Environmentally sustainable mariculture to uplift Tawi-Tawi

TAWI-TAWI, Mindanao – Developing environmentally sustainable yet profitable mariculture, is a difficult task for Mindanao since many fishermen adopted destructive methods of catching fish and other marine resources. But, new efforts with greater prospects for success are now underway.

The demand for exotic marine species such as abalone, certain species of grouper, and sea cucumber is increasing in the Asian market, particularly China. Tropical abalone (Haliotis asinina) costs around $14-20 per kilo in either whole or processed form. Live markets, meanwhile, sell Humpback grouper for $60-90/kg while tropical sea cucumbers (Holothuria scabra) in dried form could fetch a hefty $75 per kilo.

A huge supply gap for these species exists, according to Dr. Stanley Swerdloff, advisor to GEM’s Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries Effort (SAFE), and this gap can be supplied by full cycle aquaculture production in Mindanao. GEM has already trained 1,000 seaweed farmers residents to cultivate high value finfish in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Therefore the new strategy will capitalize on the new skills while providing a commercial approach that will satisfy the huge demand for high value marine species such as abalone, lapu lapu and finfish.

Concerned with the depleting aquatic supply, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the SEAFDEC-AQD) will soon establish a multi-species mariculture hatchery in Tawi-Tawi. This effort, which aims to create a balance for International Development’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program.

"Tawi-Tawi was chosen because of its excellent environmental conditions, pristine waters and diverse marine resources by establishing this project and tapping trained fisherfolk who have the skills needed to grow out finfish and abalone, we hope to give more opportunities for the people in Tawi-Tawi while giving emphasis on environmental preservation," Swerdloff added.

Modern technology for the multi-species hatchery will be supplied by the Seafdec-AQD. The final engineering design will be done by the PFDA. BFAR, on the other hand, will take charge of grow-out technology transfer to fisherfolk and is investing up to 10 million for the hatchery.

The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi prepared the hatchery sites and will own the hatchery, targeted to operate early next year. A private sector investor or manager is being sought to equip and operate the hatchery. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to implement this project was recently signed by representatives of these groups. — GEM Program