ILOILO — The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center / Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) has launched a pioneering field trial that could reshape green mussel production in Western Visayas, testing a modern basket-based culture system designed to improve yields, sustainability, and farm management in coastal communities.
Conducted in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA–BFAR), the trial is underway in the nutrient-rich waters of Leganes town where researchers are evaluating high-density polyethylene (HDPE) baskets as an alternative to the traditional stake method commonly used in mussel farming.
The initiative introduces HDPE baskets to address persistent challenges associated with conventional techniques, including limited control over stocking density, labor-intensive maintenance, and susceptibility to environmental fluctuations.
By contrast, the basket system is expected to offer better space management, improved growth conditions, and greater resilience for mussel stocks.
Launched in November 2025, the trial is designed to compare performance outcomes between the HDPE baskets and traditional methods, with close monitoring of growth patterns, health, and survival rates.
A central focus is reducing overcrowding and clustering — factors known to slow growth and lower market value.
For the study, SEAFDEC/AQD deployed 500 HDPE baskets, each measuring 0.73 meters long, 0.27 meters wide, and 0.14 meters high. Every basket was stocked with approximately 50 mussel spats averaging 3.82 centimeters in shell length and 4.1 grams in body weight, a configuration aimed at maximizing growth potential while easing farm management.
Beyond research outcomes, the project seeks to accelerate the transfer of aquaculture technologies to local stakeholders, equipping mussel farmers with practical tools to raise productivity and sustainability. SEAFDEC/AQD said the effort supports broader goals of strengthening livelihoods, enhancing food security, and promoting environmentally responsible aquaculture practices.
Results of the ongoing trial will be closely evaluated, with expectations that the approach could serve as a scalable model for mussel farming not only in Iloilo but across Southeast Asia./PN
