Pompano farm
Philippines Department of Agriculture
The Philippine government has published its commitment to promote mariculture parks and fishery projects around the country.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., along with officials of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), visited Santeh Feeds Corp.’s Silaguin Bay Fish Farm.
This company has floating sea cages, where thousands of imported fry of short-finned pompano are being raised "to help reduce fish imports, provide a healthier protein source for consumers, and possibly open export opportunities."
Regarding this, Tiu Laurel congratulated Santeh for "the successful and innovative aquaculture project that dovetails with the government’s goal of expanding mariculture parks and promoting various fishery projects around the country."
The Government published that in 2022 local production of pompano (scientific name trichinous blochii), only reached 457 metric tons– less than 3% of total imports of 16,004 tons during the same year.
In more detail, Silaguin Bay Fish Farm has 44 floating cages that could each yield around 3 to 4 tons of pompano. DA confirmed that it takes around 9 months to culture pompano, with fish of up to 500 grams destined for the local market while larger ones of up to 800 grams earmarked for export.
Also, Tiu Laurel confirmed that the DA, through BFAR, will promote pompano production as part of the government’s push to expand mariculture parks and modernize the aquaculture industry.
"Increasing fish production through aquaculture is part of DA’s effort to modernize Philippine agriculture, boost food production, and ensure the country’s food security."
