Proponent groups under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project – Global Environment Facility (DA-PRDP GEF) are now more equipped and knowledgeable after being introduced with new planting methods for seaweeds. This after the DA-PRDP – GEF Unit held a four-day Stakeholder’s Collaboration Meeting for PRDP-GEF Marine-Culture Production Sites cum Technology Demonstration on Double-loop and Deep-sea Seaweed Culture Methods last August 2-5, 2022 at the DC Vicana Nature Park in Trinidad, Bohol.

Prof. Iris Ann Borlongan from the University of the Philippines Visayas – College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences served as the resource person as she shared new technologies, planting methods, and strategies to address emerging concerns in the seaweed industry.

These new planting techniques such as deep-water farming using hanging longlines and double-loop tying is expected to mitigate the stress that the seaweeds undergo at high temperature. During the technology demonstration, inputs for the recovery and rehabilitation of Typhoon Odette-affected seaweed areas were provided to the proponent groups.

“This initiative is also part of our Typhoon Odette response to the affected subprojects and proponent groups. By providing the necessary materials, we enable them to establish new seaweed nurseries in their area using the technologies introduced to them from the University of the Philippines – Visayas,” said Michelle Joy Fermaran, PSO Visayas NRM Specialist.

Upon the introduction of new planting methods, it was also emphasized during the activity to deviate from using soft plastic straws in seaweeds. Using of such material is not environmentally-friendly and has a short economic life.
“The use of plastic straw causes plastic pollution not just in the ocean, but also to our food. The material lowers the quality of the seaweed and in turn, you also have low returns,” said Borlongan.

The activity also served as a venue for the development of directory of technical persons and seaweeds producers involved in seaweeds culture in the Provinces of Bohol and Guimaras. The directory will facilitate an efficient communication between the stakeholders that may share market information, new technologies, planting methods, and strategies in the seaweed industry.

The training was attended by the Municipal Local Government Units – Coastal Resource Management Officer/Fishery Technician, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Provincial Fishery Office and representatives of various People’s Organization.