Learning about Marine Life has always been fun at SEAFDEC Iloilo!
Posted by on January 21, 2010
I have been to SEAFDEC (Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center) before. But that was during my college years, and was part of my Economics class field trip. But recently, I got this rare chance to visit the place again!
SEAFDEC is joint international project undertaken by the ASEAN Countries to train fisherfolks, and develop better ways to increase fishing harvest productivity.
SEAFDEC Main Station in Iloilo is located in the town of Tigbauan. The center has a large museum building where a a large collection of shells, corals and other marine life are on display.
On the other side of the complex, we got to see how they breed bangus (milkfish) fry and fingerlings. It is really amazing to see large bangus swimming freely in a wide pond. the oldest milkfish in the pond that produces spwns daily is more than 10 years old already.
From the bangus ponds we then checked out the lapu lapu (grouper) pond. Lapu lapu is a prized commodity especially in Chinese Restaurants.
From the prized lapu-lapu we then headed to the abalone culture section. That’s where I got totally blown away. ABALONE!!! They’re so expensive in the markets! and as what the care taker said, most of the abalones being cultured are exported to Japan.
From the abalone, we then proceeded to an area where cutesy seahorses are being cultured. There were three species of seahorses that are being bred in SEAFDEC. and according to our guide, the seahorses are then released to the sea when they are mature.
It was a short trip to SEAFDEC but I have learned so much. It has enlightened me how these little creatures like shells and seahorses keep the balance of our ecosystem. SEAFDEC is very important to the community as well, as it trains fishermen how to fish properly, develop ways to maximize fish harvest without overfishing. They also do community education to let the fisherfolks understand the importance of the sea.
I wonder if they have seminars that invites urban people to engage into agriculture.
I think Seafdec should have seminars and lodging for those who wants to learn Marine life and making it a profit.
Yes they have. They hold comprehensive hands-on training courses regularly. Just visit their website http://www.seafdec.org.ph for the schedule and contacts. They’re very helpful!
Good Day!
I would like to inquire if we need to make an appointment before we could visit SEAFDEC and see their facilities.
I am from Cebu and would be visiting Iloilo in the later part of the year. I was hoping I could visit SEAFDEC during my trip.
Thank you.