Aquaculture is when a village’s economic output is based in whole or in part on farming aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and sea plants. In other words, the community depends on industrial fishing to feed itself and run its economy. Fish farms, known for their trademark circular metal fish cages, dot the brown banks of rivers and lakes, or they float near grassy seawater bays. As one of the top aquatic commodity producers in the world, fish, in particular, is a staple food in the country.
The Philippines has marine and freshwater areas full of diverse aquatic resources. The country has a long history of fish farming, dating back to ancient times when small ponds were used to raise fish for consumption and trade. In modern times, aquaculture in the Philippines has expanded to include a variety of species, including tilapia, milkfish, prawns, shellfish, and aquatic plant life like seaweed.
One of the main drivers of aquaculture in the Philippines is the international demand for seafood. In one of our sponsored communities, abundant water resources from local rivers make fish and sea plants a net export commodity, and output has been steadily growing in recent years. The Philippines produces more than 2.5 million metric tons of fish and other aquatic products per year, valued at over $2 billion.
At small-scale farms like the ones TOL has been assisting, most farmers use traditional techniques, like collecting fish using nets. However, there are also larger-scale operations, particularly for high-value species such as prawns and seaweed. Many processes in these factories use modern technologies and methods to improve production and efficiency.
One of the challenges facing aquaculture in the Philippines is its environmental impact. Many small-scale farms are located in coastal areas, and there is a risk of pollution and overuse of natural resources. Therefore, there is also a need to develop sustainable and responsible practices to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
Despite these challenges, aquaculture will continue to play a significant role in the Philippine economy and provide food security for the country’s growing population.