The embattled milkfish industry in the Philippines got a shot in the arm as the first rehabilitated hatchery in Western Visayas, which is expected to produce 5 to 10 million bangus fry every year, started its operations to address the persistent shortage of milkfish seeds in the country. Located in the province of Aklan, the 1,787 square meter Batan Bangus Satellite Hatchery was launched in February this year under the National Fry Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). To jumpstart the hatchery’s operations, 1.1 million pieces of milkfish larvae and 30 liters of rotifers—microscopic aquatic animals that serve as natural food—were donated and turned over by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) in February.

Pagador, J. R. (2021, May 7). Revived hatchery signals major step towards PHL milkfish fry sufficiency. Daily Guardian, pp. 8, 11.