Evaluation of production technology, product quality and market potential for the development of bivalve mollusc aquaculture in the Philippines

The project commenced in August 2007, slightly later than the originally anticipated July start.

The project objectives are summarised below, followed by a summary of progress to date;

1. Collect comparative information, including quantitative data and site selection issues, on bivalve production methods in Western Visayas and Luzon.
2. Collect and compare information on product quality, safety and post-harvest aspects of bivalve production between these regions and compare with international standards.
3. Determine domestic and international market potential for Philippine bivalve species.
4. Analyse legal and policy framework for aquaculture management, environmental impact, production, processing and marketing to determine compliance and regulatory influence on regional production and competitiveness.
5. Develop second-phase proposal for quantitative assessment of critical factors affecting quantity and value of bivalve aquaculture.

Study sites have been selected in both Luzon and Visayas. The Luzon sites are at Bolinao and Anda, in north-west Luzon, Malolos and Bacoor, to the west and south of Manila respectively. In the Visayas, sites were selected in two coastal municipalities on the islands of Panay (Batan) and Negros (Himamylan). The sites were selected using a variety of criteria including; having established mollusc culture, fairly typical site characteristics (ie absence of atypical features), accessibility, local support facilities and collaborative producers.

To capture any seasonal variability, sampling was intended for both wet (approx. June - November) and dry seasons (December - May). All sites have been sampled at least once, with Luzon being sampled during August 2007 and April 2008. Visayas sites were sampled in December 2007 and are scheduled again for June 2008. Sampling, from 5 stations at each site, consisted of mussel and oysters collection (either both or one depending on local industry characteristics) for both microbiological (e.g. total coliforms, Vibrio counts, Salmonella) and morphometric data (shell length, wet weight (whole and tissue), shell dry weight). Water quality parameters were also measured at each station covering a depth profile, and included dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature, turbidity and water microbiological assessment. Sediment samples have also been collected from all stations and are currently being analysed for microbial and chemical content and activity.

During field work periods, communication was made with local mollusc farmers, including those providing the oyster and mussel samples, and interviews were conducted with them. The interview instrument, a validated questionnaire, covers all aspects of mollusc aquaculture production, including environmental, economic, social and culture practices. To date more than 200 interviews have been conducted. A similar process will shortly be conducted with the brokers and wholesalers of oysters and mussels to obtain information on the sale and marketing aspects of the industry.

Site visits have also included the establishment of communication with local administrative and regulatory authorities, including barangay, municipal and central government agencies. These agencies have provided information, including statistical data, on aspects such as coastal-activity zonation, numbers and type of aquaculture producers, local management, regulatory and environmental issues, industry extension activities and marketing organisations and practices.

A full project team meeting occurred in December 2008 in Iloilo, Panay, and a project update was provided to the ACIAR programme manager in Bolinao in April, 2008.

A further sampling period is scheduled for July 2008 in the Visayas. A project team meeting to finalise data analysis and commence writing of the final report will occur in September 2008, with expected report submission by December 2008.