Polychaetes are of high commercial interest as potential feed in aquaculture industry. Despite this, knowledge of polychaete culture is limited. The goal of this study is to develop a protocol that maximizes survival and growth of polychaetes from embryonic to juvenile stages. To determine the effect of light intensity and photoperiod on Marphysa iloiloensis, two experiments were conducted; 1 - hatchability (embryo-larva; 24 h duration) and 2 - survival and growth (larva-juvenile; 29 d duration). Both experiments followed a 3 × 3 factorial design using three light intensities (3.4, 64.4, and 157 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and three photoperiods (1 L: 23D, 3 L: 21D, and 6 L: 18D) with four replicates each. The best light regime was compared to the control (0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Hatching success was significantly lower in treatments exposed to 157 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ regardless of photoperiod (P < 0.05). Survival at juvenile stage was significantly dependent on the interaction between light intensity and photoperiod (P < 0.01). Survival was higher in both 0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 3.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (all photoperiods). Survival decreased significantly in 64.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 157 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ under both 3 L: 21D and 6 L: 18D photoperiods. Prolonged exposure to higher light intensity compromised the survival of the polychaete from larval to juvenile stage while growth was not affected. These findings suggest that either continuous darkness or a light intensity of 3.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ is the best culture condition from embryonic to juvenile stage of mud polychaete M. iloiloensis to optimize production.

Processes and results of stock enhancement of tiger shrimp performed in Batan Bay in Philippines was reported as a trans-disciplinary research for enhancement of area-capability (AC). Causes of decline in catch amount of tiger shrimp were overfishing and degradation of its nursery grounds such as mangrove forest. Five fishers had participated in the intermediate culture throughout the project period. Technical issues for stock enhancement were solved and expectable recapture rate of released shrimp was more than 20%. Economic feasibility of the stock enhancement was also confirmed. Forty-five percent of the people in the area are realizing the increase of catch amount of tiger shrimp. Effectiveness of stock enhancement is obtaining understanding from common people including public administrations. After the project, the stock enhancement was paused and stakeholders want to proceed with the stock enhancement. Aklan State University is planning to support stock enhancement project as its extension activities and expect participations of researchers from foreign countries. Such activities will provide research opportunities for evaluation and theorization of AC.

The rabbitfish Siganus guttatus, one of the common species in Philippine waters is being studied at the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Iloilo, Philippines for eventual mass seed production. Several problems were encountered in the rearing of this species in the hatchery. One of those suspected was egg quality. This study was conducted to investigate the problem. At the start of the study, the orientation was to improve the feeding management of the broodstock, and to monitor variables strictly dependent on the parents: maturation, spawning frequency, fertilization rates, egg diameter, hatching rates, normality of larvae. Subsequently, the quality of the larvae was investigated using variables such as size at hatching, speed of yolk resorption and early growth. The later part of the study included feeding of broodstocks with formulated experimental diets and rearing the larvae produced. On the whole, this investigation included several aspects of the biology of S. guttatus and provides information on nutrition, growth and reproduction, with emphasis on their applications to aquaculture.

This paper presents the history of one of the earliest mangrove-aquaculture projects in the Philippines which started in 1986. The site is part of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fish Farm for milkfish production in Son-oc, Poblacion, Ubay, Bohol, central Philippines. Mangrove seedlings were planted in an area at a ratio of 80%-20%. mangrove to fish culture area. The project proved that mangroves and fish could live and grow in a harmonious relationship. The project area now serves as a free entry for wild fishes so that fish production of no less than one-half ton yearly has been recorded in an area of over 2.0 ha. Fishes caught are usually grouper, snapper, tarpons, barracuda, siganids, tilapia, mullets, caravalle, slipmouth, whiting, scats, goby, sea bass, shrimps and blue crabs. The mangrove-aquaculture project in Ubay, Bohol which has been successful, could be easily adapted by the fisherfolk living in coastal areas where mangroves can be grown. The forest products and fishery resources obtained from such activity could contribute to the sustenance of coastal communities.

In discussing the benefits from forests, usually only the direct products such as timber or other forestry products are counted. Little attention is made on indirect benefits such as climate regulation, erosion prevention, flood restriction, etc., which are of great importance because mangrove forests grow at tidal and riverside areas where winds and waves are usually strong. In this paper, the direct products and indirect benefits from mangrove forests are discussed.

This paper discussed two mangrove-friendly aquaculture technologies that will not only protect the coastal and mangrove ecosystem but could also increase the income of the coastal communities not only from the forest products but also from fish, shellfish, and crab production. Moreover, the technologies will not only serve as livelihood but also help in promoting the conservation of biodiversity.

Following a brief overview of 1982 activities of the aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, an account is given for the accomplishment and progress of Tigbauan, Leganes, and Binangonan research stations.