Guimaras Fisherfolks Pioneer Hatchery-Grown Tahong Spats

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A fisherfolk organization from the island province of Guimaras is the initial recipient of the hatchery-produced green mussel (tahong) spats produced by UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (UPV-CFOS) in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 6 (BFAR-6).

Dr. Mary Jane Apines-Amar, University Researcher (Career Scientist 1) of the Institute of Aquaculture and project leader of the green mussel hatchery project together with the BFAR 6 Regional Shellfish Focal Person, Ms. Riza Chua, and the Provincial Fisheries Officer for Guimaras, Mr. Roy Palla led the distribution of 51 sets of 1-meter long rope hangers, which are approximately 50,000 spats to members of Barangay Lawi Fisherfolks Association on April 8, 2024.

BFAR 6 provided additional funds for the production of mussel spats intended for fisherfolks who were affected by the closed season. The agency also identified the project beneficiaries.

Guimaras is one of the identified expansion sites for green mussel culture in the Philippines. Fisherfolks from Jordan, Guimaras are the first batch of beneficiaries from this collaboration. The spats were stocked in Santa Ana Bay in Jordan, Guimaras.

“This is a very good initiative in promoting the hatchery-produced green mussel spats to be used in transplantation in traditional and non-traditional mussel culture sites as an alternative livelihood for fish farmers affected by closed season. Hatchery-produced spats are safe to stock especially in non-traditional sites because they are clean and healthy,” said Amar.

The hatchery-produced spats given to the beneficiaries will be developed into breeders so that they will have the source of the spats, especially for non-traditional mussel culture areas.

“They are not allowed to harvest until there are sufficient spats to sustain their operation,” Amar stated.

Amar and her research team developed the new technology for hatchery production of the green mussel (Perna viridis) spats for grow-out production and expansion. The technology has been identified as a sustainable solution to address the problem of low production due to a lack of seed supply.

The UPV Green Mussel Hatchery was established in 2014 with Dr. Laureta as the Project Leader and Dr. Amar as the Project Staff with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). (Ms. Lenilyn B. Gallos, CFOS, with sources from Dr. Mary Jane Apines-Amar)