Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Aquaculture Department Institutional Repository (SAIR) is the official digital repository of scholarly and research information of the department. This is to enable the effective dissemination of AQD researchers' in-house and external publications for free and online. The repository uses DSpace, an open source software, developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Libraries. It is an Open Archives Initiative (OAI)-compliant.

Initially, the repository shall contain preprints, full-texts or abstracts of journal articles, books and conference proceedings written by SEAFDEC/AQD scientists and researchers. The aim is to promote these publications especially those published in international peer-reviewed journals and generate higher citation through increased visibility.

It will also provide free access to all in-house publications of SEAFDEC/AQD. Full-text digitized copies of fishfarmer-friendly materials like books, handbooks, policy guidebooks, conference proceedings, extension manuals, institutional reports, annual reports (AQD Highlights), and newsletters (SEAFDEC Asian Aquaculture, Aqua Farm News, AquaDept News and AQD Matters) can be retrieved and downloaded.

In the future, SAIR will expand its collection to include images, presentations, audios, and videos among others.

The objectives of the repository are to: (1) to provide reliable means for SEAFDEC/AQD researchers to store, preserve and share their research outputs and (2) to provide easy access and increase the visibility of SEAFDEC/AQD scientific publications

SAIR also aims to encourage SEAFDEC/AQD researchers for self-archiving and submitting pre-prints from which metadata will be screened and approved by the library staff.

Select a community to browse its collections.

  • Effects of shelter types and feeding rates on culture performance, shelter preference and feeding behaviour of spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus juveniles under laboratory conditions 

    Noran-Baylon, Roselyn ORCID; Pacardo, Nelbert G. (Brill Academic Publishers, 2026-08-03)
    Spiny lobsters, Panulirus ornatus, are a highly valued crustacean worldwide, with strong demand and high prices making it important for fisheries and aquaculture economies. This study examined the effects of shelter types and feeding rates on rearing performance (which includes growth in weight and carapace length, survival, moulting frequency, shelter preference and feeding behaviour) in early juvenile spiny lobster, P. ornatus in two subsequent tank experiments. In experiment 1, groups of five juveniles (approx. 16 g) were reared separately in replicated tanks (200 litres) with different shelter types (bundled nets vs pipes vs no shelter as control). After 60 days, survival was higher in the bundled net treatment (73%) than in the pipe treatment (67%) and control (33%). However, survival and other rearing performance parameters did not differ significantly among shelter types (P > 0.05). In experiment 2, shelter preference among early juveniles (<1 g) were further tested in rectangular tanks (20 litres) with both shelter type (bundled nets and stacked pipes) provided. In addition, different feeding rates using fresh mussel meat were tested: FR10, FR20 and FR30, corresponding to 10, 20 and 30% of mean body weight per day. Results showed that young lobsters strongly preferred bundled net shelters (80% occupancy) vs pipes (20%). Feeding rate significantly affected growth, with FR30 resulting in the highest gain in weight and carapace length. There was a strong positive correlation between mean body weight and daily feed consumption (P = 0.001). Nocturnal feeding behaviour was validated, as lobsters significantly consumed more food at night (81%) than during the day (69%) (P = 0.001). These results confirmed the importance of providing complex shelters, like bundled nets and optimising feeding regimes (30% of body weight per day, with a higher proportion at night) for improving productivity in the nursery rearing of spiny lobsters.
  • Propagation techniques for economically important seaweeds: Current practices, challenges, and future directions 

    Faisan, Jr., Joseph ORCID (CAB International, 2026-07-31)
    The large-scale cultivation of economically important seaweeds depends on the development of reliable and efficient propagation techniques that ensure a continuous, sustainable supply of seedlings for farming. Propagation is the foundation of seaweed aquaculture, linking the availability of natural stocks to the increasing demand for raw materials across industries. The advancement of propagation methods—whether through vegetative cuttings, tissue culture, or spore-based hatchery systems—has been vital in supporting the commercial success of many seaweed species. Despite this progress, optimizing and standardizing species-specific propagation protocols remains a challenge for further growth. Differences in reproductive biology, environmental conditions, and physiological responses among species make it difficult to create unified propagation models. This chapter reviews the commercial practices and development of propagation techniques across three main seaweed groups, emphasizing their advantages and limitations. It also discusses emerging biotechnological innovations that show great potential for improving seed stock quality and advancing large-scale commercial seaweed cultivation.
  • Promotion of sustainable aquaculture and aquatic animal health in Southeast Asia: Proceedings of the international workshop on the promotion of sustainable aquaculture and aquatic animal health in Southeast Asia, 12–14 March 2025, Iloilo City, Philippines 

    de la Peña, Leobert D.; Huervana, Joana Joy D.; Aya, Frolan; Altamirano, Jon; Amar, Edgar (Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, 2026-07)
    This volume contains the proceedings of the International Workshop on the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health in Southeast Asia (SAHSEA). Convened by the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD) with support from the Government of Japan Trust Fund (JTF), the workshop serves as a key milestone reviewing regional progress and mapping future collaborative strategies. The publication compiles country reports from SEAFDEC member nations alongside research presentations detailing status reports, emerging challenges, and technological interventions in tropical aquaculture. Key thematic areas covered include seed supply stabilization, broodstock and larval quality management, cost-efficient aquafeed development, biosecurity protocols, transboundary aquatic animal disease surveillance, and community-based sustainable production systems. Synthesizing regional expert insights and policy recommendations, this document aims to guide scientists, aquaculture practitioners, and policymakers toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable aquatic food systems in Southeast Asia.
  • Series: Aquaculture Extension Manual; No. 16

    Diseases of farmed shrimps in the Philippines 

    de la Peña, Leobert D.; Tendencia, Eleonor ORCID; Amar, Edgar ORCID; Faisan, Jr., Joseph ORCID; Pagador, Gregoria E.; Naluaran, Lovelyn Marie ORCID; Moquera, Germin L.; Nava, Joseph Keith Paulo ORCID; Castellano, Jose Louis A.; Catedral, Demy D.; Gonzaga, Josette; Dumaran-Paciente, Haydee Rose; Peniero, Ma. Maila S. (Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, 2026-07)
    The third edition of Diseases of Farmed Shrimps in the Philippines serves as an updated and comprehensive reference manual on the major infectious, parasitic, nutritional, toxic, and environmental diseases affecting farmed shrimps in the Philippines. Building upon the previous editions published by the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department, this revised edition reflects the significant developments in shrimp aquaculture over the past two decades, including the emergence and spread of new pathogens, evolving disease patterns, and advances in diagnostic and biosecurity approaches. The manual provides practical, science-based information for shrimp farmers, aquaculture technicians, fish health specialists, researchers, extension workers, students, and regulatory agencies involved in shrimp health management and sustainable aquaculture production. It presents updated descriptions of diseases affecting cultured shrimps, including viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and non-infectious conditions observed in hatchery, nursery, and grow-out systems. Each disease chapter contains concise, standardized information on the common and scientific names of the disease agents, susceptible life stages, prevalence, mortality, clinical and gross signs at both the pond and animal levels, histopathological features, and recommended prevention and control measures. The manual also incorporates updated diagnostic images, photomicrographs, and field observations to aid in disease recognition and laboratory confirmation. Through this updated manual, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department aims to support the continued development of the Philippine shrimp industry by providing an accessible, practical, and scientifically grounded reference that promotes improved aquatic animal health management, enhanced farm productivity, and responsible aquaculture practices.
  • Series: Aquaculture Extension Manual; No. 79

    Land-based production of Kappaphycus alvarezii through micropropagation 

    Sollesta-Pitogo, Hananiah; Faisan, Jr. ORCID; Samson, Edcel Jed D.; de la Peña, Leobert D.; Dayrit, Rheniel; Mamauag, Roger Edward ORCID; Espino, Marinelle (Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, 2026-07)
    This manual provides a comprehensive guide on establishing and operating Kappaphycus alvarezii tissue-culture propagule production. It covers the complete workflow from site selection and facility layout to biosecurity protocols, laboratory culture procedures, tank acclimatization, packing and transport to sea‐based nurseries. This manual is intended for personnel of seaweed micropropagation technology adopters, such as those operated by the government agencies, research and academic institutions, private sector, and trainers supporting capacity‐building initiatives in seaweed farming and seedstock production.

View more