P24-M shrimp hatchery launched in Mindoro
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said it launched a P24-million shrimp hatchery in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro on Sept. 24.
Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the shrimp hatchery and broodstock development center was funded under Republic Act No. 11494 or Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan II).
The hatchery, a project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR), will be involved in the medium-scale production of Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), with a production target of 50 million fry annually.
“Oriental Mindoro is home to the first BFAR shrimp hatchery in the country. It will not only support Mindoro Island, but also all other regions in the country will depend on the fry to be raised here in Bongabong,” Mr. Dar said during the launch.
The first phase of the hatchery’s implementation is the fry production facility, while the second phase will involve the grow-out and broodstock development facility.
“The facility, which includes a laboratory, natural food tank, larval rearing tank, powerhouse/pump house, water reservoir, and covered work area, will provide registered shrimp farmers and 197 BFAR-registered shrimp farms in the region a year-round supply of fry,” the DA said.
The hatchery will also promote the use of aquaculture areas, particularly brackish water, and boost employment in the fishery sector.
Oriental Mindoro has 25,865 registered fisherfolk and 3,108 hectares of brackish water fishpond area, according to the DA. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
