New fisheries training modules out next week

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Agriculture (DA)’s fisheries research arm is set to roll out a series of training modules for local fish farmers and stakeholders, providing a free platform to learn science-backed techniques aimed at developing the country’s P124-billion aquaculture sector.

The DA said yesterday that its National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) will launch the modules at the 11th Fisheries Scientific Conference (Fish SciCon) on Sept. 24 to 25 at the Royce Hotel inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

The training covers oyster, mangrove crab, milkfish, tilapia in brackishwater and tilapia in freshwater.

The launch will also include a handbook on fishing gears and seven posters on dominant species and fishing gears in Calabarzon (Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon).

“The two-day event will feature back-to-back presentations showcasing the science-policy interface, demonstrating how NFRDI’s research outputs inform policy recommendations that have been translated into ordinances and regulations,” the NFRDI said.

Participants can earn Continuing Professional Development credits approved by the Professional Regulation Commission. They will receive 2.5 points for the plenary session and 1.5 points for each parallel session.

About 50 research posters will be on display. They will cover fishing, fish farming, postharvest processes and biotechnology.

The Spotlight Competition, an oral contest for scholarship recipients, will give young scientists a platform to present their work and exchange ideas with other researchers and experts.

The NFRDI will also set up an exhibit showcasing its programs. These include a repository of research materials, national fish stock assessments, a technology business training program for fishery entrepreneurs, postharvest and safety innovations, salt industry development projects and research initiatives on Sardinella lemuru, a small fish important to local fisheries.

Aquaculture is a valuable industry in the country, with production reaching 2.38 million tonnes in 2023 and an estimated value of P124.02 billion according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.