THE earthen ponds of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department’s (SEAFDEC/AQD) Dumangas Brackishwater Station (DBS) in Iloilo yielded 2.7 tons of milkfish, locally known as bangus, after 106 days of culture.
The harvest was produced from 7,000 hatchery-bred fry sourced from SEAFDEC/AQD’s facility in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Fed a mixed diet of natural food and commercial feeds, the fish achieved an average daily growth rate of 3.54 grams, with a remarkable 99% survival rate.
What made the difference?
Mr. Edgar Somblingo, head of the Dumangas Brackishwater Station, attributed the success to implementation of several practical innovations to shorten the culture period without compromising the growth performance and survival rates.
“We used an automatic feeder to ensure consistent and efficient feed distribution, which helped improve feed conversion and reduce labor costs. We also applied probiotics regularly to maintain good water quality and fish gut health,” he shared in an interview during the harvest on May 22, 2025.
The harvest is part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s milkfish demonstration program, which shows best culture practices to enhance efficiency, growth performance, and sustainability./PN
