Siquijor Fish Farmers Trained in Aquaculture Management to Enhance Bangus Operations in Fish Pens

TRAINING FOR FISHERFOLKS & MSMES

Siquijor Fish Farmers Trained in Aquaculture Management to Enhance Bangus Operations in Fish Pens

By Mary Ruth Ochavillo. Posted on DECEMBER 29, 2024.

Siquijor, Siquijor – On November 28, 2024, thirty-one (31) fish farmers in Siquijor successfully completed a two-day training on fingerling production and management aimed at improving their bangus aquaculture operations in fish pens. The program focused on equipping farmers with essential skills as they prepare for the next cycle of bangus aquaculture in the coming months.

This training is critical for the participating organizations, not only to ensure the availability of necessary supplies, materials, and durable fish pen infrastructure but also to equip them with a competent workforce capable of effectively managing and operating aquaculture farms.

Creating a pool of competent fish farmers
Initiated through the FISH Visayas Project, the training program introduced fish farmers to best practices, guidelines, and core components of bangus aquaculture.

Key topics included:

Proper Site Evaluation and Selection. The training emphasized assessing the quality and quantity of water sources, topographical sustainability, soil and ecosystem health, long-term climatological data, and existing flora and fauna. Farmers were also trained to identify alternatives to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure workforce availability in the area.
Farm Design and Construction. Participants learned about designing fish pens to prevent erosion, harmonizing pond compartments and water control structures, ensuring efficient water management, and incorporating wastewater treatment. Storm and flood protection measures were also highlighted. The recommended spacing of fish pens at 200 meters apart was stressed for sustainable operations.
Responsible Use of Chemicals. Awareness was raised on the proper use of therapeutic agents, pesticides, and fertilizers to ensure food safety and protect the environment.
Stock Selection and Stocking Practices. The training underscored the importance of using hatchery fry and fingerlings over wild-caught stock and maintaining appropriate stocking densities for different species.
Feed Management. Efficient use of supplemental feeds was discussed to optimize feed utilization and minimize waste.

Operational Costs for Bangus Aquaculture
Farmers were presented with cost estimates for bangus aquaculture in fish pens. Stocking 10,000 bangus fingerlings (3-4 inches in size) with 160 sacks of feed was estimated at ₱278,000. Alternatively, stocking the same number of fingerlings (2 inches in size) with 162 sacks of feed was estimated at ₱250,600.

Engaged Fish Farmers
The training engaged 31 fish farmers, 55% of whom are women, representing various partner organizations. These included the Caticugan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (39%) and the Siquijor Inland Fish Groomers Association (32%). Five additional associations participated, including the Bulangis Group Fisherfolks Association, Tinago Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, Hidden Rural Improvement Club, Lolo Tomas Fisherfolks Association, and Siquijodnong Mananagat Association.

Collaborative Efforts Driving Success
The training program was a collaborative initiative of the FISH Visayas Project partners, including the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, DA-BFAR Siquijor Provincial Fishery Office, and the Municipality of Siquijor. Technical sessions were led by Mr. Zosimo Calaap and Mr. Nander Blanco from DA-BFAR.

Looking Ahead
As the project moves forward, partner organizations will take on the responsibility of providing fingerlings as their counterpart contribution, while DA-BFAR continues to supply the necessary feeds. The FISH Visayas Project remains committed to supporting the improvement of fish pens and strengthening the capacity of organizations in managing bangus aquaculture operations effectively.

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The Training on Fingerlings Production and Management for POs in Siquijor, Siquijor aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for fisherfolks and MSMEs and Result Area 3: Market Access of the FISH Visayas Project.

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