SEAFDEC contribution to the ecological awareness of Philippine Lakes

Abstract

Since 1976 the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD), through its Binangonan Freshwater Station has been continuously involved in research on various aspects of inland waters, with emphasis on Laguna de Bay. Lakes Paoay, Taal, Sampaloc and Naujan have also been studied to a limited extent. Research efforts focused on monitoring activities of various biological and physico-chemical parameters in the lake; pollution studies; improvement of practices towards an environmentally sound and sustainable aquaculture enterprise; socio-economic impacts of aquaculture on lakeshore communities and other related activities. The Department has been actively collaborating with various national and international agencies as well as non-government organizations in its effort, to improve its research capabilities. The research results have been published in both local and international scientific journals and proceedings.