In a collaborative initiative between DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD), 631.5 kilos of snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii), were harvested on February 6, 2024.

The final harvest was conducted after 8.6 months in the brackish water ponds of Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), in Butong, Taal, Batangas.

Dubbed as the most edible fish in the world, the harvested pompano reached an average marketable size of 322 grams. Its price commands up to Php 430/kg in local talipapa or wet market. 

The pompanos were cultured in two brackish water ponds with 1,1138 m2 area each and a stocking density of 2 fish/m², following the recommended techniques. Survival rate of the fish was 86 percent. The total yield from the partial and final harvest was 1,707.6 kilos.

The harvest is part of a continuing joint project, “Grow-out culture of snubnose pompano brackish water ponds” that aims to demonstrate the culture of the prized fish commodity while introducing the fish to the local market while further refining its culture techniques.

The success of the project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of NFRDI Executive Director Dr. Lilian Garcia, SEAFDEC/AQD Chief Dan Baliao, Project Leaders Dr. Maria Theresa M. Mutia of NFRDI, and Dr. Roger Edward Mamauag of SEAFDEC, along with Edgar Somblingo and Janice Tambirao , Liza Iwag as research assistants. ### (Liza Mina Lorraine Iwag)