The abalone industry could flourish in Mindanao due to an abundance of locations suitable for growing the high-value edible mollusk, a statement yesterday of the newly formed Mindanao Development Authority quoted an aquaculture expert as saying. "Mindanao could potentially produce a lot of abalone due to favorable sites, weather, and availability of seaweeds," said Vincent Encena II, an abalone specialist from the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department, a research and development institution based in Tigbauan, Iloilo. He said Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Sur, Tawi Tawi and Sulu, where wild stocks of abalone may be found, are potential areas for abalone farms.

Expert cites Mindanao's potential for abalone production. (2010, May 28-29). BusinessWorld, p. S1/3.