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Modern transformation of ancient techniques: How can the Philippines take traditional farming to new heights?
The Philippine aquaculture industry occupies an important position in the overall fishery industry. This industry has a long history. Traditional milkfish (milkfish) have been cultured in ponds with tidal water supply for more than hundreds of years. With the introduction of modern technology, aquaculture in the Philippines now covers freshwater, brackish water and seawater, and farming methods are becoming increasingly diversified. In this fertile sea area, milk fish, tilapia and a variety of other fish, shrimp, crab and seaweed have become farmed commodities.
According to 2022 data, aquaculture products account for 54.15% of the total fishery in the Philippines.
Currently, aquaculture not only directly employs more than 230,000 workers, but also has a lot of scientific and technological research dedicated to improving aquaculture production. This demonstrates the growing role aquaculture plays in the country's economy. But at the same time as development, related environmental issues have gradually emerged.
On the coast of the Philippines, there are more than 2,200,000 square kilometers of sea area and 23 lakes with a water surface area of more than 100 hectares, allowing the aquaculture industry in this land to be rooted in a rich water environment. In these waters, the Philippines has become the fourth largest producer of seaweed in the world, and the output value of aquaculture is also rising. Among them, milk fish and tilapia have the most stable market demand.
“Different fish have different environmental needs during the breeding process, which also prompts us to continuously adjust and improve the breeding technology.”
For many small-scale farmers, the inheritance and technological evolution of farmers often affect the whole body. Many farmers still use traditional farming techniques that rely on nature most of the time, but in today's global market environment, investment and the integration of modern technologies are particularly important.
In terms of saltwater aquaculture, waters adjacent to the coast are often used to culture milk fish and shrimp, while brackish water fish ponds are dominated by tilapia and other species. In recent years, the introduction of technology has made farming in closed pens and tanks increasingly feasible. This farming method not only increases production, but also allows for better control of water quality and fish health.
In 2021, the Philippines' total seaweed production reached 1.35 million tons, accounting for 4.82% of global production.
However, the development of the aquaculture industry has not been without controversy. The rise of large-scale breeding farms has had a significant impact on the ecological environment, especially the destruction of wetlands and mangroves. In addition, some introduced species have become invasive species due to lack of natural enemies, further exacerbating the imbalance of local ecosystems. These situations have prompted governments to regulate aquaculture to protect local water resources and biodiversity.
Nonetheless, the need for adjustments and improvements drives industry players toward sustainable development. For example, many farmers have begun to explore integrated farming models, which involve farming a variety of aquatic products at the same time to maximize the use of limited resources. In this model, milkfish can be co-cultured with shrimp, crabs or seaweed, which not only improves economic benefits, but also helps improve water quality and enhance the health of the ecosystem.
“Looking back at the history of this industry, we are not just breeding, but also promoting harmonious coexistence with the ecology.”
Overall, the Philippine aquaculture industry needs to strive to learn from each other's strengths, overcome difficulties in development, and achieve a harmonious symbiosis between technology and the environment. As the demand for aquatic products in the international market increases, the aquaculture industry may usher in more opportunities in the future. When traditional technology is combined with modern innovation, sustainable development of aquaculture will become a reality.
Amidst such changes, will the future of aquaculture become a model of recycling and regeneration, allowing farmers and ecosystems to prosper and coexist?
