperature are the physical determinants in seaweed production. In line with these determinants are the characteristics of a good farm site which are: areas with good water movement (20-40 m min-1), free from fresh water run-off (salinity=30-34 ppt), clean and clear water, and last but not the least is being free from domestic, agricultural, and industrial effluents.
“Are there other factors to consider in seaweed farming?” Vevilyn C. Tranoza asked. Rovilla immediately explained the other factors to consider in farming Kappaphycus which are the availability of good quality cultivars appropriate for the site and farming technique, proximity in sourcing cultivars to avoid stress, presence of dedicated, persevering, and patient seaweed farmers, and availability of capital.
Since there are also diseases in seaweeds like the “Ice-Ice” and “Endophytes”, Rovilla J. Luhan said that,”Mas mababa ang Ice-Ice pag may abuno (There is lesser Ice-Ice if there is fertilizer)”.
Dr. Junemie Hazel L. Ramos discussed the factors to consider for oyster culture sites. These factors are availability of culture materials, availability of brood stock or seeds, wave or wind action, salinity (17 ppt=17 g salt in 1 liter of water), water depth, natural food supply since oysters are considered to be filter feeders.
Dr. Junemie also pointed out that oysters are nutritious because it boosts immune system, beneficial for healing wounds, promotes blood circulation in body, helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases, boosts sexual performance, and etc. but it can also be linked to human illnesses when eaten too much just like diarrhea.
The three day seminar done by the NGO for Fisheries Reform (NFR) taught the fisher folks in Tacloban City, Leyte on how to increase their yield, lessen the diseases, different methods of grow-out culture techniques, and the most efficient method in seaweed and oyster farming.
Click link to view full documentation: training-on-aquaculture-technologies-for-seaweeds-oyster