The Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) conducted a specialized training program on the basic use and operation of multibeam echosounders, a cutting-edge hydroacoustic technology used for estimating fish biomass.

The two-phase training, conducted on October 14-16 and November 3-5, 2025, formed part of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FISHCORE) project under FishCRRM Subcomponent 1.1 (Biomass Estimation of Selected Small Pelagic Species in FMAs 6 and 9 using Hydroacoustics).

Participants comprised of researchers from NFRDI’s Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division (CFRDD) and representatives from BFAR’s Capture Fisheries Division (CFD).

Designed to strengthen the country’s technical capacity in hydroacoustic monitoring, the training introduced participants to core concepts and practical applications of multibeam systems, non-invasive tools increasingly relied upon in modern fisheries science.

Participants were trained on the fundamentals of hardware and software operation, equipment maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. They also took part in hands-on field sessions in selected Manila Bay fishing grounds, where they gained practical experience in deploying the multibeam echosounder and collecting acoustic data.

In addition to fieldwork, the sessions covered the fundamentals of acoustic data interpretation and introductory analytical techniques, equipping trainees with essential skills for post-survey assessment.

By integrating hydroacoustic methods into its research activities, NFRDI continues to push forward science-based innovations to improve the accuracy of fish biomass estimates, critical inputs for sustainable fisheries management, stock assessment, and data-driven policy development. ### (Renalyn Acosta)