Four projects funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) are set to benefit the country's shrimp and "ludong" industry.
According to DOST-PCAARRD, a project has been developed for shrimps that employs a biofloc technology (BFT) protocol for tank-based nursery production of white leg shrimp (P. vannamei) for improved survival and growth and a biofloc calculator, which is a farmer-friendly way of determining the amount of sugar that will be added to the system.
"It was also reported that the combination of shrimp (P. monodon), milkfish (C. chanos), seaweeds (G. verrucosa), and green mussel (P. viridis) was found to be the most suitable integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) species combination that showed better performance in shrimp growth, production, profitability and minimizing the V. parahaemoliticus and White Spot Syndrome Virus," DOST-PCAARRD stated.
The agency further mentioned that adverse effects were observed due to exposure to fluctuating temperatures like structural disintegration on the gills and hepatopancreas of shrimps that can cause functional changes in the affected organs.
Meanwhile, the project on ludong, one of the Philippines’ most expensive fish, reported that 11 municipalities along Cagayan River tributaries were identified as ludong’s fishing ground. In terms of feed, continuous and alternate feeding of commercial diet and duckweed improved the growth performance of ludong in captivity. Moreover, October was found to be the peak spawning month of ludong.
These accomplishments were discussed during the terminal review of the completed inland aquatic research and development projects under the Shrimp and Inland Aquatic Biodiversity Industry Strategic S&T Program held by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) of DOST-PCAARRD.
The review determined the project’s attainment of its commitments under the Industry Strategic S&T Program; identified technologies that are ready for transfer and information for dissemination to intended beneficiaries; and identified additional areas for research.
According to DOST-PCAARRD Technical Review and Evaluation Panel was composed of Mr. Wilfredo G. Yap, executive director of SANTEH Aquaculture Science and Technology Foundation, Inc.; Dr. Maria Rowena R. Eguia, scientist from the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center – Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD); and Dr. Francisco B. Elegado, research associate professor at the BIOTECH, University of the Philippines Los Baños.