In this issue

Antibacterial Potential of Gracilaria edulis Extracts Against Pathogenic Bacteria: Input to Organic Aquaculture
Identification of Plankton in the Stomach of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Seeds Obtained from Natural Waters
First Record of Hermaphroditism in Green Mussels (Perna viridis) in the Philippines
The Post-Harvest Handling Practices of Glass Eel in Aparri, Cagayan: Operations, Challenges and Recommendations
Dietary Vitamin C and Lipid Feed Supplementations Influence the Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) Subjected to Thermal Stress
Gender Participation in the Capture and Marketing Sectors of the Glass Eel Fisheries in Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines
Status of Nematopalaemon tenuipes, Spider Prawn (Family: Palaemonidae) Stocks Caught in Aparri, Cagayan: A case of Gentleman’s Agreement Management Strategy
Environmental Change and Trends in Brackishwater Pond Milkfish Chanos chanos Production in the Philippines Over Six Decades: Insights to Possible Resiliency
Coral Reef Habitat and Associated Reef Fishes in the Kalayaan Island Group, West Philippine Sea
Catches and the Production of the Sea Cucumber Fishery of Mindanao, Philippines
Ichthyofauna of the Rasian and Asahan Rivers in the South Coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia
Determinants of Food Insecurity among Municipal Fishing Households during the COVID-19 Pandemic under Alert Level 1 in Kawit, Cavite, Philippines
Cell Viability and Coelomocyte Characterization of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster planci L.) Collected from Southern Leyte, Philippines
Farming Systems of Eucheumatoid Seaweeds in Western Visayas, Philippines
Climate and Non-climate Related Hazards in Small Pelagic Fisheries and Milkfish Aquaculture: Expert Opinion Survey in the Philippines
Identification and Allometric Scaling of Megamouth Shark (Megachasma pelagios) Mother-Offspring Specimens from Dipaculao, Aurora, Luzon Island, Philippines
The Catch and Trade of Seahorses in the Philippines Post-CITES (2019)

Journal Issue Volume 32 Issue 1 Determinants of Food Insecurity among Municipal Fishing Households during...

Research Article

Farming Systems of Eucheumatoid Seaweeds in Western Visayas, Philippines

, and Harold M. Monteclaro2 ORCID logo

1 Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo 5023 Philippines
2 Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo 5023 Philippines

Page 160-177 | Received : May 5, 2024, Accepted : March 1, 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the various seaweed farming methods in Western Visayas, Philippines. Data were gathered through workshops, focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII), and secondary sources, and were subsequently analyzed. Results showed that four out of six provinces in the region serve as the major suppliers of fresh and dried seaweeds namely, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. The eucheumatoids species widely farmed in production sites across Western Visayas include Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M. Liao 1996, K. striatus (F. Schmitz) L.M. Liao 1996, and Eucheuma denticulatum (N.L. Burman) Collins and Hervey 1917. Although farming techniques vary per province and mainly rely on culture sites, the simple long line (fixed-off bottom and floating line) is the most common method utilized throughout the region. Other methods employed are broadcast, floating bamboo raft, spiderweb, octopus, and single vertical floating (tumbo-tumbo). Significant roles and activities performed by key actors and the enabling environment were discussed. While seaweed production in Western Visayas is still considered a minor industry, the documentation and analysis of the present farming methods and status of seaweed production are crucial in crafting initiatives and strategic directions for improving the quality and production of eucheumatoid farming in the region. Efforts to boost eucheumatoid production include research focused on improved spore production, nursery establishment, and utilization of tissue culture technologies. These strategies will ensure a sufficient supply of healthy seaweed seedlings for culture. Capacity building and promoting best aquaculture practices (BAP) to key stakeholders are also vital for proper coordination and optimizing programs, projects, and initiatives that foster a supportive environment for seaweed farming in the region.


Keywords: aquaculture, Eucheuma spp., Kappaphycus spp., production, seaweed farming