CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Consistent with its goal to ensure milkfish seedling sufficiency in the region, the Benoni Experimental Station (BES) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 conducted an inventory and sex determination activity for milkfish broodstock in Taguines Lagoon, Mahinog, this province.
A total of 63 broodstock, with an 18:30 female-to-male sex ratio, underwent cannulation during the activity. In contrast, the sex of the remaining 15 breeders was undetermined, likely due to their size.
The cannulation method was used to find out the sex of each fish by looking at the milt that comes out of the urogenital pore of a ripe male fish when its abdomen is pressed. A female fish has an oocyte that is yellow, clear, or cloudy. This method ensures accurate sex identification, which is crucial for maintaining an optimal sex ratio in breeding programs.
Meanwhile, the breeders were also measured and weighed, with an average length of 73.78 centimeters and an average weight of 3.48 kilograms, respectively.
Moreover, the identified breeders will be distributed to Mindanao State University (MSU) at Naawan and the Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) Legislated Hatchery for breeding purposes.
With more sources of fry and fingerlings in the region, the bureau can readily provide stocks to targeted beneficiaries as regular livelihood assistance, relief, and rehabilitation interventions for those affected by calamities.
The activity is part of the bureau’s strategy to bolster the aquaculture industry in the region, which aims to improve the efficiency of milkfish breeding and seedling production while ensuring the continuous and year-round availability of milkfish fry.Present during the event were the personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Office of Camiguin, headed by Provincial Fishery Officer Vianney Anthony Gapuz, together with Sagay Multi-Species Hatchery, BES, and interns from MSU-Naawan and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Panaon.
Further, the same activity will be conducted on August 28 for another batch of breeders. (BFAR-10/PIA-10/Camiguin)
