This study assessed the economic profitability of cultured local mudfish (Channa striata) fry in net cages with extended photoperiod for a 28-day rearing trial. The experiment applied two treatments: One used natural photoperiod (natural), and the other used 24 h photoperiod (24L:0D). Fry provided with 24 h photoperiod grew faster compared to the fry grown in natural photoperiod. The fry grown in light-aided condition reached a desired size for nursery culture (33.67±0.25 mm) within 2 weeks. Thus, provision of continuous photoperiod in larval culture shortened the period in the hatchery phase. Notably, the abundance of zooplankton at night was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in light-aided condition (3091.09±1028.80 individuals L^-1) compared to control treatment with natural photoperiod (1240.92±675.70 individuals L^-1). The increased prey availability contributed to the enhanced growth rate of the fry. Further, treatment with continuous photoperiod (24L:0D) has significantly higher (p < 0.05) survival rate (69.56±2.47%) compared to the treatment with a natural photoperiod (23.11±11.33%). Moreover, the economic analysis revealed that 24L:0D obtained a higher net profit (₱205,588.60) and return on investment (56.02%) compared to the natural photoperiod treatment, indicating its feasibility as a cost-effective rearing strategy.

Echinoderms, especially sea urchins and sea cucumbers, are part of the diet in coastal communities in the Philippines. However, consuming them raw may cause food poisoning from pathogenic bioluminescent bacteria (BLB). This study identified commercially important echinoderms present in Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, Zambales, and isolated their associated BLB. Nineteen samples from two species of sea urchins (Tripneustes gratilla and Salmacis sphaeroides), and three species of sea cucumbers (Holothuria impatiens, H. leucospilota, and H. scabra) were collected. BLB were detected in the gonads and intestines of sea urchins and body walls and intestines of sea cucumbers. Molecular identification of the isolated BLB using the 16S rRNA gene identified 18 out of 25 (72%) BLB isolates including 15 Vibrio species, two Acinetobacter species, and one Stutzerimonas species, S. stutzeri. Molecular evidenace supports genus-level classification of 17 out of the 18 species, although further study is needed to confirm species-level identification. This study has three important results: (1) notably the first observation of bioluminescence activity in Acinetobacter spp. and S. stutzeri in echinoderms, (2) the first report of bioluminescent bacteria in S. sphaeroides and H. impatiens, and (3) the confirmed presence of three BLB groups in the edible parts of sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

This study aims to determine the identity, availability, diversity, seasonality, marketability, coastal sources, merchandise, and commercial value of different edible mollusks sold in the local public markets in the province of Capiz. Information on the various edible mollusks sold in Capiz's local public markets was gathered through interviews with vendors who participated as respondents. The survey, conducted from June to August 2024, involved thirty-nine (39) vendors from different local markets. During the interviews, vendors were shown pictures of the mollusks to ensure clarity and consistency in identifying the species, which may have different local names across locations. The most frequently sold edible mollusks in Capiz's local markets are Perna viridis (Asian Green Mussel) and Magallana bilineata (Philippine Cupped Oyster), available in all markets, with a majority of vendors selling them. On the other hand, less commonly sold species include Tegillarca granosa (Blood Cockle), Anodontia edentula (Toothless Clam), Pecten maximus (Great Scallops), and Laevistrombus turturella (Dog Conch), which are sold in fewer local markets and by fewer vendors. Out of the nineteen species in the study, Perna viridis (tahong) was identified as the fastest-selling edible mollusk, while Telescopium telescopium (bagongon) was the slowest-selling. Magallana bilineata (talaba) ranked second in fast-selling mollusks but also third in slow-selling ones. Marcia hiantina (punaw), Antigona lacerata (tuway), Telescopium telescopium (bagongon), and Modiolus philippinarum (abahong) were observed to be both fast-selling and slow-selling in various local markets within the province.

Flatfishes (Pleuronectiformes) are ecologically and economically important demersal fishes, yet scientific information on their species composition, morphology, and feeding ecology in the Philippines remains limited. In this study, 90 specimens were obtained from the General Santos City Public Market from November 6, 2024 to January 20, 2025, measured for morphological characters, and dissected for gut content analysis. Species identification was based on morphometric data, field guides, FishBase, and WoRMS. Statistical analyses were performed using PAST software and Microsoft Excel. Four species were identified: Bothus pantherinus (Family Bothidae), Brachirus aspilos, Dexillus muelleri, and Pardachirus pavoninus (Family Soleidae). Correlation analyses revealed strong and significant (p < 0.05) relationships between total length (TL) and several morphological characters among the identified species, indicating proportional growth patterns. Gut content analysis revealed a predominantly benthic carnivorous diet, with polychaetes comprising 75% of prey, followed by crustaceans and small fishes.

Flying fish (Cheilopogon intermedius) is an underutilized yet abundant species in the Philippines with potential for value addition. This study evaluated the effects of different marinating solutions on the sensory quality, microbial safety, nutritional value, and shelf-life of flying fish fillets. Fillets were prepared using three marinades: M1 (“ham flavor”), M2 (“salty-sour flavor”), M3 (“spiced flavor”), and C (un-marinated control). Sensory evaluation (10-point scale) showed that M1 consistently received the highest scores for color (9.34 ± 0.15), texture (9.15 ± 0.27), flavor (sweetness 8.95 ± 0.15; saltiness 8.95 ± 0.60), and overall acceptability (9.64 ± 0.27). Consumer testing likewise indicated that M1 as most preferred (5.28 ± 0.12 on a 7-point scale) formulation, followed by M2 (5.06 ± 0.12), while C was least accepted (~3.40). All marinated fillets met microbial safety standards, showing < 10 MPN.g⁻¹ coliforms, Salmonella was absent (in 25 g sample), and aerobic plate counts of < 10² CFU.g⁻¹. Nutritional analysis revealed higher protein (13 g) and energy (60 kcal) contents in marinated samples compared to the control (11 g, 50 kcal). Shelf-life testing indicated extended microbial stability, with M3 fillets maintaining acceptability up to 16 days at 6 °C and 220 days at –18 °C, versus 7 and 97 days for control, respectively.