Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo News Archive Description An account of the resource News, old and new, about Iloilo Province Subject The topic of the resource Iloilo Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Iloilo pushes science-based lobster farming to boost coastal livelihoods By Neljoy N. Galigao -Tuesday, February 24, 2026 Researchers and technicians conduct stocking density and feeding trials at a sea-based cage facility in Guimaras as part of efforts to develop science-backed, sustainable spiny lobster farming protocols for coastal communities. ILOILO City – An international aquaculture research center based in Tigbauan, Iloilo is moving to overhaul traditional spiny lobster farming in the Philippines, aiming to replace unregulated wild seed collection practices with science-driven production models that promise higher incomes for fishers while safeguarding marine ecosystems. A market-sized spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus), locally known as “banagan” or tiger lobster, is weighed during growth monitoring tests, a key step in establishing production benchmarks for sustainable aquaculture. SEAFDEC/AQD The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) is leading the initiative to develop sustainable farming techniques for spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus), locally known as “tiger lobster” or “banagan,” amid growing global demand and the availability of wild seed resources across the country. SEAFDEC/AQD chief Dan Baliao acknowledged that the industry currently depends on collecting pueruli and juvenile lobsters from the wild, which are then transferred to small-scale nurseries and grow-out cages — a practice that poses long-term sustainability concerns. “To leverage the potential of this high-value species, it is essential that we transform these informal practices into scientifically backed production models,” Baliao stated in a news release. Baliao stressed the importance of establishing optimal stocking density, feeding schemes, and environmental management systems to ensure the sector’s long-term viability. As part of the project, SEAFDEC/AQD identified Guimaras as a key research site due to its natural abundance of wild spiny lobster seeds. Researchers, led by Roselyn Baylon, are conducting environmental monitoring and verifying catch data through interviews with local fishers to better understand ecological conditions and promote community participation. At the Igang Marine Station in Guimaras, experiments are underway to determine ideal stocking densities and feeding strategies for both nursery and grow-out stages using sea-based cage systems. The trials are evaluating growth performance, survival rates, and socioeconomic impacts on participating coastal communities. “Through our rigorous research and experimentation, we are on the verge of establishing key growth benchmarks for the spiny lobster, which are vital for optimizing production cycles,” Baylon noted. These benchmarks are expected to guide fishers in adopting best practices that enhance productivity without compromising marine health. Dr. Leobert de la Peña, head of the SEAFDEC/AQD Research Division, said large-scale verification trials will follow once refined protocols are finalized, marking a significant step in integrating scientific approaches into traditional coastal aquaculture. With global appetite for premium seafood on the rise, SEAFDEC/AQD officials said the initiative seeks not only to strengthen a high-value industry but also to empower coastal communities through sustainable and resilient aquaculture practices./PN Citation Citation of the article Galigao, N. [ 2026, February 24 ]. Iloilo pushes science-based lobster farming to boost coastal livelihoods. Panay News, 3&15. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Iloilo pushes science-based lobster farming to boost coastal livelihoods Description An account of the resource ILOILO City – An international aquaculture research center based in Tigbauan, Iloilo is moving to overhaul traditional spiny lobster farming in the Philippines, aiming to replace unregulated wild seed collection practices with science-driven production models that promise higher incomes for fishers while safeguarding marine ecosystems. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Galigao, Neljoy Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://www.panaynews.net/iloilo-pushes-science-based-lobster-farming-to-boost-coastal-livelihoods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panay News</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Panay News Incorporated Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 24, 2026 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Article Subject The topic of the resource Lobster fisheries Tigbauan