NFRDI to expand collaboration with SEAFDEC/AQD through sardine project

By Nyra G. Armada

The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) is tapping SEAFDEC/AQD in a partnership to explore the domestication of the Bali Sardine.

In a meeting held on 22 February, the NFRDI team, led by Dr. Lilian Garcia, Dr. Ma. Theresa Mutia, Dr. Minerva Ventolero, and Ms. Janet Baral, presented the proposal, with a funding of P20 million, to SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao.

The project, titled “Biological Study and Transport Trials of Bali Sardine (Sardinella lemuru),” intends to replicate SEAFDEC/AQD’s success in spawning the round scad (“galunggong”) in captivity which the research center achieved in 2021.

In addition to the sardine project, the meeting also discussed the memorandum of agreement on the technology demonstration on grow-out culture of snubnose pompano and whiteleg shrimp, with focus on personnel services and proposed plans.

Furthermore, the development of cost-efficient feeds for aquaculture was also discussed. NFRDI requested Dr. Roger Edward Mamauag to review the ingredients necessary for the start-up operation/production of a feed mill plant while also exploring opportunities to formalize collaborations between SEAFDEC/AQD, NFRDI, and other government agencies.

The strategic partnership between NFRDI and SEAFDEC/AQD underscores a shared commitment to advancing scientific research and sustainable practices within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the Philippines.