A project that developed a mussel hatchery in University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Miagao, Iloilo donated a total of 200,000 mussel spats to fisherfolk in Aljuy, Iloilo.
Fisherfolk from Barangay Silagon, Ajuy, Iloilo received the mussel spats in three batches from January to April 2019. The said barangay is part of Ajuy Bay, which was once a natural ground of green mussel in Northern Iloilo, according to barangay officials and local fishermen.
Through the partnerships with the local officials, spat donation is seen as an initial step to revive mussel production in the area.
The Mussel Hatchery Project is part of the National Mussel S&T Program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). PCAARRD funded the said project.
The project, which is under the leadership of Dr. Mary Jane A. Amar, aims to produce and supply quality mussel spats year-round to mussel growers. It is being implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas through the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.