UPV-CFOS conducts training on green mussel hatchery production anew

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The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UP Visayas (UPV-CFOS) trained a new set of participants on hatchery production of green mussel (Perna viridis) spats on May 29 to June 2, 2023.

Eleven (11) trainees actively participated in the intensive five-day Training on the Hatchery Production of Green Mussel Spats conducted at the green mussel hatchery of the Institute of Aquaculture, CFOS, UPV Miagao campus.

Representatives from the local government unit of Taytay, Dumaran, and San Vicente, Palawan; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 4B; Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Province of Capiz; and Northern Iloilo State University (NISU), Estancia, Iloilo learned the necessary skills and knowledge on green mussel hatchery for grow-out production and expansion.

Dr. Mary Jane A. Amar, green mussel hatchery project leader, spearheaded the training. Amar and her team composed of Dr. Lily Anne Piñosa and Ms. Ma. Novem Grace Ylayron provided lectures and laboratory activities on the practical applications of the necessary skills in the production and handling of green mussel spats.

The Department of Science and Technology -Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the mussel hatchery technology.

“The green mussel hatchery technology is a solution to the problem of inadequate supply of green mussel spats due to overharvesting and decline of the breeding population. This training is conducted in preparation for the transfer of the hatchery technology to the stakeholders,” Amar said.

At the closing program held on June 2, 2023, the participants underscored the importance of the training to address the shortage of supply on green mussel and to provide additional income for the farmers in the green mussel industry. They are looking forward to implement the technology in their respective localities.

Maria Vanessa Lim, Aquacultural Technologist of Taytay LGU in Palawan, said that they will vigorously push for their local chief executive to support and adopt the technology and eventually set-up the hatchery.

Meanwhile, Christen Penafiel, faculty member of NISU, is looking forward to apply her learning from the training both in instruction and extension work.

The first batch of the training was held on April 24 – 28, 2023. It was attended by 13 participants from the BFAR Regions 1, 6, 8, BFAR-National Fisheries Development Center, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Province of Aklan. (Ms. Lenilyn B. Gallos, CFOS)