© Nyra Armada
The yield was produced using 7,000 hatchery-bred fry sourced from SEAFDEC/AQD’s hatchery in Tigbauan, Iloilo. The fish, locally known as “bangus,” were fed a combination of natural food and commercial feed, reaching an average daily growth rate of 3.54 grams and achieving a 99 percent survival rate.
Edgar Somblingo, head of the Dumangas station, attributed the success to the implementation of several practical innovations to shorten the culture period without compromising the growth performance and survival rates.
“We used an automatic feeder to ensure consistent and efficient feed distribution, which helped improve feed conversion and reduce labour costs. We also applied probiotics regularly to maintain good water quality and fish gut health,” he stated during the harvest, which took place on 22 May.
The harvest forms part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s ongoing milkfish demonstration programme, which aims to promote best practices in aquaculture to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
