By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun in Taal, Batangas, workers carefully pulled nets from a brackishwater pond, revealing hundreds of healthy, silver fish ready for market. For many in the aquaculture sector, this moment marked more than a harvest—it signaled new hope for boosting fish production and farmer income.
The Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), through its Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), successfully harvested 850 kilograms of snubnose pompano on March 26, 2026. The activity was carried out in partnership with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Aquaculture Department.
The harvest is part of a joint research project titled “Grow-out Culture of Snubnose Pompano in Brackishwater Ponds.” The study aims to evaluate the production performance of this high-value fish species and encourage diversification in the country’s aquaculture industry.
The project was conducted at the NFRDI-FFRDC facility in Barangay Butong, Taal, Batangas. Researchers used two brackishwater ponds with a total area of 2,300 square meters. The ponds were stocked at a density of 1.5 fish per square meter and monitored over an eight-month period using science-based aquaculture practices.
Results of the study showed promising outcomes. The harvested pompano reached an average weight of 350 grams, which is considered marketable size. The survival rate was recorded at 71.5 percent, indicating effective management and favorable growing conditions.
Experts say snubnose pompano is a high-value species with strong market demand due to its fast growth and good meat quality. Compared to traditional species, it offers an opportunity for fish farmers to increase earnings while reducing risks through diversification.
The DA-NFRDI highlighted that research like this plays an important role in strengthening the country’s fisheries sector. By introducing and testing new species, the government hopes to improve productivity and ensure a stable supply of fish for Filipino consumers.
Aquaculture remains a key contributor to the Philippines’ food security, especially as wild fish catch faces challenges such as overfishing and climate change. Expanding inland and coastal fish farming is seen as a practical solution to meet the growing demand for protein.
The collaboration with SEAFDEC also reflects the importance of regional partnerships in advancing fisheries research. Sharing knowledge, technology, and best practices helps ensure that innovations reach local farmers and communities.
For small-scale fish growers, the success of this project offers a clear message: with proper training, planning, and support, new opportunities in aquaculture are within reach. It also shows that science-based methods can lead to better harvests and more stable livelihoods.
As the country continues to invest in sustainable aquaculture, projects like this highlight the potential of high-value species like pompano to strengthen the industry. With the right support, Filipino fish farmers can produce more, earn more, and help secure the nation’s food supply.
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