Key accomplishments of 7 completed projects on tilapia, mangrove crab, and shrimp were presented in a terminal review of projects monitored by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The hybrid terminal review was held on July 25, 2023, and was headed by Dr. Adelaida Calpe, IARRD Director.
Significant accomplishments showcased were as follows: For Tilapia. Thalasssiosira weissflogii was identified as the best marine diatom species to improve the growth performance and omega-3 fatty acid content of saline tilapia; use of coconut oil as a fish feed additive is promising in improving the growth of saline-tolerant tilapia without compromising their health and survival;
Nano zeolite-silica composites can potentially boost tilapia yields in pond culture system; the Nanogold-based DNA Probe Rapid Detection Kits for tilapia diseases was successfully pilot-tested in Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Isabela, Laguna, and Batangas.
For Mangrove Crab. A rapid cost-effective means to determine immunostimulant and growth promoting properties of potential sources of feed additives was identified.
Mr. Wilfredo Yap, Dr. Adelaida Calpe, and Dr. Francisco B. Elegado reviewing the terminal reports of the completed projects for the terminal review.
For Shrimp. Ilian river was discovered as the only source of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Palawan, which then encouraged the LGU of Dumaran, Palawan to pass the Municipal Ordinance 2023-1010, declaring Ilian River and other river systems in Dumaran, Palawan for conservation and maintaining a sustainable aquaculture; reproductive biology of four freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium) species, specifically their fecundity, hatching rates, and larvae survival rates in hatchery conditions was investigated.
In addition to project accomplishments, the review also emphasized technologies with the potential for transfer and commercialization. This is along with the essential information that should be disseminated to target beneficiaries to ensure maximum utilization of the research outputs and findings.
In his welcome remarks, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora emphasized the importance of relaying information to end-users. This approach ensures that research outputs and findings remain relevant as they are applied by the projects’ stakeholders to increase productivity and improve their way of life.
The projects were evaluated by the Technical Review and Evaluation Panel composed of Mr. Wilfredo Yap, Executive Director of Santeh Aquaculture S&T Foundation, Inc.; Dr. Felix Ayson, scientist and member of the Integrated Services for the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, and Dr. Francisco B. Elegado, Scientist from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Participants of the Inland R&D projects terminal review joined via zoom.
A total of 21 participants joined the Zoom meeting, while 10 participants attended face-to-face. The participants are composed of DOST-PCAARRD staff from different divisions and project leaders and researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas, Central Luzon State University, De La Salle University, Marinduque State College, and Western Philippines University.
The successful terminal review marks a significant step forward in advancing the Inland Aquatic R&D Projects, promoting sustainable aquaculture, and positively impacting the Philippine agricultural and aquatic sectors.