The Department of Agriculture (DA) through its attached agencies, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Metals Industry Research and Development Center for a project intended to boost milkfish production through hatchery automation.
Under the agreement, the agencies will implement the Heat-Assisted Temperature Control and Monitoring System (HATCH Project) for hatchery management of milkfish.
HATCH Project has a P5 million budget provided by a grant from the DOST and will be implemented at BFAR’s National Fisheries Development Center in Dagupan City over 18 months, concluding on June 30, 2025.
The parties said the project introduces a cost-effective, reliable heating system designed to maintain optimal water temperatures in broodstock tanks during cold months to create a conducive breeding environment.
The project is expected to benefit the aquaculture industry in the Philippines, as well as consumers of milkfish and industries related to metals and engineering.
Glen Espena, HATCH project leader, said in a statement the project will involve a recirculating aquaculture system equipped with a heat pump, an electric heater and automation systems for water quality monitoring.
“Our domestic supply of milkfish fry is still insufficient, which forces us to rely on imports. We need to achieve year-round fry production to address these supply gaps,” said Drusila Esther Bayate, DA undersecretary for fisheries.
Bayate said the HATCH Project presents an opportunity to enhance the technical and economic performance of hatchery operations to improve the country’s fry sufficiency level and increased fish production.
Lilian Garcia, NFRDI executive director, said the project has a potential to transform the industry.
“The HATCH Project is a significant step toward mechanizing and automating our hatchery systems in the country. Applying science, technology, and innovation in aquaculture will catalyze growth and industrialization in the coming years,” Garcia said.
