New ways boost oyster production
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union: Oyster production has never been this bountiful in Pangasinan, and the fisherfolk have this “modified bamboo rafts” to thank for.
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) introduced this innovation to the Pangasinan farmers not only to boost harvests but also to create lucrative new opportunities.
Identified farmer-partners from Alaminos City and the municipalities of Anda, Bani, Bolinao and Sual adopted the technology, enabling them to improve their oyster farming methods.
The local government units of these areas have formally recognized and endorsed the adoption of this technology by issuing certificates of technology adoption.
Dr. Joseph Christopher Rayos, project leader and chief of NFRDI-Aquaculture Research and Development Division, said the modified bamboo rafts were developed and verified by Japan and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Fisheries Development Center (BFAR-NFDC).
“NFRDI implemented modifications in the original design of the culture raft module to make the raft more durable and resilient against typhoons and strong waves, and increase target production,” he said.
Rayos stressed the potential of the technology in strengthening the value chain of oysters, resulting in a steady production that can address the demands of potential institutional buyers and investors.
“This is a better culture method for oysters because the straps where the oysters are attached do not touch the bottom of the water. It should be at least 1.5 meters above the bottom during the lowest low tide. This is the reason oysters are cleaner, with little or no sand in the shells, and can easily be detached from straps during harvest,” he said.
“The culture period is also shorter in the floating bamboo rafts. Within five to six months, 22 to 24 kilograms of oysters per square meter or 1,000 to 1,300 kilograms of oysters per raft can be harvested,” said Rayos.
Rayos said the size is bigger because the oysters get more nutrients from the natural food circulating in the water.
He said the technology is environment-friendly compared to the traditional method of oyster culture.
The technology utilizes floaters, bamboo and straps to cultivate oysters, benefiting oyster growers by reducing mortality rates, enabling faster growth and producing better-quality meat.
Funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the project was implemented by NFRDI in collaboration with BFAR in Region 1 (Ilocos) and BFAR-NFDC.