Oyster culture using modified bamboo raft technology

Abstract

In 2022, DA-NFRDI pioneered the establishment of the AquaBiz School (ABS) and Technology Business Incubation (TBI) through the Department of Agriculture’s Agri-Industrial Business Corridors (ABCs). The program provides a venue for educational and research-for-development extension services, particularly on business and entrepreneurship setup services. The program highlights aquaculture technologies, transformed into 17 packages of technologies (PoT) for business enterprises including maliputo, tilapia, milkfish, ornamental fish, mangrove crab, sea cucumber, oyster, and abalone, aimed to generate job opportunities and improve livelihoods, especially fisherfolks. Beneficiaries are capacitated through training and monitoring of key production performance data to monitor program success. Establishment, and operation of ABS are continuously promoted with the hopes of scaling up the TBI in other areas across the country.

One of these PoTs is the modified bamboo raft technology for oyster culture. This technology, pioneered by BFAR-NFDC and JICA, was explored for improvement and feasibility by NFRDI through its Aquaculture Research and Development Division (ARDD). The technology aimed to improve oyster culture production by utilizing indigenous materials and modifying the bamboo raft that serves as the culture medium for the oyster, steering away from the traditional stake or “tulos” method that has reportedly caused environmental issues such as siltation. With the modified bamboo raft technology of oyster culture, oyster production has reportedly increased with reduced production costs and minimized environmental impacts. The potential livelihood benefit of the technology was realized as this was introduced to fisherfolk associations across five Pangasinan municipalities in Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Alaminos City, and Sual (ABBAS). Its successful implementation was significant in enhancing the capacity of selected beneficiaries in culture production, post-production, and marketing of oyster products. With this outcome, NFRDI, through ABS-TBI program, aims to disseminate the technology to potential incubatees to achieve the overarching goal of food security and economic stability of the industry, as well as empower them to become aquapreneurs.