Generally, local abalone research and development lags behind other countries like Japan where pioneering R&D started in the 1960s, said Vincent C. Encena III of SEAFDEC's Technology Verification & Demonstration Division, adding it was only recently that its value for export was realized here. Abalone R&D in SEAFDEC started in 1994 with seed production and culture techniques of donkey's ear abalone because of its potential for commercial aquaculture and the fact that it is the largest species in the country. After a year, nursery and grow-out trials started. Various stocking densities and cage stacked like "condominiums" - have been tested and continuously improved over the years.

Icamina, P. M. (2011, November 11). Abalone culture now ready for local farms. Malaya Business Insight, pp. A9, A10.