14 potential sites identified for mussel culture

A PROJECT funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) a total area of 6,283.30 hectares as potential sites for mussel culture, which is expected to increase the country’s production of the marine product.

The project, “Suitability assessment and database development for enhanced mussel culture management using geospatial technologies,” is being implemented by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and UP Diliman, under the leadership of Carlos Baylon of UPV, Miagao, Iloilo.

“The project aims to identify potential sites that favor the hydrographic and biophysical conditions for mussel growth. Identification of suitable and potential areas for mussel culture could provide area for expansion of mussel culture leading to an increased mussel production,” the DOSTPCARRD said in a statement.

“Additional mussel- growing areas can then lead to a more sustainable mussel industry which can help in addressing national issues like food security, livelihood and poverty alleviation,” it added.

Available satellite data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA) and European Space Agency

Researchers and field personnel from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology conduct ground truthing activity in Balanacan Cove, Marinduque, one of the sites selected for mussel culture. (ESA) were used to develop models for identifying suitable sites. Water parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and chlorophyll A were collected from representative areas in the country. The criteria were also set to serve as basis for data gathered, maps were created showing the different parameters and specific areas suitable for mussel culture.

To make the information accessible, the data gathered will then be incorporated in a database and will soon be posted online through an interactive website for the use of mussel farmers/growers, local government officials, and private individuals.

Using geospatial technologies, hectares), Calape, Bohol ( 680 hectares), Misamis Occidental particularly in Murcielagos and hectares), Sagay, Negros Occiden - in Mati City and Panabo ( 990 hectares), and Bislig, Surigao del

The areas are being validated by overlaying other information such as road accessibility, navigational lane, presence of corals and sea grasses, red tide history, source of spats, pollution, and tourism. As such, these sites can be utilized as expansion areas for green mussel culture to increase production of the marine product in the Philippines.