A process of culturing mud polychaete Marphysa iloiloensis

The present invention is a culture process for the larval rearing of mud polychaete Marphysa iloiloensis (from 1 DAH to 30 DAH). The process involves the use of fresh bioflocs as the first food source and settlement substrate of the polychaete larvae. Larval rearing was located in a shady area (0 to 50 lux) and aerated, UV-treated seawater was recirculated in the larval rearing tanks. Using this invention, 83.29 ± 3.79% of the larvae survived with 21± 1 segments after 30 days of larval rearing

A system of microalgal harvesting with reduced Pb in Chaetoceros calcitrans paste

The invention relates to the protocol for harvesting of microalgae, Chaetoceros calcitrans by manipulation of electrolytic flocculator settings. The harvesting system comprised of a holding tank for the microalgae, a DC power supply with variable voltage selector, ammeter and voltmeter. The best settings of 6/6 units Al/Pb probes with voltage selector set at point 1 to supply 3 volts to complete the electrolytic cell. The Pb in the paste was reduced by 97% with values of 34.27 ± 0.39 ppm with 0 - 0.24 ppm Pb in the effluent discharge. The Pb content in secondary live food, Artemia salina was further reduced by 78% based on feeding trials with 7.8 ± 5.1 ppm Pb content. This system will be beneficial to hatcheries for use onsite due to its simplicity and affordability

Hatchery protocol for silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus, Kner 1864)

The hatchery protocol for silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus, Kner 1864) in outdoor tanks is disclosed. The process includes timed provision of preferred natural food commensurate with the age of larvae, pre-conditioning of rearing water, utilizing ambient lake water and the addition of fresh tropical almond leaves Terminalia catappa to enhance natural food supply in tanks. A stocking density of 0.1 to 1 larvae /L was used to enhance survival and growth. Survival of larvae increased to 35.41 ± 15.32 per cent using the invention

A method of culturing/ growing high-quality edible oysters (Crassostrea spp. and Magallana bilineata)

This utility model discloses a process of culturing/ growing high-quality edible oysters (Crassostrea spp. and Magallana bilineata) comprising the steps: selecting grow-out culture sites, deploying substrates for competent larvae of oysters to settle and grow, making oyster pouches while waiting for the availability of oyster spat, harvesting and stocking the oyster spat in the said pouches, hanging the pouches from rafts, and harvesting the oysters when they attain at least 80 grams of body weight. Traditional processes of producing edible oysters allow them to grow on top of each other, producing clumped oysters of varying sizes. This utility model produces larger, individual oysters of almost uniform sizes with harvest size attainable at a shorter period compared to those oysters cultured using traditional methods

A special feed for maturing Penaeus indicus broodstock

The present utility model relates to a special feed for maturing Penaeus indicus broodstock comprising of 55% protein and 12% lipid. The said formulation per 100 grams is further comprising of: Shrimp meal (19.7 -24.6g), Danish Fish meal (19.7-24.6g), Squid meal (19.7-24.6g), Cod liver oil (0-13g), Cholesterol (1.0g), Wheat flour (7.2-14.9g), Gluten (6.0g), Vitamin mix (2.0g), Vitamin C (1.0g), Choline chloride (1.0g), and Mineral mix (2.0g). The said special feed promotes gonad maturity and egg diameter and is comparably effective than using fresh maturation diets. The special feed has a survival rate of 90-96% which is relatively higher compared to the usual 93%. Specific growth rate per daily basis (SGR (%day-1) is at 23-24% while the Maturation Rate is at 50-55% which means the growth of the fish is now directed toward gonadal maturation

Genome sequencing and genome-wide analysis uncover candidate genes and loci linked to key production traits in the Philippine black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp) is a key species in aquaculture globally and in the Philippines. The selection and development of stocks with desirable production traits, such as enhanced growth and disease resistance, are critical for improving production. In this study, we leveraged a newly assembled, high-quality genome sequence from a Philippine population to perform genome-wide scans for SNPs associated with key production traits. Using cohort-based extreme phenotype GWAS (XP-GWAS), we identified variants linked to resistance against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), body weight, and carapace length-to-abdomen length (CL/AL) ratio. Candidate genes previously implicated in immune defense and growth regulation were located within 1-Mb regions surrounding these variants, reinforcing their likely functional involvement and providing biological support for the associations. These findings highlight genomic loci and gene candidates of direct relevance to selective breeding, offering molecular markers with potential utility in stock improvement programs for P. monodon. These genomic data, alongside the identified polymorphisms, constitute a valuable resource for enhancement of production and selective breeding strategies in the Penaeid species, contributing to the improvement of shrimp aquaculture.This work was supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development

First report on the use of various fishing gears and transport schemes for the captive breeding of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) as a potential species for aquaculture

This study establishes the first protocols for the live capture and transport of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma), a potential new species for aquaculture. Wild fish were collected in the central Philippines using different fishing gears (ring net, otoshi-ami, hook-and-line), held for conditioning in a temporary cage, and transported using polyethylene bags or a customized chilled tank. While 3-day post-transport survival varied widely (1.5–100 %), a key finding was that a prolonged conditioning period prior to transport was essential for achieving high (100 %) survival rates, regardless of the capture method or transport system used. This research provides a critical foundation for supplying healthy broodstock to initiate captive breeding programs for shortfin scad.This research was made possible through the funding from the Japanese Trust Fund with study code BR-02-F2020T and the facilities provided by the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD)

SEAFDEC/AQD

The SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) is a regional treaty organization established in 1973 in the Philippines with a mandate to promote sustainable tropical aquaculture through research, training, and information dissemination. To ensure food security and rural development, AQD conducts extensive research on over 20 commercially important species, including milkfish, shrimp, and tilapia, at specialized stations located in Tigbauan, Dumangas, Igang, and Binangonan. The department provides essential technical services, including disease diagnosis, analytical testing, and hatchery seedstock, while actively transferring science-based technologies through short-term training courses, internships, and a global digital repository. By focusing on key priorities like fry sufficiency and cost-efficient feed development, AQD continues to provide leadership in strengthening stakeholder capacities and advancing sustainable aquatic resource management across Southeast Asia

Growth performance and feed utilization of snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) fed with Pirenella sp. as a dietary supplement

Sustainable aquaculture requires the exploration of alternative, eco-friendly feed sources that can reduce production costs and dependence on commercial feeds. Pirenella sp., a common brackish water snail often considered a pest in aquaculture ponds, has potential as a natural feed ingredient for carnivorous fish species such as the snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii). This study assessed the growth performance, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of snubnose pompano fed with Pirenella sp. as a dietary supplement. Nine hapa nets (5 × 5 × 1.5 m) were installed in a brackish water pond and assigned to three treatments with three replicates each: 100% commercial feed (T1), 50% commercial feed + 50% snails (T2), and 100% snails (T3). Results showed that Treatment I achieved the highest growth performance, while Treatment II exhibited comparable outcomes, indicating that partial replacement of commercial feeds with Pirenella sp. did not significantly affect growth. Treatment III, which used only snails, produced markedly lower growth metrics (p 0.05). The lowest FCR (0.34) was recorded in Treatment II, suggesting optimal feed utilization. Although Treatment III had lower growth performance, it was the most cost-efficient due to the natural availability of snails. Overall, the incorporation of Pirenella sp. as a supplemental feed demonstrates potential for enhancing sustainability and reducing feed costs in pompano aquaculture while contributing to the biological control of pest snails in brackish water ponds.This study was financially supported by Southeast Asian Fisheries and Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) with grant number: 5310-T-TV-F0224D

AQD Matters 2025 November – December

In this issue: 1) SEAFDEC/AQD supports pilot oyster culture initiative in Estancia, Iloilo; 2) SEAFDEC/AQD presents updates at 32nd PTAC meeting; 3) SEAFDEC/AQD boosts rural freshwater aquaculture through training; 4) SEAFDEC/AQD research head presents Philippine fish disease issues; 5) 1.67 tons of pompano harvested; 6) SEAFDEC/AQD joins aquaculture dialogue at PEF forum; 7) Okinawa researcher welcomed for seaweed aquaculture exchange; 8) 2025 Christmas Party Celebration; 9) 25 years of SEAFDEC FishWorld: Connecting aquaculture science and society; 10) Former SEAFDEC/AQD staff presents study results on Atlantic cod vaccine; 11) FishWorld hold Sci-Art contests to promote aquatic sustainability; 12) SEAFDEC/AQD staff completes specialized training in Japa