TAWI-TAWI- To enhance the sustainable development of Agri-Fisheries in the region, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform – Research, Development, and Extension Services in partnership with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) has conducted a training course on marine fish and abalone hatchery operations.
On February 20-24, the training is designed to improve the technical know-how of hatchery staff regarding the hatchery operations of various high-valued species, such as grouper and abalone, which are some of the priority species of the center.
MAFAR Provincial Director Aidarus Nami, Ph.D., underlined the significance of marine resources in Tawi-Tawi as the main source of income for the people and urged the conservation of these resources by promoting aquaculture in the area.
He also acknowledged the SEAFDEC/AQD as a partner in the ministry’s effort to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in hatchery operations and management.
Around 27 participants, comprising hatchery staff from the Regional Fisheries Research Center (RFRC) in Tawi-Tawi and staff under the fisheries services of the MAFAR provincial office, were capacitated through intensive lectures and practical sessions.
During the training proper, Marine fish and abalone experts from SEAFDEC/AQD headed by Mr. Caryl Vincent Genzola, lectured on the ecology and broodstock management of marine fish, marine fish hatchery operations, natural food production, abalone biology, physiology and broodstock management, abalone broodstock management and seed production, and biosecurity measures and protocols in hatcheries were extensively tackled through both real-time and online presentations.
One of the most significant aspects of the training was the practical sessions on grouper and abalone broodstock sampling, where they were given hands-on guidance on the intricacies of grouper and abalone broodstock sampling and the induced spawning of groupers.
Mr. Alih Kasim, fishing regulation officer II, RFRC-Hatchery Manager, and Ms. Evelyn Martinez, Senior Aquaculturist, expressed their appreciation for the training organization, which was crucial for improving the hatchery.
They also appreciated SEAFDEC/AQD for the valuable insights they gained during the training course.
Also, the training was facilitated by the Aquaculture Research Division headed by Mr. Labban S. Abdullah, MPA, and Ms. Arlyn Abdulla, senior science research specialist OIC-RFRC.
