Iloilo City to host int’l workshop on env’t-friendly aquaculture

Technicians harvest milkfish from one of the experiment cages in SEAFDEC/AQD’s Igang Marine Station in Guimaras. This successful harvest is a result of the Department’s ongoing research on developing low-cost feeds for marine fishes made of locally-sourced, safe, and quality ingredients. (J. F. ALDON)

TIGBAUAN, Iloilo – To address various environmental and social issues of aquaculture in Southeast Asia, an international workshop on healthy and environment-friendly aquaculture will be conducted on June 25 to 27, 2019 at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Over 60 participants, mostly scientists and researchers from Southeast Asia are expected to attend the International Workshop on the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture, Aquatic Animal Health and Resource Enhancement in Southeast Asia (SARSEA) which isorganized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center / Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) based in Tigbauan, Iloilo.

“Aquaculture activities are rapidly growing for years and we are happy about that. However, it brought negative impacts such as degradation of culture sites, destruction of ecosystems, the spread of diseases and even social conflicts,” said Dr. Koh-ichiro Mori, Deputy Chief of SEAFDEC/AQD, as he explained the rationale for the workshop.

The workshop that is funded by the Government of Japan-Trust Fund 6 will discuss pressing issues and research gaps on sustainable aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and resource enhancement with the participants expected to formulate possible strategies and recommendations to promote and augment regional initiatives on safe and environment-friendly aquaculture practices.

“We hope to do our part in increasing the support for research and development towards wholesome and responsible production of fish and other aquatic animals because it will lead to the stability of fish production, food security, and enhanced livelihood,” added Dr. Koh-ichiro Mori.