Why sea cucumber?: SLSU Bontoc Faculty Takes Active Role in Regional Sea Cucumber Roadshow
Through the Sandfish Project funded by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), conducted a 2-day Regional Sea Cucumber Roadshow was conducted at the University of the Philippines Tacloban on July 25-26, 2024.
This event was participated by representatives from various LGUs, academic institutions, aquaculture, and civil society organizations in Eastern Visayas to boost marine conservation and enhance the skills of sea cucumber farmers in aquaculture and resource management.
Hosted by the Guiuan Development Foundation, Inc. Executive Director, ED Margarita de la Cruz, she delivered the Overview of the Roadshow and Sea Cucumber R&D Roadmap together with the Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 8, Dr. John Glenn Ocaña.
The two-day roadshow featured experts on their respective fields who delivered lectures on “Sea Cucumber Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, and Trade” by Mr. Cristan Campo of the Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), “Sandfish Project Overview” by Professor de la Cruz, “Sandfish Spawning and Hatchery Production” by Mr. David Cosmiano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center, and “Ocean Nursery and Advance Nursery Rearing” by Ms. Racelle Rescordado of GDFI on Day 1. On day 2, the lectures concluded on the “Current Knowledge and Practices on Sandfish Grow-out Systems” and “Current Knowledge and Practices on Sandfish Post-harvest Technology” by Ms. Janine Villamor of GDFI, “Integrated Sea Ranching” by Professor de la Cruz, and “Sea Cucumber Management and Policies on Sea Cucumber Trade” by Ms. Nonita Cabacaba of NFRDI.
Faculty Dean of SLSU Bontoc, Associate Professor Jimmy Salamida presented the findings of sea cucumber status, issues, gaps, and needs in the region of Southern Leyte. “There is a lack of reports and awareness of the potential livelihood of sea cucumber within the region. But this could be addressed through an information drive campaign and training on processing technology and value addition,” Salamida said.
“Currently, Southern Leyte region has an existing inventory of sea cucumber species, fishery and collection trading and marketing practices and processing, established multi-species hatchery, and local ordinances that protects the collection and management of sea cucumber. However, we still need to expand these efforts to boost sea cucumber production, management, and research within the area,” he added.
The roadshow also allowed for exploring future partnerships and collaboration among various agencies and stakeholder groups.
