Renato F. Agbayani

The seasonality and economic feasibility of cultivating Kappaphycus alvarezii in Panagatan Cays, Caluya, Antique, Philippines

Vegetative thalli of brown and green Kappaphycus alvarezii were cultivated in Panagatan Cays, Caluya, Antique, Philippines, over 60- and 90-day periods using hanging-long line (HL), fixed off-bottom (FB), and hanging long line–fixed off-bottom (HL–FB) methods to determine the daily growth rate and yield. A completely randomized design experiment with six replicates of 5-m line cultivation rope was used in the study. An economic analysis was prepared to determine the viability of the culture systems used. To determine the effect of strain, culture technique, culture days and culture month on the daily growth rate and yield, a combination of these different factors was treated as a single treatment. Results show that at 60-day culture period, daily growth rate and yield in all techniques were lowest in July–August and highest in January–February. Higher growth rate (2.3–4.2% day−1) and yield (3.6–15.8 fresh weight kg m−1 line−1) were obtained from September to February. Significant differences (P<0.05) in growth rate and yield were determined between culture months. At 90-day culture period, there were no significant differences in growth rate and yield between culture months; however, a significant difference was found between culture techniques. The average production (dry weight kg crop−1) of K. alvarezii when grown at 60-day culture period during lean and peak months using HL, FB and HL–FB techniques ranged from 421 to 3310 kg with HL–FB the highest and FB the lowest. Net income, return on investment (ROI) and payback period were all positive during peak months, but negative values were obtained during lean months. Only seaweed grown on HL technique during the peak months at 90-day culture period showed positive income, ROI and payback period. The seasonality of cultivating K. alvarezii is shown in this present study. This paper further shows the best culture technique to be adopted at certain months of the year to produce the highest yield and income.

Culture and economics of wild grouper (Epinephelus coioides) using three feed types in ponds

Abstract The performance of wild Epinephelus coioides juveniles was compared by feeding with live tilapia juveniles, fish by-catch, and formulated diet for 5 months in grow-out ponds. To minimize cannibalism, the groupers were graded into small (BW=24.9±7.3 g), medium (45.8±5.7 g), and large (84.1±30.0 g) size groups as block in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and reared in nine 350-m2 ponds. To supply the tilapia juveniles, adult tilapia were grown 2 months prior to stocking of grouper at a rate of 15 tilapia/grouper. Grouper fed by-catch were significantly higher (P 400 g and only 14% was classified

Co-management in marine fisheries in Malalison Island, central Philippines.

This study, conducted from November 1995 to February 1996, describes the evolution and impact of fisheries co-management arrangements in a coral reef fishing village at Malalison Island, central Philippines. The island is the site of a community-based fishery resources management project of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department, funded by the International Development Research Centre of Canada.Using a case study approach and inferential statistics in the analysis of data, the CD. management arrangements on the island are perceived to be successful based on equity, efficiency and sustainability criteria. Fishers, represented by the Fishermens Association of Malalison Island (FAMI) who form the core group, participated actively in the management of fishery resources with legal and financial support both from the municipal and barangay (village) government. Potential problems nonetheless, still exist with the ambivalent attitude of fishers toward rule-breaking, especially of fishery rules directly affecting them. The future of co-management arrangements will largely depend on how the fishers and other stakeholders maintain and build earlier initiatives with the eventual phasing out of SEAFDEC AQD from the island. The rapid population growth could also affect project gains.

Deep-sea farming of Kappaphycus using the multiple raft, long-line method

Abstract Farming practices of Kappaphycus seaweed planters using the multiple raft, long-line method were assessed in three major cultivation areas of Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Results show that this cultivation method is appropriate in deeper waters (> 10 m deep). Family labor (6–70 years old) is usually used in the selection and preparation of ‘cuttings’, unloading of newly harvested crops and drying of seaweeds, while preparation and installation of the raft, tying of ‘cuttings’ and harvesting, hired labor is needed. Though the multiple raft, long-line method of cultivating Kappaphycus is expensive (PhP 45,742 to PhP 49,785) based on a 500 m2 raft, return on investment (ROI) is high and the payback period is short. Of the three areas assessed, Maasin had the highest ROI (218%), followed by Tictauan Island (212%), and finally Taluksangay (79%). Consequently, the payback period followed the same order. Seaweed farming in these areas showed a tremendous impact on the quality life of the fisher folk and contributed a high revenue to the national economy.

Fishing cooperatives in Capiz, central Philippines: their importance in managing fishery resources.

Fishery cooperatives can co-manage coastal fishery resources, help improve the living conditions of small-scale fishers, and slow down the rapid depletion of these resources. Ten fisherfolk cooperatives in Capiz, central Philippines were assessed for their willingness to co-manage fishery resources. Seventeen members and three officers randomly selected from each of six mainland and four island-based cooperatives were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. Statistical tools were employed to analyze field data. Specific factors related to origin and background, membership, management, and economic factors affect the success of cooperatives. Most cooperative members (74%) were willing to assume responsibility in managing fishery resources. Apathy and lack of advocacy and lobbying skills prevent the members from acquiring control and use rights over fishery resources. About 52% of them were aware of the 1991 Local Government Code and the provision on the participation of peoples organization in local governance.

Evaluation of organic and inorganic fertilizers in brackishwater milkfish ponds

The study was conducted in twelve 144-m2 ponds to evaluate the effect of different organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, survival, gross production, and profitability of marketable milkfish. The following treatments were used: Treatment I, SEAFDEC traditional fertilization practice (16-20-0 at 50 kg/ha and 45-0-0 at 15 kg/ha); Treatment II, half-dosage of Treatment I; Treatment III, chicken manure at 0.5 ton/ha; and Treatment IV, MASA (processed from agricultural and industrial wastes) fertilizer at 0.5 ton/ha. All treatments were applied once in every 2 weeks. No significant difference (P > 0.05) existed in the harvest and production of milkfish among the treatments. However, economic indicators such as return-on-investment (ROI), payback period, and marginal analysis ranked the performance of the fertilizer treatments in the order of I, II, III and IV. Fish kills occurred in three ponds applied with chicken manure and MASA fertilizer. This could have been due to a heavy build-up of organic matter in the pond bottom which led to the collapse of the benthic algal community, depletion of dissolved oxygen and the presence of hydrogen sulfide. It is therefore suggested that a lower dosage of organic fertilizer should be applied in ponds especially during the rainy season.

Community Fishery Resources Management on Malalison Island, Philippines: R & D Framework, Interventions, and Policy Implications

In 1991, the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center launched a community-based fishery resources management project on Malalison Island, in central Philippines, to help conserve the countrys marine resources and to help the fisherfolk rise above their poverty. The eight-year project integrated various disciplines in biology, economics, sociology, public administration, and engineering in its study of fishery resources and fishing communities and in evolving intervention strategies for resource conservation and management, and for community development. The projects most important accomplishment was the inculcation among the fisherfolk of the importance of resource conservation and management. The most important lesson learned was that an enlightened and empowered fisherfolk could be effective managers and responsible users of fishery resources.In 1991, the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center launched a community-based fishery resources management project on Malalison Island, in central Philippines, to help conserve the countrys marine resources and to help the fisherfolk rise above their poverty. The eight-year project integrated various disciplines in biology, economics, sociology, public administration, and engineering in its study of fishery resources and fishing communities and in evolving intervention strategies for resource conservation and management, and for community development. The projects most important accomplishment was the inculcation among the fisherfolk of the importance of resource conservation and management. The most important lesson learned was that an enlightened and empowered fisherfolk could be effective managers and responsible users of fishery resources.

Economic analysis of an integrated milkfish broodstock and hatchery operation as a public enterprise

Abstract The National Bangus (Milkfish) Breeding Program of the Philippines, which was launched by the Philippine government in 1981, had succeeded in spawning milkfish in captivity and in rearing the eggs to fry that were stockable in ponds. The physical productivity and economic viability of an integrated milkfish broodstock and hatchery as a public enterprise is analyzed, using SEAFDEC research findings as bases for analysis. Discounted cash flow computations show the repayment schedule for investments in structures and equipment, and operations and maintenance expenses for both broodstock and hatchery operations covering a period of 15 years. Revenues came from the sales of fry. The analysis was based on an annual stocking of 100 milkfish (200–250 g/piece) per cage with a diameter of 10 m. Egg production started during the fifth year. Investment in the hatchery facilities started during the fourth year and expansion occurred in the subsequent years to accommodate the eggs produced for rearing to the fry stage. Economic indicators, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR), showed negative figures. The trend, however, was upward, starting during the sixth year of operation. Sensitivity analysis was done to determine the effects of changes in operational efficiencies, such as survival rates and stocking densities to the return on investment (ROI) in private hatcheries.

Economic feasibility analysis of the monoculture of mudcrab (Scylla serrata) Forsskal

Mudcrabs, Scylla serrata Forsskal, were monocultured at different stocking densities: 5000, 10 000, 15 000 and 20 000/ha for 90 days. Highest mean weight, survival and relative growth increment (P<0.05) were obtained from a stocking density of 5000/ha. Best feed conversion ratio of 1.72 and corresponding gross production of 1019 kg/ha per crop were attained at the same stocking density. The economic indicators, i.e., return on investment and return on equity, were also highest at 5000/ha stocking density and the payback period was shortest. Partial budgeting showed that no incremental benefit accrued from stocking beyond 5000/ha. Sensitivity analysis showed that even if the value of mudcrab were to decrease by 28%, mudcrab monoculture would still be economically viable.

An economic analysis of the modular pond system of milkfish production in The Philippines

Abstract In 1980, the annual yield of milkfish ponds in The Philippines was 800 kg/ha while the potential yield is estimated to be 2000 kg/ha. The modular pond system analyzed in this study can largely close the gap between actual and potential yield through more efficient use of pond capacity to increase the number of croppings up to 7 times in 1 year. Pilot-scale production using the modular pond system was done at the Leganes Research Station (LRS) SEAFDEC, Iloilo, and at three cooperating commercial farms. Scale of operation ranged from 2.7 ha to 7.9 ha. From 2 to 7 production runs were recorded with per hectare outputs ranging from 278 kg to 341 kg per run. Input costs were based on actual figures and the ex-farm milkfish price as P21.00 (4 to 6 fish/kg). The average return on investment and payback period for all sites was 68.81% and 1.25 years, respectively.