Knowledge Products Repository
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), as mandated by RA 8550, is the primary research arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Its NFRDI Library - Knowledge Products Repository serves as the official digital repository and central hub of the Institute’s extensive publications and specialized collections from other agri-fisheries sector.
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- The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) tasked to conduct research and development (R&D) for fisheries. NFRDI was established in recognition of the critical role of fisheries R&D in developing, managing, conserving, and protecting the country’s aquatic resources.
- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is the government agency responsible for the development, improvement, management and conservation of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources. It was reconstituted as a line bureau by virtue of Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998).
- The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is an autonomous inter-governmental body established in 1967. The mission of SEAFDEC considered and adopted by the Special Meeting of the SEAFDEC Council 2017 is “To promote and facilitate concerted actions among the Member Countries to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia.”
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Philippines is the Philippine office of the United Nations' specialized agency dedicated to eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. Operating within the country since 1978, FAO Philippines collaborates with the Philippine government, local communities, and international partners to address the nation's agricultural challenges.
Recent Submissions
Volume 8 Issue No. 2 April - June 2026
(National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2026) Department of Agriculture. National Fisheries Research and Development Institute
This issue highlights NANO-NUTRIMIX®, a green-synthesized nanoparticle-based dietary nutrient mix developed through the research and development (R&D) initiatives of DA-NFRDI. Designed specifically for tilapia farming, the formulation incorporates iron, copper, zinc, and selenium nanoparticles using environmentally friendly synthesis methods, demonstrating the potential of green nanotechnology in improving aquaculture nutrition and productivity. Also featured in this issue are ARDD-led R&D studies and initiatives, showcasing ongoing efforts to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture through innovation, collaboration, and the application of emerging technologies for the benefit of Filipino fish farmers and fisheries industry.
The Philippine Journal of Fisheries Volume 33, Issue no. 1 (January - June 2026)
(National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2026) Philippines. Department of Agriculture. National Fisheries Research and Development Institute
Molecular identification of bioluminescent bacteria isolated from commercially important echinoderms in masinloc-oyon bay protected landscape and seascape, Zambales, Philippines
(National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2026) Yumul, Jhaybee M.; Capistrano, Adrea O.; Maoy, Vyen Ismael C.; Sarmiento, Bradley M.; Vallador, Christian Joshua; Nicolas, Jovie E.
Echinoderms, especially sea urchins and sea cucumbers, are part of the diet in coastal communities in the Philippines. However, consuming them raw may cause food poisoning from pathogenic bioluminescent bacteria (BLB). This study identified commercially important echinoderms present in Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, Zambales, and isolated their associated BLB. Nineteen samples from two species of sea urchins (Tripneustes gratilla and Salmacis sphaeroides) and three species of sea cucumbers (Holothuria impatiens, H. leucospilota, and H. scabra) were collected. BLB were detected in the gonads and intestines of sea urchins and body walls and intestines of sea cucumbers. Molecular identification of the isolated BLB using the 16S rRNA gene revealed 18 of 25 (72%) BLB isolates, including 15 Vibrio species, two Acinetobacter species, and one Stutzerimonas species, S. stutzeri. Molecular evidence supports genus-level classification of 17 out of the 18 species, although further study is needed to confirm species-level identification. This study has three important results: (1) notably the first observation of bioluminescence activity in Acinetobacter spp. and S. stutzeri in echinoderms, (2) the first report of bioluminescent bacteria in S. sphaeroides and H. impatiens, and (3) the confirmed presence of three BLB groups in the edible parts of sea urchins and sea cucumbers. Although further research is needed to assess the pathogenicity of the identified bioluminescent bacteria, the results highlight potential health risks from consuming raw echinoderms. The study raises awareness of BLB-related risks and offers insights to guide local policies on the safe consumption of these echinoderms.
Taxonomic account and records of brachyuran fauna (crustacea: decapoda) in the selected coastal and mangrove areas of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
(National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2026) Budilman, Remalyn H.; Nuneza, Olga M.; Lagare-Sastine, Nickel Jean S.
Brachyuran fauna, or the true crabs, are among the species-rich but poorly recognized species, particularly in the Philippines. While numerous studies have focused on specific groups or regions, a comprehensive, country-wide checklist of Philippine crustacean decapods has not been published since 1959. This study provides an updated taxonomic account of the Mindanao brachyuran fauna from selected localities in the province of Tawi-tawi, including distributional records. A total of 11 sampling sites along the coastal and mangrove areas were explored for the collection of crab specimens from May to July 2024. Crabs were manually collected by hand, sexed, measured, photographed, and preserved in 75% ethanol. Identification was based on available taxonomic keys, peer-reviewed literature, and validated online databases. A comprehensive literature review of their taxonomic records and distribution, including ecological information, was also conducted. This study documented 24 species of brachyuran fauna belonging to 12 families from selected coastal and mangrove areas of Tawi-tawi Province, Philippines. Among the species, the most widely distributed across sampling sites were Ocypode ceratophthalmus, Micippa philyra, Thranita crenata, Baptozius vinosus, Paraleptuca crassipes, and Calappa hepatica. The findings highlight the considerable taxonomic diversity of brachyuran crabs and emphasize the rich biodiversity associated with the coastal and mangrove ecosystems of Tawi-Tawi Province. Moreover, the study provides important baseline taxonomic data that may serve as a reference for future biodiversity assessments, ecological monitoring, and conservation initiatives. Overall, the study underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the diverse crab fauna of Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao, Philippines. Further extensive surveys and taxonomic investigations are strongly recommended to improve existing records on species diversity and distribution, particularly in poorly explored coastal habitats throughout the country.
Risk assessment of introduced species in five lakes in the Philippines
(National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, 2026) Magistrado, Myleen L.; Merilles, Ma. Lourdes D.; Muyot, Myla C.; Mutia, Maria Theresa
The introduction of fish species into major lakes poses a significant threat to freshwater biodiversity. Early detection and risk screening of non-indigenous species in lakes can help minimize their ecological and economic impacts. In this study, the risk assessment of 5 introduced fish species were conducted for Laguna de Bay, Lake Mainit, Lake Naujan, Lake Buhi, and Lake Paoay to determine the level of risks associated with the introduction of horizon fish species in each lake. Horizon species are those not yet recorded within the Risk Assessment (RA) during the study period but considered likely to enter or establish in the near future. The risk screening procedure was conducted using the Aquatic Species Invasive Screening Kit (AS-ISK) methodology through a risk assessment workshop, with key stakeholders for each lake participating and assessing the risks. The levels of risk (high, medium, and low) for each species in each lake were then determined based on the computation of risk outcome from AS-ISK scores, considering the threshold set and the a priori categorization. Based on the assessment, almost all of the assessed horizon species are likely to pose a medium or high risk of invasiveness in each lake. The results of the assessment shall be presented to the concerned agencies as a basis for formulating science-based policies for the conservation and management of freshwater biodiversity and for minimizing the accidental introduction of these species into the lakes.