In an effort to improve tilapia farming technologies in Pampanga, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently held a seminar on the application of technologies for improved tilapia farming in the area. The seminar was conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 3 (BFAR RO 3) and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center-Central Luzon State University (FAC-CLSU).
Currently, the tilapia industry is experiencing issues that include high cost of feeds, poor water quality coming from the river, and presence of pests and predatory species such as soft-shell turtles, migratory birds, and janitor fish.
The seminar provided a venue for fisheries experts to guide fishfarmers in the province on how to combat these challenges. A total of 95 participants attended the seminar.
Experts shared their insights in overcoming the negative impact on tilapia farming, which involve the use of recommended corrective measures for the improvement of tilapia culture. These corrective measures include the use of electric fishing device to catch soft-shell turtles; proper use of frightening devices; manual pick-up of janitor fish; and use of filtration for water source. Picking up the janitor fish can provide an alternative source of livelihood for the fishfarmer as it can be processed into fishmeal as well as fish leather.
Several papers were presented during the seminar. These include the Status on the Existing Tilapia Farming Practices in Pampanga by Antonio G. Taduan of BFAR RO 3; GIS Technology and Its Various Applications by Engr. May Alisbo of CLSU; Geo-referenced Maps of Fishponds for Improved Tilapia Farming by Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz of CLSU; and Good Aquaculture Practices on Fish Farming by Carmencita S. Agustin of BFAR RO 3.
Participants also visited three tilapia pond sites in Santa Catalina, San Luis; Mandasig, Candaba; and San Antonio, Arayat, Pampanga.
The participants were also taught the actual collection of water quality parameters and the optimum range for fish survival, reproduction, and growth.
“I challenge everyone, especially the Municipal Agriculture Officers to share the knowledge they gained in this seminar to their constituents and even to their municipal leaders so that policies on the implementation of Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqPs) can be formulated using the results of the Geographic Information System,” said DOST-PCAARRD Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) Director Dr. Dalisay DG. Fernandez.
The seminar has also identified the plan of activities to further improve the tilapia industry. These include another seminar on improved tilapia farming using genetically improved tilapia strains for culture and aquashade technology and the implementation of the proposed action plan. The action plan includes the following:
- Conducting a registration of all tilapia hatchery operators in Pampanga;
- Distributing registered hatchery operators directory to LGUs;
- Monitoring on the compliance to the GAqPs;
- Drafting of provincial ordinance to include compliance in GAqPs;
- Implementing proper waste management and water treatment prior to release of waste water;
- Conducting disease surveillance and monitoring; and
- Holding seminars on fish feed formulation.