A total of 15 ongoing Inland Aquatic R&D projects presented promising accomplishments under the milkfish, tilapia, aquafeeds, shrimp, inland aquatic biodiversity, and mussel Industry Strategic S&T Programs (ISPs) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). The accomplishments were presented during the Annual Program Review conducted by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division from September 28-29, 2023 through a hybrid meeting.
Significant breakthroughs have been achieved by the aquafeeds ISP, such as the identification of at least three essential oil products with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Another achievement reached under this ISP is the successful optimization and economic analysis of two out of three distinct drying methods, aimed at producing dried microalgal biomass.
Meanwhile, inland aquatic biodiversity projects persist in their pursuit for scientific and technological advancements to tend to the ecosystem. One project has made notable initiative by providing and propagating putative Microcystis isolates, enabling the characterization of toxin metabolite and genomic profiles of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) species for molecular networking analysis. Similarly, efforts are being taken to collect broodstock for the development of an aquaculture protocol for ’biyang puti.’
Projects under milkfish ISP delved into exploring genomics by optimizing laboratory protocols facilitating the generation of bacterial genomic DNA from the gut of both wild and hatchery-bred milkfish fry. Another project has tested eight microsatellite markers on DNA extracts sourced from seven different origins through fragment analysis, in preparation for forthcoming project phases.
Mussel ISP initiatives have been instrumental in diversifying livelihoods and income sources for mussel farmers and vendors. The AVAMOS mussel project was able to procure and pulverize mussel shell samples, yielding over 7-kg mussel shell powder and nanohydroxyapatite powder. Another project continues its endeavors to optimize and scale up the production and marketing of low-salt fermented mussel, which has been identified as a valuable source of amino acids, minerals, and nano-nutrients with potential health benefits. On the other hand, because of the lack of proficiency test providers for chemical testing and accurate measurements for food safety and quality in the Philippines, a dedicated project is working towards enhancing the capabilities of local laboratories in detecting toxic elements in mussels.
For the tilapia ISP, ongoing projects remain committed to pioneering innovative strategies to enhance the industry. Among these endeavors is the development of an oral subunit vaccine against Tilapia Lake Virus, a crucial step in mitigating disease outbreaks and mass tilapia mortalities. Research is also being done to utilize Azolla filiculoides and Amaranthus spinosus or ‘Kolitis’ Leaf Meal (ASLM) in tilapia aquaculture. The genetic and molecular responses of fish to dietary components are also the primary consideration of another project that clarified the amino acid transport in tilapia intestine by studying the response of amino acid transporter (AAT) genes to different protein sources in feed ingredients.
Participants during the second day of the Annual program review held in September 29, 2023.
For the shrimp ISP, projects are leveraging technology and innovation to advance the industry. A project evaluates water quality differences between biofloc culture and non-biofloc culture. Efforts are underway to implement wireless sensor networks (WSN) and automation technologies to monitor and control remotely the selected water quality parameters. A project is dedicated to the development and assessment of a Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN)-based water quality control and monitoring system's applicability in the local shrimp farming sector.
Around 30 participants have joined the two-day hybrid program review including project leaders, university research associates, and project staff from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), UP Diliman, Mindanao State University-Marawi, DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center, DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Isabela State University, Mindoro State University, and DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute, along with DOST-PCAARRD staff.
These projects are set to continue operating and implementing scientific and technological approaches, to establish a sustainable aquaculture in the country.