The ACIAR-BFAR Rinconada Lakes project: Improving fish culture practices for sustainability and profitability

Abstract

An ACIAR-funded project was conducted in the Rinconada Lakes area of the Bicol Region in the Philippines to improve fish cage management by fish farmers not only to improve economic returns but also to reduce the negative impact of aquaculture on the lakes’ environment The area is prone to devastating typhoons and other catastrophic events which have adversely affected the livelihood of the communities. The study consisted of stocking density and feeding trials with the cooperation of local fish farmers with the aim of shortening the culture period from the traditional 8-12 months as commonly practiced by fish farmers to enable multiple crops annually. This would enable them to harvest their stocks safely in at least one cropping prior to the advent of adverse climatic conditions. Training of the fish farmers and subsequent verification trials were also conducted as part of the study.