Mussel culture gathers momentum in the Philippines

Abstract

Mussels (Mytilus smaragdinus) were posing a threat as fouling organisms in Bacoor Bay, on the south coast of Manila Bay but when attempts were made to market the mussel so much success was achieved that attempts to culture it were begun. A pilot farm was established; mussels now exceed oysters as the most important an profitable crop, 4 mussel projects have now been established, at Bacoor, Tinagong Dagat in northeast Panay, Jiabon in western Samar, and Panguil Bay in northwest Minanao. Projects of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) are also noted. The methods used in mussel culture are described; at Bacoor, Bamboo stakes are used as substrate. Cost and production estimates for a 1 ha farm using the bamboo stake substrate are given.