National Fisheries Research and Development Institute
Corporate 101 Mother Ignacia Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines 1103
Email: nfrdippid@gmail com
ISSN: 2960-3897 (Print) 2960-3978 (Online)
Citation
National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. (2020). DA-NFRDI Annual Report 2020. DA-NFRDI.
Editor
Marites B. Chiuco
Maria Theresa T. Oclos
Mirriam F. Cayme
Tyronne James J. Buico
Design and Layout
Jolimar Tatoy
Isaac P. Esguerra
Adviser
Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, CESO V
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TheCY2020NFRDIAnnualReportcommunicatesthephysicalandfiscalaccomplishmentsoftheagency TheInstitutehasatotal budget of ₱ 275,502,63400sourcedprimarilyfromtheGeneral AppropriationsAct (GAA) TheFY2020BudgetBreakdownperexpenseclassisasfollows:MaintenanceandOtherOperating Expenses (MOOE) ₱ 237,405,94500 (86%); Capital Outlay ₱ 3,694,49300 (1%); and Personnel Service (PS)₱34,402,19600(13%) TheCOismainlyallottedfortechnicalequipment
The total budget breakdown by Programs, Activities, Projects (PAPs) was distributed to the following activities: 1) General Administration and Support Services ₱ 43,076,66800 (156%); 2) Support to Operations ₱ 6,545,67900 (24%); and, 3) Fisheries Research and Development Program ₱225,880,28700(82%)
With the Institute’s good financial stewardship, it has attained obligation amounting to ₱ 275,496,23175 anddisbursementamountingto₱263,323,90527 Inthisregard,NFRDIwasrecognizedasoneofthetopperforming agencies under the Department of Agriculture with almost 100% Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) and second with the highest disbursement rate 9558% as reported in the DBM Report on the FY 2020 PhysicalandFinancialPerformanceReview
NFRDI has implemented a total of fifty-five (55) R&D projects, wherein, forty (40) were internally funded while the other fifteen (15) were externally funded by collaborating agencies like DA-BFAR Central Office, DA-BAR, DA-PRDP among others These R&D projects seek to broaden convergence that will further support increase production of the fisheries sector through strengthening and mainstreaming of the Institute’s Fisheries Research and Development Program in sub-sectoral areas of Aquaculture, Capture Fisheries,Postharvest,andMarketing
In cognizance to DA Secretary William D Dar’s marching directive, the Institute has refocused some of its projects towards the expansion of relevant aquaculture technologies which generally aim to increase fisheriesproductivity,competitiveness,andprofitabilitywhileensuringsecurityinfishfoodsupplyamidstthe COVID-19 pandemic Hence, a total of twenty-two (22) refocused projects were rolled out in the second quarteroftheyearwhichweresubdividedintotwomainsubcomponents:1)NFRDI-BFARNationalCenters CollaborativeProjectsand2)TechnologyPromotionProjects
Fifteen (15), out of the twenty-two (22) projects were made possible with the harnessing of collaboration with BFAR National Production Centers These projects were all geared towards farm clustering and increasingaquacultureproductionefficienciespredominantlyinhatcheries,nurseries,andgrow-outfarming systems for the top five (5) priority species and other emerging and high-value aquaculture species This also includes enhancing the profitability of stakeholders through the innovative application of fisheries biotechnologies A total of twenty-four (24) million was allocated for the implementation of these projects which were all covered by a joint Memorandum of Agreement with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Similarly, to stimulate on-farm transfer of matured and developed technologies and appropriate culture protocols developed by the Institute to small-scale fisherfolk and cooperatives, a total of seven (7) technology Promotion Projects are currently implemented through the three (3) NFRDI-National Centers (FFRDC,MFRDC,andBFRCC)whichfocusonfreshwater,marine,andbrackishwateraquaculture.Atotal of ₱5.6 million were allocated in these projects in which part of the learning and partnership package involvedarethedistributionofproducedfingerlingsandagriculturalinputs.
For 2020, the Institute produced 15 science-based policy recommendations and generated/developed 15 technologies for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and disposition of fishery resources in the country.
Technicalassistancerenderedtoexternalclientsreachedatotalof2,210beneficiariesfromtheconductof aquaculture trainings for fish farmers, water quality analyses during the Taal Volcano eruption, distribution of various IEC materials, and as technical resource person to various seminars, fora, and scientific informationexchangeactivities.
The NFRDI is also steadfast in channeling knowledge through conduct of trainings and webinars to share informationrelatedtobest-practicesonresponsiblefishing,fishfarming,seafoodsafety,andotherformsof interactive knowledge exchange During the last quarter of the year, the Institute has also been accredited by the Professional Regulatory Commission as a Continuing Service Provider for fisheries To intensify communication linkage strategies with our valued stakeholders, the Institute has maximized the use of broadcast media and conceptualized programs such as FishTalk: NFRDI Siyentista- Ikonsulta, FishKwela, Aqualaman, and NFRDI On-Air as innovative approaches for channeling fisheries information and other onlinestreamingplatformssuchasFacebookandYouTube
AnotheradvocacyschemeofR&Dproductisthroughscientificpublication TheInstitutehaspublishedtwo (2) issues of The Philippine Journal of Fisheries every year to provide sufficient venue for original articles (full papers, short communications, review articles, commentary, and policy brief) related to fisheries research NFRDI distributed 520 printed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to severalclients
At present, NFRDI has a total of 106 plantilla positions approved by the DBM Majority of the research personnel are fisheries technologists and marine biologists The fisheries sector is multi-disciplinary sector in nature hence the need for the diversification of manpower complement to attain the needs of the industry
Transparent procurement has always been exercised as with continued service delivery and conduct of researches across the country remained undisrupted despite the threats imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions The Institute’s prudent fiscal management resulted to no notice of disallowances,suspensions,andotherchargesfromtheresidentstateauditor
MESSAGE FROM THE DA-SECRETARY
The year 2020 has become a challenging year for the Philippine agriculture and the fisheries sector. The Taal volcanic eruption, infectious animal diseases and crop infestations, the CoVid-19 viral pandemic, and a series of typhoons during the year have severely impacted the nation from a massive health crisis, unemployment and economic slowdown.
The Department of Agriculture, however, has risen to these challenges and kept the country's food supply steady and manageable for the population. The immediate implementation of the "Food Resiliency Action Plan" has synchronized all our efforts to ensure availability, affordability, and accessibility of food supply as adaptive mechanisms andtoinnovateourapproachesforfoodsecurityandresiliency
As part of the DA family, the NFRDI must pro-actively enhance its contribution in addressing the country's food security needs and to increase the incomes of our farmers andfishers. Theintegrationofyour initiatives, programs and projects to DA's food security framework and One DA strategies should continue to build a food secure and resilient Philippineswithempoweredandprosperousfarmersandfisherfolk.
Letmecongratulateyouallfortheoverallproductiveperformanceyouhaveshown. I encourage you to combine further your talents, efforts and resources to make more significantachievementsin2021and,togetherwithourstakeholdersandpartners,theagrifishery sector can "survive, reboot and grow" under the new normal and enhance its contributiontonation-building.
William D. Dar, Ph.D Department of Agriculture Secretary
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The effect of COVID-19 to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Food Systems is evolving and initial resulthasshownitsindirectimpactssuchashamperedflowoffishandfisheriesproducts,inability of fisherfolk to go out in most fishing grounds and changing patterns in consumer behavior which resultedtonegativegrowth
The Department of Agriculture through its Food Security Framework and OneDA strategies enabled the institution to engage with stakeholders and mobilize adaptive mechanisms and innovate our approaches to ensure food security and resiliency amidst the challenges caused by thepandemic
Being the lead agency tasked to spearhead the fisheries research, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) played a big role in our mandate to guarantee that everyFilipinodoesnotandwillnotgohungry.
Helping to identify appropriate policies and management strategies towards ensuring that pragmatic approaches in policy-making is key in generating beneficial results as well as increase theknowledgebasedindevelopingthefisheryindustry
Withfifty-five(55)researchanddevelopmentprojectsimplementedin2020whichaimstoincrease fisheries productivity, competitiveness, and profitability, NFRDI has truly stepped-up to the challenge of Secretary William D. Dar in ensuring fish food supply despite the pandemic. In addition to, the seven (7) technology promotion projects which include fingerlings distribution and agricultural inputs is a considerable help to small-scale fishers and cooperatives Moreover, your efforts to appropriately utilized your funds speaks highly of your interest to be of service to the fisherysectorthroughnumeroustechnicalandcapacity-buildingassistance
With this, I commend the NFRDI Board, Management and Staff for doing a remarkable accomplishment for 2020 Evidently, your hard work and dedication has paid off as your annual report sums up the NFRDI’s efforts and sacrifices to strengthen the knowledge stream of the fisheries sector and allied industries through research, development and innovation. As the Undersecretary for Fisheries and Chairperson of the NFRDI Board, I commit myself to extend full supportandcooperationinensuringtheadvancementofthefisheryindustry
Moving forward, I hope that all of you continue to perform at your best and contribute to NFRDI’s growth as the premier R&D on Fisheries to ensure effectiveandefficienttechnologicaladvancestodayandintheyearstocome.
CongratulationsandGodBless!
Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and for Fisheries and Chairperson, NFRDI Governing Board
MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I am pleased to present the 2020 Annual Report of the DA-NFRDI. The report provides an account of the Institute's performance to support the key priorities and needs in the fishery sector
As the primary research arm of the BFAR, NFRDI's R&D outputs are intended to provide scientific foundations for policy formulation and regulation, particularly in setting the sustainable limits of resource use and to ensure that fisheries resources will continue to supportnationalfoodsecurityandnutrition,consumersafety,andlivelihood.
For the year in review, along with the on-going tasks of the agency, we were able to develop 15 policy recommendations and 15 technologies for adoption and cascading to our target clients The challenge brought by the Taal volcano eruption and the pandemic complemented our will to serve and upgrade, this lead us to have continued acceleration of our efforts to transfer more knowledge, skills and technologies through various platforms such as trainings, scientificmeetings,conferences,otherinformationdisseminationandawarenessactivities.
Wealsorationalizedourstrategiesandeffortstofocusonappliedresearchesthatwouldraise the production and income of fisherfolk and the industry Making sure that every programs implemented and every project formulated will be pursued with zeal for them to remain relevantandsustainablebeyond2020
To continue such momentum in the future, we would enhance our technology transfer and commercializationtocreatepositiveandlong-termimpacttoourvaluedstakeholders.
We shall further conquer greater heights with the guidance and support of our DA Secretary William D Dar, Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and Fisheries Cheryl Marie NatividadCaballero,andourGoverningBoard.
Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, CESO V Acting Executive Director
ABOUT US
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute or NFRDI was collectively conceived by the national leadership out of a realization that fisheries research plays a very important role in the development, management, conservation and protection of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources This realization is embodied under Section 82 of Republic Act (RA) 8550, otherwise known as the PhilippineFisheriesCodeof1998asamendedbyRA10654 Thislawistheenablinginstrumentthatgave risetothecreationandbirthofNFRDI
GOVERNANCE AND STAFF
Four (4) representatives from the private sector who shall come from the following sub-sectorsMunicipalFisherfolk,CommercialFishingOperator,AquacultureOperatorandPost-Harvest/Processor GovernanceofNFRDIisvesteduponaGoverningBoard(GB)whichiscomposedofthefollowing:
UndersecretaryforFisheries-Chairperson
BFARDirector-Vice-Chairperson
NFRDIExecutiveDirector-Member
PCAARRDExecutiveDirector-Member
Representativefromtheacademe Member
LINKAGE DEFINITION
The agency is attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and is the primary research arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). It is also a member of the National Research Development Network (NRDN) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). To harmonize fisheries research and development efforts in the country, we collaborate with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), Department of Agriculture– Bureau of Fisheries andAquaticResources(DA-BFAR)andotherR&Dinstitutions
OUR MISSION
Togeneratescientificknowledgeand technologiesthatisresponsivetothe needsofthefisherfolkandfisheries industry
OUR VISION
By 2025, a leader in fisheries research for development towards a food secure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperousfisherfolkandindustry
THE GOVERNING BOARD
Atty.
Benjamin F.S Tabios, Jr. Governing Board Secretary
Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and Fisheries Governing Board Chairperson
Commodore Eduardo B. Gongona Governing Board Vice Chairperson
Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, CESO V Governing Board Member
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora Governing Board Member
Dr.Tirso A. Ronquillo Governing Board Member
Felizardo C. Lim Governing Board Member
Alonso L. Tan Governing Board Member
Norberto O. Chingcuanco Governing Board Member
Joseph Martin H. Borromeo Governing Board Member
AQUACULTURE FISHERIES R&D PROGRAM
Supporting the growth of aquaculture to complement fisheries and contribute to food security,poverty,livelihoodandenterprisedevelopmentthroughresearchfordevelopmentis theprioritythrustoftheDepartmentofAgriculturethroughits“Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita”program
Based from World Aquaculture Performance Indicators, aquaculture growth in the country would need to grow 73 percent for the period 2017 to 2030 to generate enough fish supply tosatisfythefishdemandgrowthdrivenbypopulationgrowthandanincreasepercapitafish demandtotheSouth-easternAsiaaverage(FAO,2020)
QUALITY SEED PRODUCTION PROGRAM
Sustainable fry production from hatcheries for culture is one of the strategies that could bring significant pro-poor benefits to the agriculture sector and to meet the challenges of increasing fish production and sustainability for the growing population Quality seed or fry for aquaculture is importanttoproducebeneficialtraitssuchasgood growth, health, efficient feed conversion, high reproduction, tolerance to and/or survival in poor and extreme environmental conditions The program shall cover studies and activities that will determine optimal conditions and methods for the production of seedstock for aquaculture in sufficient quantitiesincludingstrainevaluationand genetic improvement Suitable hatchery and nursery protocols shall be developed and refined foreachspecies
To promote a wider-base of commerciallyimportant and high-value aquaculture species, the NFRDI has collaborated with various BFAR National Production Centers to improve breeding and culture of siganids (malaga or samaral), mudfish (dalag), climbing perch (martiniko), jungle perch (aguning), silver perch (ayungin), goby (biya),mangrovecrab(alimango)andtigerlobster (banagan).
Strain improvement of tilapia shall be developed using marker-assisted selection in breeding and propagation. Nursery culture of milkfish from fry to fingerling size in marine floating cages will be studiedtopromotesegmentedphaseofculturefor livelihood of fishfarmers. Quality improvement of oyster (talaba) through fattening and relay in ponds will also be explored to ensure quality and safetyofoysterproducts.
Siganid culture (Siganus guttatus and S. vermiculatus) and Hybridization for Quality and Increased Seed Production (Ongoing)
This project aims to improve seed production of siganid ie, S guttatus and S vermiculatus and theiroffspringsforculture
A total stock of 120 siganid breeders was used in breedingtrialshavingaratioof1:2 Eight(8)tanks were stocked with 15 breeders in a 10- tonner tank with water volume of 6 tons Striping of eggs andmiltwasdoneandmanualmixingofeggswas also performed Egg development was observed under the microscope after fertilization Initial results include hatching rate to fry culture of the sample species with the highest average total numberofviableeggsandlarvaewasobservedin S vermiculatus (607,154 eggs and 353,585 larvae) but only attained 138% survival at the fry stage(1,195eggs) S guttatus, ontheotherhand, produced the highest average total number of fry (4, 061 pcs) with survival rate of 168% followed by S vermiculatus x S guttatus with 2,543 pcs (235%) Rapid changes from total number of viable eggs to viable fry were observed Possible factors could be attributed to low water temperature (that ranges from 25-28 degree Celsius)duringthecriticallarvalstages,theageof captivebreedersorinsufficientnaturalfood.
Re-hybridization, genetic profiling and further hatchery and culture trials will be conducted for thesucceedingyear.
Refinement of Induce Breeding and Larval Rearing of Mudfish Channa striata (Ongoing)
Mudfish is an economically important species Its aquaculture potential has not been fully explored due to lack of fingerlings from the wild and informationinbreedingandcultureinthecountry
The project aims to refine the induced breeding andlarvalrearingofmudfishincaptivity Different trial experiments were conducted to optimize its breeding using salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (SgnRHa) and human chorionicgonadotropin(HCG).
Feeding and stocking density trials was also conducted to optimize its larval rearing techniques Optimum temperature for embryonic development was also studied For the induced breeding of the mudfish, the 05ml/kg dosage sGnRHa with 8970% was significantly higher (p<005) in terms of hatching rate compared to 03 ml/kg and 07 ml/kg dosage with 24% and 32% Using the 1000IU/kg dosage of HCG resulted in significantly higher (p<005) hatching rate with and 8205% compared to 500IU/kg and 1500IU/kgwith5077%and2209%
Individual hapa nets installed in ponds b Mudfish breeder c Sampling and inventory of mudfish breeder d. Cannulation of female mudfish to collect eggs to check its maturity c Injection of hormone to mudfish breeder
Results obtained from the experiment on different feeding frequencies of 2/day, 3/day and 4/day showed that there was no significant difference (p>005) in terms of growth and survival The enriched zooplankton diet against unenriched zooplanktondietexperimentshowedno
significant difference (p>005) between the two treatments in terms of fish growth and survival Ground trash fish showed significantly different (p<005)resultsintermsofsurvivalwith63%than fermentedtrashfishwith43% Intermsofstocking density, fish stocked at 10 pieces/L showed significantly higher (p<005) weight and length gain with 4265 mg and 1772 mm compared to 20/L with 1964 mg and 1362 mm, and 30/L with 1714 mg and 1357 mm respectively Embryonic development rate increased at elevated temperature (30±1°C) where hatching occured after 23 hours of fertilization but mortality was observed at relatively higher temperature (38±1°C)
The effect of environmental factors on larval rearing and development will be performed to optimizelarvaldevelopmentandincreasesurvival Trials on the optimization of larval rearing specifically on feeds and feeding, early stage management and monitoring will also be conducted.
Development of Induce Breeding and Larval Rearing of Climbing Perch Anabas testudineus (Ongoing)
Climbing perch, is widely distributed from Africa to Southeast Asia especially in the Indian subcontinent, Thailand and China It is considered as a commercially valued farmed fish with high market demand The present study aims to optimize sGnRHa (ovulin) and LHRHa (Ovupin) hormone dosages on induce spawning of climbing perch and to assess environmental condition such as temperature and salinity to embryonic and larval development Induced spawning of climbing perch using different dosages of sGnRHa (Ovulin) and LHRHa (Ovupin) were conducted to determine the effect of various dosage on spawning of climbing perch Three dosages of sGnRHa, namely 10, 20, and 30μg/kg were compared with fish injected with 3, 5, and 7μg/kg LHRHa while control treatments were injected 05mlNSSsolution
Results showed that there is a significant difference of p<005 in the hatching rate A dose of 30μg/kg sGnRHa hormone resulted to the highest hatching rate (31%), while 5μg/kg of LHRHa showed highest hatching rate of (95%) Moreover, A testudineus eggs produced through induced breeding of 30μg/kg sGnRHa were subjected to salinity (0, 5, 7, 10 and 15ppt) and temperature experiments (Room temperature, 20, 30 and 40°C) The highest hatching rate for salinity and temperature were observed at 7ppt with38%andat30°Cwith95%,respectively
The activities for next year will include the refinement on induce spawning of climbing perch using HCG hormone, feeding and larval rearing trials
a Collection of climbing perch broodstocks b Feeding and Maintenance of climbing perch breeders and broodstocks c Induce spawning climbing perch breeder d. Monitoring of embryonic development of climbing perch e Trial experiment on different salinity levels f Trial experiment on different temperature levels
Morphological and Molecular Identification, Culture and Breeding Evaluation of Jungle Perch (Aguning) Kuhlia rupestris in Captivity (Ongoing)
Jungle perch is regarded as a highly valued species in other countries like Australia and it is foreseen as a potential stock in aquaculture However,inthePhilippines,thereisalimiteddata on species profile, culture, breeding, and management in captivity This study aims to determinethemorphological,geneticprofiles,and aquaculture potentials of jungle perch collected in Luzon
Morphometric data analysis of Kuhlia sp collected from Casiguran, Aurora has a mean weight of 1349 g, total length of 1013 cm, standard length of 798 cm, and body depth of 308 cm while in Apayao, a mean body weight of 2405 g, total length of 1168, standard length of 968 and body depthof353wasobserved
Descriptive characters of morphologically identified Kuhlia rupestris: (A) Mouth and teeth type, (B) Caudal fin, (C) Color pattern, (D) Scale type
Molecular analysis on the other hand, confirmed the identity of samples through the amplification of COIgeneusingFishprimer1F1andFishprimer2 R1 through polymerase chain reaction.Five (5) gene sequences in the NCBI-GenBank exhibited the closest identity (95-100% similarity) to the amplified Kuhlia rupestris gene sequences in Casiguran,AuroraandApayao.
Jungle Perch (Aguning) in a weighing balance
Phylogenetic analysis (MEGA X) generated sequencesusingmultiplealignment (CLUSTALW) of theCOI genefrom Kuhlia sp showed maximum similarity with the same fish species reported in Australia(K rupestris) andGuam (K marginata)
Future activities include the establishment of morphological and molecular profiles of stocks collectedinothertargetsitesinLuzon,Philippines Experimental activities related to captive culture such as domestication, quarantine, transport, stocking density, feeds and feeding, water quality adaptation and related experiments will be conducted
Resource Assessment and Technology
Verification on the Hatchery and Nursery Rearing of Mangrove Crab in the Philippines(Ongoing)
Figure 1. (A) Mangrove crabs (Scylla spp.) caught in the Philippines; (B) Biometric measurement sampling for stock assessment of mangrove crabs in Northern Mindanao; (C) A healthy mangrove crab broodstock caught in Eastern Visayas; (D) Hatchery facility at the BFAR/NFRDI-Marine FIsheries Research and Development Center in Guiuan, Eastern Samar; (E) Harvesting of mangrove crablets from nursery cages at BFAR 8 RBAPC in Northern Samar and (F) NFRDI-BFRDC in Lanao del Norte
Study 1. Resource Assessment of Mangrove Crab
The resource assessment component was conductedinRegion2Cagayan(BugueyandSta Teresita, Cagayan), Region 4-A CALABARZON (Pagbilao and Calauag), Region 5 Bicol (Prieto Diaz and Gubat, Sorsogon), Region 8 Eastern Visayas (San Julian, San Policarpo, Arteche, Eastern Samar and San Roque, Northern Samar) and Region 10 Northern Mindanao (Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, and Bonifacio and Tangub, Misamis Occidental) Stock assessment and
socio-economic survey was conducted in the different regions in August 2020. Preliminary results identified four different mangrove crab species namely, Scylla serrata, S tranquebarica, S olivacea and S paramamosain S serrata was the most abundant in the Cagayan, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas regions with 70-90% relative abundance while S tranquebarica was the most abundant in the Northern Mindanao Region Population parameters of stocks will be determined using FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool (FISAT) Mangrove crablet (langaw-langaw) harvesting from the wild are also prevalently practiced in all regions covered The crablets are being sold to buying stations or directly to pond operators who ventures into mangrovecrabfarming
Study 2. Technology verification on Hatchery Rearing of Mangrove Crab
The mangrove crab hatchery rearing protocol of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) was adopted for seed production in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Preliminary trials on stocking of larvae at different densities (60, 80 and 100 ind./L) was performed. Results of the larval rearing has uniformly shown survival up to zoea 5 stage and 100% mortality was attained at day 21. Other succeeding trials was unsuccessful as the larvae do not reach up to the crablet stage. The study is looking into factors that affected unsuccessful rearing such as bacterial infection, poor broodstock and larval quality, poor water quality, abrupt changes in water physicochemicalparameters,amongothers.
Study 3. Technology Verification on Nursery Rearing of Mangrove Crab
The nursery rearing studies were conducted in BFAR 2 Cagayan Valley Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Outreach Station in Sta Teresita, Cagayan; BFAR 4-A National Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center in Pagbilao Quezon Province; BFAR-5 Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center in Gubat, Sorsogon; BFAR 8 Regional Brackishwater Aquaculture Production Center in Lavezares, Northern Samar; and, NFRDI-Brackishwater Fisheries Research andDevelopmentCenterinLala,LanaodelNorte. Experiments include trials using different feeds and different stocking densities. Comparative use between natural food and commercial feeds was not statistically different (for BFAR 4A and BFAR 8 sites). Similarly, no difference in terms of survival rate between stocking densities 25 and 50 ind/m² was observed (conducted by BFAR 4A). For Phase 1 nursery, the average growth rate for all sites has a range of 0.02-0.09g/day and survival rate of 60-70%. For Phase 2 nursery, the average growth rate was reported at 0.050.7g/day and survival rate of 50-90%. High mortality of crablets was recorded in Cagayan Valley and Eastern Visayas due to low salinity levels caused by heavy precipitation brought about by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in 2020. Further experimental trials on nursery will be conductedin2021
Genotyping of Oreochromis niloticus and other improved strains of tilapia at BFAR-NFFTC towards marker assisted selection in breeding and production (ongoing)
The project focuses on using molecular biology tools in genetically assessing Oreochromis niloticus species and other improved strains of tilapia at BFAR-NFFTC These molecular methodsaimtoensureacontinuousproductionof quality broodstock by associating the important phenotypic traits such as growth with the correspondinggenotypes
Such techniques can also contribute to further improve the broodstocks’ gene pool by selecting which individuals can be mated without decreasing the genetic diversity of the succeeding F1 generations
Moreover,thestudyaimedtoacceleratethegenetic improvement of these traits, and to understand more about the molecular mechanism underlying thephenotypicvariationsofgrowthinrelationtofish genotypes.
In order to evaluate the phenotypic variations between families of the three (3) Oreochromis niloticus Philippine strains namely: improved GET ExCEL (��ExCEL), improved Brackishwater Enhanced Selected Tilapia (iBEST) and Red tilapia, descriptive, meristic, and morphometric characteristics were analyzed using biometric approach
Thus, sixteen morphological measurements were monitored and recorded from eight-hundred eightyfour (884) fish samples collected from 58 families of the three (3) strains As partial result for phenotypic variations analysis, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a high variability among ��ExCEL families The morphometric pattern observed from the ��ExCEL twenty (20) families reflects variation primarily along body measurements. Moreover, for molecular genotyping the extracted DNA from 62 fin samples were processed for mtDNA amplification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to amplify the target cytochrome b gene with an amplicon size of 1134 base pairs. Results revealed that target DNA had an amplicon size ranging from 1130-1160 base pairs. Amplified PCR products were sent for sequencingforfurthermolecularanalysis.
Preliminary analysis of DNA sequencing results for twenty nine (29) ��ExCEL tilapia samples revealed 98.78-100% nucleotide identity to the reference sequenceofthespeciesOreochromismossambicus China, Oreochromis niloticus Philippines, Egypt, GIFTandHAP1,4,8andHAP13strainsfrom
the GenBank while the twenty five (25) ��BEST samples showed 9593-100% nucleotide identity to the reference sequences of Oreochromis aureus fromGuangdong,China, O niloticus strain GIFT, O niloticus strain Guangdong, China, and O niloticus, Philippines strain Consequently, for the eight (8) red tilapia sequences, it showed nucleotide percentage identity of 9835-100 to the sequences of O niloticus Philippines, GIFT and Guamstrains
Partial results of phylogenetic analysis for the 3 strains concluded that some of ��ExCEL families (F30, F24, F12, F7, F6, F1, F8, F23, F28, F25, F17, and F15) exhibited a closer relationship into strains of Oreochromis niloticus from China, Philippines,andJapan
Moreover, F9 showed similarity to O niloticus Philippines strain and F10 to O niloticus haplotype 1 and O mossambicus Families (F2, F18, and F4) have close relationship to O niloticus Egypt strain Also, F22 and F5 revealed close identity to O niloticus (GU3701261) However, remaining families of ��ExCEL gave a closer association to O niloticus GIFT strain (GU4776241)
Upcoming undertakings of the project will be the conduct of genetic assessment of Oreochromis niloticus species and other improved strains of tilapia at BFAR-NFFTC using haplotype analyses inferring from the mitochondrial DNA Continue the establishment of morphological profile and molecular divergence of the different strains of O niloticus will also be performed Preliminary preparation of the breeding plan using genotypes ofbroodstocksisalsoincluded
A. Collection site and breeding ponds for experimental stocks at BFAR-NFFTC. B. Experimental samples: ��ExCEL, iBEST, and Red Tilapia. C. Actual monitoring and recording of morphometric data: weighing of fish sample, measurement of the morphometric characters, and collection of fin samples. D. Molecular analysis of samples: DNA extraction of samples, PCR amplification of target genes of ��ExCEL, iBEST and Red tilapia strain, and gel electrophoresis of PCR products. E. Descriptive characteristics showing the mouth type, scale type and caudal fin type of improved Brackishwater Enhanced Selected Tilapia (iBEST). F. Target DNA bands result (1134 bp) of sixty-two (62) tilapia samples: ��ExCEL, iBEST, and Red tilapia strains of O. niloticus.
Sea-based culture of laboratory grown Kappaphycus alvarezii propagules (ongoing)
Seaweedisthecountry’stopproducedcommodity fromaquacultureandforexport Improvedplantlet supply of carrageenophyte seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii through tissue culture has been developed These laboratory-grown propagules will be out planted in selected coastal farm areas to determine its growth performance anddiseaseresistanceinfieldconditions
A total of 1000 propagules for the 1st batch, followed by 1900 propagules for the 2nd batch was cultured on the study site placed in the bamboo raft designed by the group located at Brgy. Dancalan, Bulusan, Sorsogon.
Physiological parameters during culture period were recorded Temperature ranges from 2430˚C, salinity of 25-30 ppt and pH of 76-84 Daily growth rate of 111% at 75 days (1st batch) and 265% at 21 days (2nd batch) were monitored and observed The first and second batches of propagules were stocked in two farm areas on raft trays in September and November 2020 These stocks, however, was affected by inclementweatherinDecember
The first and second batches of propagules were stocked in two farm areas on raft trays in September and November 2020. These stocks, however, was affected by inclement weather in December.
The propagules that remained from the first batch were transferred into a floating longline and recorded a daily growth rate (DGR) of 4-5% More field trial observations will be conducted for the followingyear
Installation of trays in seaweed raft
Preparation of Nets and Trays
Daily monitoring of water parameters
Technology Verification on the Land and Sea-based Culture of Sargassum (ongoing)
A total of six species were collected from Barangay Dancalan, Bulusan, Sorsogon Four of these samples were initially identified by NFRDI as Sargassum ilicifolium, S polycystum, S yamadae and S kushimotense based on the morphological characteristics The most abundant species in the collection site during the 4 months of collection activity were Sargassum ilicifolium and Sargassum kushimotense Thesetwospecies were commonly available every collection of samplesfromSeptembertoDecember2020
RESTORATIVE AQUACULTURE
In support of BFAR’s project called “Balik Sigla sa IlogatLawa”orBASILwhichaimstoenhanceand replenish selected lakes and bays in the country, NFRDI shall support the production of quality broodstock of indigenous species such as therapon (ayungin), goby (biya), common carp (karpa)andlargejacks, Caranx ignobilis (maliputo) for dispersal to BFAR regional technology outreach stations for mass production and dispersal and for stock enhancement in suitable inlandbodiesofwaterinthecountry:
Pre-identified Sargassum species: a Sargassum ilicifolium b Sargassum polycystum c Sargassum yamadae d Sargassum kushimo
Three experimental trials were conducted at NSTDC Seaweed Culture Laboratory which served as preparation for the actual cultivation of Sargassum inaland-basedhatchery
Collection of fertile plantlets, monitoring and documentation of germlings growth will be continuednextyear
Breeding and Stock Enhancement of HighValue Indigenous Species (Maliputo, Ayungin, Biya) (ongoing)
Indigenous fishes are important part of inland waters of the country, maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance of its aquatic ecosystems However, due to anthropogenic activities and introduction of non-native species, population of indigenous fishes are threatened for continuous degeneration
Microscopy observation of Sargassum eggs development
This study aimed to develop seed production technology for high value indigenous species ayungin, biya, and maliputo, and to disperse fingerling production for stocking at BASIL sites forstockenhancement.
(Left) Cannulation of maliputo in preparation for induced breeding Right) Harvested ayungin fingerlings for dispersal (Bottom) Selection of gravid female biya for stocking in breeding pond
Breeding trials were conducted at FFRDC to determine the suitable technology for the production of these species
Produced fish fingerlings were dispersed for stocking at identified BASIL site where the species is native A total of three (3) breeding trials were conducted for ayungin with a total of 15,350 ayungin fingerlings Dispersed fingerlings were stocked by BFAR IV-A at Taal Lake for stock enhancement activity under the BASIL program Moreover, breeding trials on ayungin indicated higher spawning performance during summer season (March-May), compared to the breeding trial during onset of wet season (JuneSeptember)
Future activities of the project will be the continues production of these species for dispersal including trials on breeding and mass production.
Stock Enhancement of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Guiuan Eastern Samar, Philippines (ongoing)
The Blue Crab Project has released 49,989 crablets in Dinahic Reef, Guiuan, Eastern Samar Reseeding of 29,232 crablets from October to December 2020 in Dinahic Reef, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
(a) berried blue swimming crabs after spawning (b) harvesting of four-day-old crablets for stock enhancement, (c) gravid blue swimming crabs purchased from local fishermen, and (d) feeding of zoeae stocked in concrete larval rearing tanks with rotifer (Brachionus sp)
Biological assessment was conducted prior to any stock enhancement activities in Bucaboc Reef, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Continuous larval rearing is being conducted to achieve the target number of crablets to be released in the selected sites
TECHNOLOGY PROMOTION
Technology Promotion or outscaling of matured technologies developed by the Institute on various aquaculture technologies in support to farm consolidation and livelihood:
Production of Bigger Size Tilapia and Milkfish
Fingerlings for Cage Culture
The COVID 19 pandemic, affects many sector's important activities tends to fluctuate the production and limit the supply of fish available to Filipino consumers This project intends to increase fish production of tilapia and milkfish through the promotion of the use of bigger size fingerlings for grow-out culture to increase fish harvest and income of fish farmers
Awarding of fingerlings to fisherfolk beneficiaries
As of July to October 2020, a total of 2,114,669 tilapia fingerlings were dispersed in the entire province of CALABARZON wherein 1,584,480 were received by Batangas (including the outsource production), 250, 200 tilapia fingerlings for Laguna, were 144, 475 in Rizal, and 135,514 were from Cavite province. While the 252,800 milkfish fingerlings were distributed in the two provinces, were dispersed the 143,400 from Quezon and 109, 400 fingerlings for Cavite Fingerlings were awarded to 28 tilapia cooperators and 24 milkfish cooperators beneficiaries
Technology Promotion on Seed Production of Common Carp for Stock Enhancement
Freshwater finfishes are important aquatic organisms that are source of protein for many Filipinos as well as source of income for artisanal fisherfolk in inland water areas However, due to increasing demand for food fish and due to anthropogenic activities decline on fish production was observed in many aquatic resources
To minimize this problem DA-BFAR implemented the “BASIL” program which intends to help in repopulation of fish in inland water resources To assist the implementation of the BASIL program NFRDI-FFRDC conducts breeding, larval, and nursery rearing of common carp for dispersal to BFAR regions and other private cooperators A total of four (4) breeding runs were conducted for CY 2020, producing a total of 515,803 common carp fry (78 6 % FR; 86% HR) stocked in ponds for at least a month of nursery rearing
Technology Promotion on Culture of Tilapia and Milkfish Using Extruded Floating Feeds
The objective of the study is to promote the use of extruded floating feeds for tilapia and milkfish cage culture to increase fish production and net profit of fish farmer stakeholders
Three (3) cage farmer cooperators from Cavinti, Laguna and two (2) milkfish cage farmer cooperator from Padre Burgos and
Panukulan, Quezon were identified as cooperator beneficiaries of the project In 105 days, cultured tilapia fed with extruded floating feeds have gained weight of 114 5 grams with 92% survival rate (Brgy Bukal), 230 7 grams with a survival rate of 57% of survival rate (Brgy Mahipon) and 171 5 grams having a survival rate of 55% (Brgy Cansuso) Cavinti, Laguna
Distribution of extruded floating feeds to fisherfolk beneficiaries
Moreover, milkfish Panukulan, Quezon cooperator gained an average weight of 76.76 grams with 32% survival rate in 108 days of culture. A total of 464 kilograms of milkfish were initially harvested in Padre Burgos, Quezon with a total of 600 kilogram feed consumption with feed conversion ratio of 1.29. IPIL Action group had a total sales of PhP 35,946.
Technology Promotion on the Milkfish Fingerling Production in Ponds and Cages
This project is in collaboration with BFAR- Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center Milkfish hatchery. MFRDC was able to distribute a total of 821,000 milkfish fry to seven (7) deserving beneficiaries from Samar and Leyte.
These beneficiaries agreed to provide data on their fingerling production and farm inputs Also, a total of 446,780 fingerlings were sold by the fry beneficiaries to 34 milkfish cage operators at 8 pesos per piece Nine (9) of the cage operators were able to harvest a total of 10 1 tons of milkfish, which were sold at ₱140-₱150 per kilo
Upper photos: Milkfish fry harvest and distribution to cooperators in MFRDC, Guiuan, Eastern Samar Lower photos: Milkfish fingerling harvest and stocking in grow-out cages in
FEED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Feed is one of the major contributing factors to the operational cost of fish farming, ranging from 5070% of production cost The high cost of feeds limits intensification of production, particularly the small-scale fish farmers The increasing cost of commercial feeds prompted many small-scale fish farmers to search for alternative feeds Since the aquaculture sector generally depends on the use of imported fish meal, utilization of locally available ingredients in formulating aquafeeds could reduce production cost.
To address economical feed production, the Institute together with SEAFDEC-Aquaculture and BFAR will pursue farm-level trials of low-cost aquafeed for milkfish and tilapia in selected areas of the country prior to commercialization of the technology.
Aquafeed (Bangus and Tilapia)
Research, Development and Extension Project (ARDEP)
Addressing the problem of high aquaculture feed costs, the three agencies (NFRDI, SEAFDEC and BFAR) collaborated and identified a cost-effective and sustainable milkfish and tilapia feed using distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS), poultry by-product meal (PBM) and protein-enriched copra meal (PECM) verified on the different NFRDI and
BFAR national center/stations Field trial experiments were conducted to determine the growth and economic efficacy of the novel feed formulation from SEAFDEC/AQD for milkfish and nile tilapia
(Left) ARDEP focal persons during the harvest of tilapia from the field trials of SEAFDEC/AQD cost-efficient diet (Right)Harvested milkfish from the ARDEP field-trials in MFRDC, Guiuan
The culture of milkfish was conducted in marine cages at Igang Marine Station, Guimaras using 5x5x3m floating cages for 120 days. For milkfish fed with the SEAFDEC/AQD diet, was observed to have specific growth rate at 2.01%/day, percentage survival at 92.83%, FCR at 2.10, biomass harvested at 931.77 kg, while for commercial diet, specific growth rate at 1.96%/day, percentage survival at 91.45%, FCR at 2.43, biomass harvested at 744.97 kg. The results showed a significant difference (p<0.05) on the final weight, FCR, feed consumed and biomass harvested. Cost reduction of 18% of feed per kg was also noted using the SEAFDEC formulated diet. The ROI is 88% for SEAFDEC diet and -19% for commercial feeds
In MFRDC, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, milkfish was cultured in 4x4x3 m floating cages for 112 days Milkfish fed with SEAFDEC/AQD diet had an specific growth rate at 1 93%/day, percentage survival at 94 31%, FCR at 2 07, Biomass Harvested at 374 91 kg For milkfish fed with commercial diet, specific growth rate at 1 91%/day, percentage survival at 95 45%, FCR at 2 03, biomass harvested at 363 19 kg Cost and returns analysis showed a higher net income obtained from treatments using the SEAFDEC/AQD formulated diet, as well as a higher return-on-investment (ROI) with a 12 68% difference
Basey, Samar
marine cages
An 18 5% cost reduction of feed per kg was also noted in usage of the SEAFDEC formulated diet over the commercial diet For tilapia cultured in freshwater ponds at NFFTC, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija using 300 m2pond for 124 days, tilapia fed with SEAFDEC/AQD diet was observed to have specific growth rate at 2 24%/day, percentage survival at 85 91%, FCR at 1 35, biomass harvested at 365 98 kg For tilapia fed with the commercial diet, specific growth rate at 2 17%/day, percentage survival at 80 64%, FCR at 1 52, biomass harvested at 341 17 kg The ROI is 9 34% for the SEAFDEC diet -12% for commercial feeds A 25% cost reduction of feed per kg was also noted in usage of the SEAFDEC formulated diet over the commercial diet
For tilapia cultured in brackishwater ponds in Dumangas Brackishwater Station in Dumangas, Iloilo using 338 m2 ponds for 90 days, tilapia fed with the SEAFDEC/AQD diet was observed to have specific growth rate at 2 35%/day, percentage survival at 84 28%, FCR at 1 14, biomass harvested at 408 5 kg For tilapia fed with the commercial diet, specific growth rate at 2 28%/day, percentage survival at 81 8%, FCR at 1 27, biomass harvested at 382 6 kg A 32% feed reduction cost per kilo in using SEAFDEC formulated diet over the commercial diet was obtained In terms of total feed production cost including labor and operation cost, the SEAFDEC/AQD diet priced at P27/kg for milkfish and P24/kg for tilapia, while commercial feeds cost P33 00-33 14/kg for milkfish and P32 0034 00/kg for tilapia A reduction of P6 00-6 14/kg or 18-18 5% for milkfish and P8 00-10 00/kg or 25-32% for tilapia in feed cost was obtained This cost reduction in feeds would greatly aid in increasing the income of fisherfolks culturing milkfish and tilapia in the Philippines
AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM
This program aims to reduce the risks of aquatic animal diseases that are significantly impacting the livelihoods of farmers, national and international trade, environment and human health Researches are geared towards improving surveillance, developing diagnostic procedures and promotion of better aquatic animal health management practices
Studies aligned with this program include molecular profiling of Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and other emerging viruses, molecular identification of bacterial tilapia diseases (Streptococcus spp ) and other bacterial pathogens in tilapia farms and emerging viral diseases syndrome in milkfish such as irido virus and rana virus
Establishment of Advanced Diagnostic Detection Method for Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and Other Emerging Aquatic Viruses in the Philippines: Surveillance, Profiling and Molecular Disease Diagnostics
Clinical signs of TiLV infection in tilapia: diseased tilapia showing skin discoloration and exopthalmia (A), diseased tilapia with exopthalmia (polar view) (B), diseased tilapia with abdominal swelling (C), diseased red tilapia with visible skin hemorrhages (D), diseased tilapia with enlarged spleen (E and F)
Betanodavirus and iridovirus detection was done using conventional PCR to detect 570 bp and 421 bp band while TiLV detection was
(Right) Harvested SEAFDEC/AQD fed tilapia at the end of trials (Left) Harvesting of milkfish from the field-trials setup in
done using a semi–nested RT-PCR to detect segment 3 of the TiLV genome
Detection of single band on 250 bp indicated light infection and presence of double bands (250 bp and 415 bp) indicated heavy infection The study collected 249 fish samples in private farms and hatcheries in five different regions Three adults and 5 fingerling samples were positive for light infection while none of the samples tested positive for betanodavirus and iridovirus. The sequences of samples showed maximum nucleotide identity to TiLV Egypt (KY817384.1) and Israel (KU751816.1) strains. The study aims to have an optimized protocol for early detection of TiLV in tilapia farms to prevent massive mortalities.
Future undertakings of the project will be to study the epidemiology of TiLV using developed molecular-based detection method The analysis of the distribution, patterns, factors underlying TiLV sources and causes will be conducted to define methods for its control
Development and application of molecular based diagnostic technique as a platform in advanced surveillance and detection of emerging viral disease syndrome/Iridovirus/Ranavirus in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) (Ongoing)
Milkfish (Chanos chanos) locally known as Bangus is one of the top aquaculture commodities in the Philippines which significantly boosts economic growth and helps maintain a sustainable food supply for local population
However, the emergence and outbreak of viral pathogens that causes detrimental diseases and the lack of biosecurity measures can result a negative impact to our milkfish industry
Thus, this study aims to reduce the incidence of great economic loss through formulation of rapid, sensitive, and reliable molecular-based method of detecting Iridovirus in cultured milkfish A total of 51 milkfish samples were collected in 7 farms located in Mariculture Areas of Rosario, La Union and Sual and Bolinao, Pangasinan
Milkfish specimen exhibiting clinical signs of iridovius/ranavirus; (A) fin rot, (B) darkening of the body color, (C) petechia of the gills and (D) discoloration of the liver and enlargement of spleen.
Ten samples (19 61%) were observed to have clinical symptoms of disease based on external morphology observation Twelve samples (42%) were recorded to have internal damages on liver, kidney, and spleen Samples were subjected to DNA extraction and optimization of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using 12 primers on the detection of Iridovirus genomic DNA particularly on molecular markers such as Viral Major Capsid Protein (MCP), Adenosine triphosphate (ATPase), Pst I fragment and DNA polymerase All samples were found negative of iridovirus infection Future activities of the project will focused on intensive sampling particularly in areas with high mortalities and in imported fry and fingerlings for surveillance and monitoring, primer designing based on Philippine isolates and disease profiling
Future activities include the continuation of disease detection using PCR and molecular characterization of Bangus Viral disease syndrome These molecular data are vital in the detection of Iridovirus affecting cultured Milkfish that are prerequisites to successful disease management, effective quarantine regulations and reduced incidence of great economic loss
FISHERIES R&D PROGRAM
CAPTURE FISHERIES
The NFRDI generates evidenced-based scientific advice and solutions to support ecosystem-based management of human activities in territorial seas and inland waters The effective application of ecosystem approach seeks to maintain the health of marine ecosystemsforthebenefitofcurrentandfuturegenerations
Key results of analysis on fish stock assessment and policy advice for sustainable management of fishery resources in 12 Fishery Management Areas (FMAs) make use of best available scientific data from field sourced by our core researchers and network of technicalexperts
Knowledge and information generated are being collected and managed in our data management center Increased visibility, improved access and use of our science outputs takes form of free access of publications, conduct and participation in scientific conferencesandtrainings
National Stock Assessment Program (Ongoing)
The NSAP aims to generate reliable data/information as basis in the formulation of equitable policies for the management and conservationofthecountry’sfisheriesresourcesin order to attain sustainable development and exploitation Moreover, to develop and institutionalize the capability of the BFAR RFOs in resource assessment, management and development Continuous monitoring of 766 fish landing centers (LCs) in the country was conducted by NFRDI in collaboration with BFAR RFOs amidst the height of CoVid-19 pandemic Projects' targeted activities such as Mid-year and Year-end review and monitoring, cluster meetings, support activities to NSAP regional database system, and Interactive Atlas System workshop were all accomplished Moreover, several NSAP related meetings (eg TWG, FMA, SAG among others) were also attended/participated by the NSAP team via online platform Numerousreports were provided by NSAP to DA-OSEC and BFAR for the management and conservation of Philippine coastal resources in the 12 FMAs These reports consisted catch trend and total production data of Galunggong, Sardines, Mackerels, Bonito, Moonfish and other species Based on the report submitted to DA-OSEC last August, 2020 a total of 47 stocks (composed of 42 species) were found exploited and beyond the Limit Reference Points (LRPs) and therefore to be recommended for crafting of appropriate policy recommendations
Updates on NSAP Database and reporting using the NSAP Interactive Atlas were also being developed For the NSAP Database, migrating Access Databases to SQL Server is being worked at for a better and more robust storage of data Moreover, SQL Server provides many enhancements to the process of storing data (Increase storage capacity), the ability to better to utilize the computer hardware to increase performance (hardware reliability), and stronger protection to keep the data secure (secure data) Intensive work was also put on to the NSAP Interactive Atlas system as all features requested by NSAP project leaders were all fulfilled and completed The NSAP Interactive Atlas Web App version Beta using the partial data provided by the Database manager has been deployed and tested by the NFRDI-NSAP Team with the regional project leaders last December 23, 2020 As of date, the team is currently working on few minor inputsandonitsdatabasedataforthefinalversion whichwillbemadeavailabletothepublic
"NSAP 12 enumerators coduct field works amidst CoVid-19 pandemic with proper health and safety protocols"
"Collated photos showing the key feature of the Beta version of the NSAP Interactive Atlas"
Establishment and Operation of a Regional System of Fisheries Refugia in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand (Ongoing)
At present, the project have completed the baseline data collection for icthyoplankton survey (2018-2019) and fisheries data collection in landing areas (2018-2020) of three identified refugia sites Expected output at the end of the project is the establishment of a regional system of a minimum of three fisheries refugia for the management of priority transboundary fish stocks and endangered species Future activities include reproductive biology data collection and analysis ofpriorityspeciestobemanaged
Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Training conducted in Coron, Palawan Present during the activity are the participants from Coron Refugia Site, NFRDI Acting Executive Director, Dr Lilian C Garcia, CESO V (Seated 4th from left); Dr Somboon Siriraksophon, Fisheries Refugia Project Director; and Mr Weerasak Yingyuad, Fisheries Refugia Technical Staff from SEAFDEC Training Center
Sustainable Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the West Pacific and East Asian Seas and/or Western Pacific East Asia Improved Tuna Monitoring
Sustainable Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the West Pacific and East Asian Seas (WPEA-ITM)Projectisathree-yearprojectfunded by New Zealand Aid Programme and managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) The project aims to strengthen national capacities and international cooperation on priority transboundary concerns relating to the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the west Pacific Ocean and east Asia (Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam)
Comittee
three counties namely, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, PM Alice McDonald
The project implemented the continues port sampling data collection, updated the Operational GuideforFilipinoFishermenManual, participation to international review and workshops and strong collaboration with WCPFC, SPC, BFAR, PSA, PFDA and tuna industry stakeholders Data from the project were also used in the preparation and publication of the following scientific papers: Relative Abundance of Yellowfin Tuna for the Purse Seine and Handling Fisheries Operating in the Philippines Moro Gulf (Region 12) and High SeasPocket#1andEstimatesofAnnualCatchof TropicalTunainthePhilippines
A municipal fisherman sorting his catch during the site visit in Masinloc, Zambales fish landing area.
Pre-planning meeting with SPC-OFP, BFAR and NFRDI
Steering
meeting with
WCPFC Secretariat
Port Sampling Activities
Data from the project were also used in the preparation and publication of the following scientificpapers: RelativeAbundanceof Yellowfin Tuna for the Purse Seine and Handling Fisheries Operating in the Philippines Moro Gulf (Region 12) and High Seas Pocket #1 and Estimates of AnnualCatchofTropicalTunainthePhilippines
Fisheries Resources and Ecological Assessment of Manila Bay Component I: Fish Resources Assessment of Manila Bay (Ongoing)
A total landed catch of 1,197 MT was recorded for 2020 from the 8 fish landing sites in Manila Bay The highest landed catch was recorded in January (191 MT) followed by October (171 MT) PFDA, Market 3 in Navotas contributed the highest catch by 37% (441 MT) An abrupt decrease in the landed catch was observed during the first half of 2020, particularly from March to June due to CoViD-19, where data collection was temporarily stopped and also due to the occurence of southwest monsoon LPA and typhoons, where fishingoperationswerealsoaffected
A total of 29 types of fishing gears were recorded dominated by drift gillnet with 21% IUU fishing gears, such as trawl, Danish seine, and blast fishing were recorded, and also stationary liftnet thatusedfinemeshnet
Two hundred twenty five (225) types of species were observed in the landed catch dominated by Sardinella fimbriata (fringescale sardinella) which shared19%.
Nine types of fishing gears, namely bottom gillnet, drift gillnet, encircling gillnet, ringnet, trawl, stationary liftnet, blast fishing, Danish seine, and bottom set longline were observed catching the juvenile fishes below the length at first maturity (Lm50)
Conducting fish reproductive biology of selected fish species by measuring and weighing first the fish before dissection to determine the gonad maturity stages.
Sardinella fimbriata: Observed mature gonads during the months with collected samples (except March-May) suggesting a continuous spawning whole year round High GSI values were observed from July to September In July (590(+ 064) and September (512 (+063)) for the female; in August (529(+032)) for the male The average fecundity or spawning potential was 20,160 and the estimated Length at first maturity (Lm50) was 116 cmtotallength
Synthesis of reports generated was submitted to BFAR as part of the agency compliance to the continuingmandamus
Data Enumerators in Rosario Fish Port in Cavite, conducting length measurement of fish samples.
Project Component II: Fisheries
Oceanographic Study In Relation to the Resource Assessment of Manila Bay (Ongoing)
Manila Bay is suffering from serious water quality deterioration due to the increase in population, industrialization and other anthropogenic activities Ecological study and assessment were done to determine the status and trends of determine of eutrophication, hypoxia and the overall fisheriesoceanographicparametersof the Bay In 2020, results revealed that Manila Bay is still highly eutrophicated with nitrogen species, particularlywithnitratebasedonthecriteriavalue of 428 µM set by the ASEAN However, its corresponding values were considered acceptable under the DAO No 2016-18 water quality limit of 10mg/L Inorganic nutrients showed significant trends in 2020, where its levels usually declined from January to March (dry season), then gradually increased again startingJulyuntilNovember(wetseason)
SMARTSeas PH Project "Strengthening Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas in Southern Palawan" (Completed)
The project has developed 7 properly demarcated MPAswith5MPAmanagementplans MPAmaps were produced with corresponding coordinates and marker buoys were deployed to increase the awareness of MPA practitioners and the coastal community Six (6) Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises were established along with 6 People's Organization PO leaders, officers and LGU representatives were trained in manning the BDFE with the help of a BDFE consultant Bantay Dagat members were trained and deputized The project also facilitated and helped in the development and signing of the MOA on the establishment of Southern Palawan Law Enforcement Network Last December 2020, the project organized an Online Ecosystem-Approach to Fisheries Management for Leaders, Executives and Decision Makers (EAFM-LEAD) Training to ensure that the project accomplishments can be sustainedbytheLGUs
On-board hydrobiological survey in Manila Bay which includes profiling of physicochemical parameters of water using CTD SBE 19 multiparameter water profiler, collection of water samples for nutrient and heavy metal analyses; and collection of ichthyoplankton, phytoplankton and zooplankton using plankton nets
Orientation and training on biodiversity-friendly enterprises.
FISHERIES R&D PROGRAM
FISHERIES POSTHARVEST
Efficient utilization of aquatic resources is essential to meet the growing domestic and international demands for fish and fishery products Reducing postharvest losses and wastage through proper handling, processing, and marketing of highly perishable fishery commodities will address the problem of fish production and demand even without an increaseinlandings
There is a need to improve the quality and safety of the fishery products from handling, processing, product development, and utilization of waste and by-products into valueaddedproductstobecompetitiveintrademarket
REDUCTION OF FISHERY LOSSES AND VALUE ADDING PROGRAM
Post-harvest Food Loss (PHL) is defined as measurable qualitative and quantitative food loss along the supply chain starting at the time of harvest until its consumption or other end uses (De Lucia and Assennato, 1994; Hodges, Buzby andBennett,2011)
Being a highly perishable commodity, postharvestlossesoffishareinevitableandhasbeen evidently observed in the fishing industry. The country cannot afford to lose a fraction of the fisheries production in view of the requirements for a fast-growing population. One factor that beset the availability and affordability of fisheries products is due to post-harvest losses because of inappropriate handling practices which results to wastageandfishqualitydeterioration.
The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal(UNSDG)123hastargetedthereductionof food loss including fish along production and supply chains and halving per capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels Hence this program aims to (1) estimate the fish loss and wastes and determine the causes in different supply chain from catching/harvest, landing sites, transport, wet market and processing plant; (2) validate and apply available technologies (a) to reduce fish loss and (b) on value adding of least valuedfishandwasteutilizationfromprocessing
The NFRDI have been tasked to conduct studies on the this regard to determine economic, physical and financial losses on fish and fishery products and which chain proves to have the mostlosses
Assessment of Fisheries Post-Harvest Losses in the Philippines (Ongoing)
Collection of postharvest losses data in selected landing sites and wet markets in Navotas City, General Santos City, Estancia Iloilo, and Quezon Palawan started last March 1, 2020 A total of 198 out of 220 target data sets or 90% were gathered as of December 2020 Results showed that landedcaptureandaquaculturecommodities recorded an estimated loss of 1740% and 566%, respectively, while 407% and 127% were incurred in traded fishery commodities Key Informant Interview was also conducted in 8 PFDA Regional Fish Ports to collect data on postharvest related activities in the area and evaluate its potential impact in reducing postharvest losses However, travel restrictions caused unwanted delays on the assessment of PFDA facilities and services At present, there are still 3 remaining PFDA Regional Fish Ports (Iloilo FPC, Bulan FPC, and General Santos FPC)thatneedtobeassessed
Collection of postharvest losses data of economically important capture and aquaculture commodities in selected landing sites and wet markets in the Philippines
Key Informant Interview with fisheries stakeholders in PFDA Regional Fish Ports
SEAFOOD SAFETY PROGRAM
As per UN Sustainable Development Goal 2, all people must have an access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food including fish and fishery products This program aims to establish the fish and fishery products standards based on science and risk analyses principles It aims further to review and recommend for revision if necessary the existing fishery food regulatory limits and to developformorestandards
Levels and Risk Assessment of Hazardous Chemicals, Pathogenic Bacteria and Other Pollution Indicators
in Manila Bay Aquaculture Farms (Ongoing)
A total of 59 fishery resources were collected fromtheaquaculturefarmsaroundManilaBayfor the analyses of heavy metals and Vibrio spp. while five areas were identified for the risk assessment study of crustaceans. Results for the wet season showed that mercury, lead and cadmium in shrimp and pond water were within the regulatory limit set by the EU (EC 1881/2006) while the cadmium in crab collected from Hagonoy Bulacan, Pilar Bataan and Sasmuan Pampanga exceeded the regulatory limit. Furthermore, the partial result of real-time PCR analyses showed that V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus was not detected in mussel, oyster and seawater from the growing areas around Manila Bay. Validation of results are on thepipeline
Collection of fishery commodities and water samples in Bulacan (upper left), Pampanga (upper right), and Cavite City (lower left and right)
Oyster samples from Barangay Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan.
Mussel sampling site at Barangay Poblacion, Kawit, Cavite
Water and mussel sampling – Limay, Bataan
TRAINING PROGRAM
Provisionoftraininganddevelopmentofhumanresourcesinthefieldoffisheriesisamong the mandates of NFRDI under Section 85 of RA 8550 To achieve this, NFRDI organizes trainingactivities,otherforaandprovideOn-the-JobTrainingsandInternshipopportunities forBFARstaff,fishfarmers,fisheriesstudentsandotherstakeholders
NFRDI has conducted a total of 10 trainings for 1,032 participants for CY 2020. These various trainings capacitated fisherfolk, various NGOs, BFAR Regional Field Office personnel, Regional BFAR NSAP personnel and enumerators organized either by the Training Division or through the conduct of the Institute's R&D Projects. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these trainings were done via Zoom or GoogleMeettoavoidmassgathering
In the last quarter of the year, the NFRDI has been accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)asaserviceproviderforContinuingProfessionalDevelopment(CPD)infisheries
Client-focused training for 35 fish farmers on tilapia culture held from February 11-13, 2020 in Muńoz, Nueva Ecija
Client-focused training on tilapia culture and aquaponics held at Villar Sipag Farm School last November 18-19, 2020
CLIENT-FOCUSED TRAININGS
INFORMATION EDUCATION COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS ACTIVITIES
Complementing the research and training functions of NFRDI is its information dissemination and awareness program which caters to its stakeholders in the academe, private and government sectors, and the general public Under this are the following components:
(1) publication of research abstracts and research papers through The Philippine Journal of Fisheries; (2) book/guide publications; (3) technical publications; (4) participation in events;(5)maintenanceofNFRDIwebsite;and,(6)maintenanceoftheNFRDIlibrary
THE PHILIPPINE JOURNAL OF FISHERIES (TPJF)
Two issues of TPJF Vol 27 No 1 and No 2 are published online and in print by June 30 and December 15, 2020, respectively The first issuecoverseightfullpapers,whilethesecond issue contained 1 policy brief, 7 full papers, 2 shortcommunicationsand1reviewarticle The TPJF website was maintained and updated with Advanced Online Publication (AOP), search function, logos of indexing, and analytics TPJF has 31 local experts and 3 foreign experts as members of the editorial board
Further, TPJF is now indexed in Andrew Gonzalez Philippine Citation Index (AGPCI) and ASEAN Citation Index (ACI) Also, three webinars were successfully hosted with the following themes: All About Taal Lake Fisheries, Seafood Safety Matters, and Rearing of Sea Cucumbers The profiles of our attendees for the webinars varied widely from studentstoprofessorsorinstructorstoprofessionals and government employees with BFAR researchers andstaffasoneofourtargetclients
for the TPJF
Front covers of TPJF Vol 27 No 1 and 2
Home page of TPJF website with indexing and database logos and search function
Publicity material
webinar "Rearing Sea Cucumbers"
Publicity material for the TPJF webinar "Seafood Safety Matters"
Publicity material for the TPJF webinar "All About Taal Lake Fisheries"
SCIENTIFIC PAPERS PRODUCED
FISEARCH NEWSLETTERS
Coined from Fisheries Research, FiSearch is the active quarterly online publication of NFRDI's officialnewsletter.
These digital copies highlight the milestone achievements of the NFRDI in the conduct of its R&D projects aimed to increase productivity of theagri-fisherysectorofthecountry.
You may download the latest edition at https://nfrdi da gov ph/fisearch-newsletter/
NFRDI SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Digital social platforms are being utilized to promote awareness and to disseminate information to the public Important information about NFRDI, news articles, video presentations and other learning materials are uploaded in the website for stakeholders to read and view The NFRDI FB Page, is another platform similar to website, with immediacy of information as the cutting edge It include infographics of important events with brief captions and to further connect and share NFRDI’s accomplishments It also serves as a platform for collecting immediate feedbackfromstakeholdersandviewers
Online streaming of newly conceptualized programs such as FishTalk: NFRDI SiyentistaIkonsulta, FishKwela and Aqualaman in celebration of the Fish Conservation Week generated a total number of 1,039 participants in 3rdweekofSeptember2020
NFRDI Official Facebook page
NFRDI Official Twitter account
NFRDI website homepage
SERVICES AND EXTENSION
Another way by which NFRDI maintains its connection with the different sectors/stakeholders is through improved services and extension activities. NFRDI works in close collaboration with different government agencies and expertstowardsthedevelopmentofthefisheriessector.
LABORATORY SERVICES
NFRDI’s Integrated Research Laboratory (IRL) ensurestheefficientdeliveryoflaboratoryservices in support to operation of research studies being undertaken by the Institute, as well as on samples submitted by the BFAR (national and regional) The IRL is now in the process of acquiring a certificate of accreditation for ISO 17025 version 2017 to ensure its clients and the general public thatthelaboratoryoperates a quality management system and is technically competent in the productionofvalidresults
A total of 501 laboratory analysis were performed by the IRL to support in-house research studies of theInstituteandtechnicalsupporttovariousBFAR Regionalofficesasfollows:
Eightytwo(82)samplesanalyzedconsistingof eleven (11) fishery commodities, seventy (70) environmental waters, and one (1) soil sample for sulfur, sulfates, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region IVA in relation to the eruption of Taal Volcano lastJanuary13,2020;
Four (4) feed samples for proximate analysis for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ResourcesPanabo,Davao; Eight (8) water samples collected at BuCOR for fecal coliforms, nutrients, and heavy metals analyses; Thirteen (13) fishery commodity samples submitted by BFAR Region VI for PAH analysis;
Three hundred twenty seven (327) fish and water samples collected from Manila Bay for heavy metals analyses in support to R&D projects of the Capture Fisheries Research andDevelopmentDivision(CFRDD);
Sixty four (64) fishery resources and environmental waters were submitted by Fisheries Post Harvest Research and Development Division (FPHRDD) for fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, heavy metals, andnutrientsanalyses;
Two (2) oyster samples for glycogen test and one (1) lot of black soldier fly samples for proximate analysis from the Aquaculture ResearchandDevelopmentDivision; One unit of qPCR was lent to the Department of Health (DOH) - Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to support government efforts in combatting the COVID19 pandemic The qPCR unit was safely returned to Microbiology Laboratory last September22,2020;and, Desk Review on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 related to Quality System Policy Manual, procedures, support documents, and forms was conducted with Engr Aldwin B Tagapan, Consultant last October13-16,2020
HUMAN RESOURCES AND FACILITIES
Sound management of human and capital assets is basic to the delivery of quality service. Opportunitiesareprovidedtomotivateemployeesandincreasetheirproductivityfortheachievement of organizational goals. Sound facilities are important tools to carry out research and deliver timely output.
ORGANOGRAM
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
To upgrade knowledge and competence of its regular and contractual personnel, human development opportunities are pursued through attendance in various trainings,seminars,andworkshops
To be able to provide quality service to its employees amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that beset the country, the Human Resource Management Section launched several webinars intended for the mental and emotional well-being of NFRDI employees that included the following: 1) keeping with the new normal webinar, 2) how to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic, and 3) how to stay healthy during the ECQ. Workshop on ARTA and active participation to the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (eVAW)werealsocarriedout.
Also, as part of the continuous effort to capacitate and mentor NFRDI employees while in the Work from Home (WFH) scheme, HRMS encouraged everyone to enroll and finishthefreeTESDAonlinecoursesonoffice productivity and other online courses that weredeemednecessaryfortheirprofessional growth Monitoring and daily reporting of health status were also done to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy even in the confines of their home Submission of reports and requirements to DA-HR, CSC FO, PCW, andDBMwerealsohighlighted
A virtual oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed and promoted NFRDI personnel was conducted last December 18, 2020, at the NFRDI conference room.
Participation in the anti-VAW campaign video of the Institute
A virtual oath-taking ceremony for newly appointed and promoted NFRDI personnel was conducted last December 18, 2020, at the NFRDI conference room.
TECHNOLOGY STATIONS
Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC) at Butong, Taal, Batangas
Marine Fisheries Research and Development Center (MFRDC) at Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC) at Lala, Lanao del Norte
PERFORMANCE REPORT
For CY 2020, the Institute advised the DA Secretary on the development of 15 science-based policies and 15 technological advances for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and managementoffisheryresourcesinthecountry
With the Institute's sound fiscal stewardship, it was recognized as one of the top performing agenciesundertheDepartmentofAgriculturewithalmost 100%Budget UtilizationRate(BUR) andsecondwiththehighestdisbursementratebasedonDBMFY2020PhysicalandFinancial PerformanceReview
*Achievedabovethetargets
RESEARCH PRODUCTS
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED (8)
POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES
75fishingvessel operators 1
Policy to replace traditional fishing vessels into freezer boats or similar technologiesforHighSeasPocket1(HSP1)
Use of gill net mesh size #11 K (304cm) instead of mesh size # 12 K (277cm)forcatchingTawilisinTaalLake
Closed fishing season from February to May (Blue Swimming Crab) in EasternVisayas(LeyteGulf)
31,281 fisherfolk 5
Closed fishing season from February to May (Blue Swimming Crab) in MalampayaSound,Palawan 517fisherfolk
Establishment of four (4) Tawilis Reserved Areas (TRAs)/ Tawilis Sanctuaries in the Lake vicinity of the municipalities of Balete, Maas na Kahoy,CuencaandSanNicolas,Batangas Policy regulation on the collection of marine ornamental fish in the Philippines
The total budget breakdown by Programs, Activities, Projects (PAPs) was distributed to the following activities: 1) General Administration and Support Services ₱43,076,668.00; 2) Support to Operations ₱ 6,545,67900; and 3) Fisheries Research and Development Program ₱225,880,287.00.
The Institute has attained obligation amounting to ₱ 275,496,23175 and disbursement amounting to ₱ 263,323,90527 with 100% cash utilization The remaining 442% unpaid obligations are mainly dues for MOOEandotheraccountspayable
NFRDI was recognized as one of the top performing agencies under the Department of Agriculture with almost 100% Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) and second with the highest disbursement rate as reported in theDBMReportontheFY2020PhysicalandFinancialPerformanceReview
ANNEX
LIST OF CY 2020 R&D PROJECTS
CY 2020 NFRDI R&D PROJECTS
A. NFRDI REGULAR PROJECTS (18)
B. REFOCUSED PROGRAM
B.1 BFAR NATIONAL CENTERS (15)
B.2 TECHNOLOGY PROMOTIONS
C. SPECIAL PROJECTS
C.1 BFAR CO FUNDED PROJECTS
(7)
C.2 DA-PHILIPPINE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (PRDP) FUNDED PROJECT (1)
