Other than streamlining its Research and Development programs, the new chief of the Aquaculture Department (AQD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) in Tigbauan, Iloilo is eyeing to revive the tiger prawn (Penaeus mondon) industry. The prawn sector is a multi-million dollar industry in the Philippines with exports mainly to Japan. AQD chief Dan Baliao said reviving the prawn industry will help growers recoup investments when the industry slumped in 1990s due to the dreaded luminous bacteria, a problem the SEAFDECAQD is prioritizing. Baliao said SEAFDEC/AQD is geared toward working for an effective breeding program with SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) broodstock, disease-resistant post larvae, and refined grow out intensive and semi-intensive technology.

New AQD chief bares plan for SEAFDEC activities. (2017, October 19). The Daily Guardian, pp. B1, B6.