The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in collaboration with the Integrated Services for the Development of Aquaculture and Fisheries (ISDA) Inc., conducted a webinar, “Teaching Science-based Technologies for Sustainable Aquaculture: Mangrove Crab Grow-out Culture” on March 31, 2021 via Zoom.
The activity provided information on grow-out culture technologies of mangrove crab and established communication with the stakeholders regarding their concerns on mangrove crab culture, and continued providing relevant and timely information to them even after the webinar. The webinar was organized by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD), in coordination with the Institution Development Division (IDD) and Management Information Systems Division (MISD).
Experts from ISDA Inc. who were former scientists from Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) in Tigbauan, Iloilo presented the topics: Grow-out Culture, Soft-shell Crab Production, Feed Development and Feeding Management, and Health Management. Dr. Emilia T. Quinitio, mangrove crab culture specialist; Dr. Relicardo M. Coloso, feeding and nutrition expert; and Dr. Rolando V. Pakingking, Jr. still with SEAFDECand a fish health and disease specialist, served as resource persons.
Questions on the stocking and feeding rate, water quality, site selection, pond preparation in relation to health of the crabs, physical abnormalities, and use of organic and inorganic fertilizers (lab-lab) were properly addressed by the resource speakers during the open forum. Issues, problems, and other concerns were also raised by the participants during the webinar.
A total of 73 technical staff and private practitioners from 21 government agencies and private sector attended the activity. This is the second of a series of webinars on mangrove crab commodities.