The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Luzon conducted a Hands-on Training on Milkfish Hatchery Management and Operation at the BFAR-National Fisheries Development Center here last week.
The five-day activity was led by BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz and is part of the National Bangus Development Program aimed at training fisherfolk beneficiaries of the Wild Fry Holding Facility and Satellite Community Based Larval Rearing Facility.
Fisherfolk associations such as Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Mangingisda at Kababaihan Patungo sa Pag-unlad from Bagac, Bataan; Casiguran Fish Growers from Casiguran Aurora and Samahang Malilit Mangingisda Purok 6A and Samahang Mangingisda ng Matawe from Dingalan, Aurora took part in the hands-on training by the agency.
A total of 18 trainees attended the hands-on-training; 11 of them were representatives from fisherfolk associations with their respective LGU fish technicians and BFAR 3 personnel who oversaw established facilities.
In a welcome message, RD Cruz highlighted the importance of boosting the supply of local wild milkfish fry which will aid in the sustainable production in the milkfish industry.
Practical application lectures
In collaboration with BFAR-NFDC, the Center’s milkfish team tackled five lectures prior to the practical applications, namely, milkfish biology; broodstock management and milkfish sex identification; larval rearing and milkfish management; mass culture of green algae, and mass culture of rotifer.
The lecture series gave background knowledge to the trainees prior to their hands-on-training.
Further, the trainees experienced practical application on milkfish hatchery operation and management.
Actual propagation
Said training focused on the actual propagation of natural food and proper handling and culture of milkfish fry.
During the last day of the activity, the trainees visited and toured the facilities of the BFAR-Regional Mariculture Technology Demonstration Center at Barangay Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan.