About 4.3 tons of whiteleg shrimp were harvested from a collaborative project between the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Project (DA-NFRDI) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD). The series of harvest was conducted on May 7-9, 2024 at the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center in Butong, Taal, Batangas.

In February 2024, about 160,000 whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were stocked in brackishwater ponds spanning 4,000 square meters, with a stocking density of 40 pieces per square meter. After over three months of culture, the harvest achieved an average body weight of 29.5 grams.

The three-day harvest activity was overseen by FFRDC Chief Dr. Ma. Theresa Mutia and SEAFDEC/AQD Technical Assistant Edgar Somblingo.

This research collaboration aimed to demonstrate and promote the cultivation of whiteleg shrimp through grow-out practices in brackishwater ponds. ### (Vanessa Mae Escaño)