NFRDI to boost Philippines aquaculture

MANILA, Philippines — The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) is implementing two projects to boost the country’s aquaculture sector.

The NFRDI has partnered with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10, the local government unit of Lala, Lanao del Norte for Aqua-business School and Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) project.

The project, which will be carried out through NFRDI’s Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC), aims to sustain aquafarming in the country.

The NFRDI has awarded start-up supplies to nine incubatees under the ABS-TBI project.

NFRDI executive director Lilian Garcia said the ABS-TBI program would play a key role in transforming the lives of the project incubatees while addressing the pressing concern of food security in the country.

She also expressed her gratitude to BFAR for consistently collaborating with the agency to channel science-based technologies toward the fisherfolk communities.

On the part of BFAR, BFAR-10 director Edward Yasay said the agency would work closely with the incubatees and the NFRDI to offer technical assistance and mentorship.

Meanwhile, the NFRDI will also implement the project, “Promotion of Breeding and Farming Technologies of Commercially Important Freshwater Fishes for Increased Aquaculture Production Phase II.”

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by the NFRDI, the Fisheries Biotechnology Center (FBC) and the local government unit of Davao del Sur for the project.

This collaboration aims to enhance aquaculture production and promote sustainable fisheries management.

The research initiative aims to promote freshwater fish culture technology to enhance aquaculture production of high-quality fry and fingerlings, achieved through the upgrading of hatchery facilities and the capacity development of fisherfolk.