By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

In pursuit of aquaculture development, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will soon introduce seaweed farming as a sustainable income-generating activity for coastal communities in Ilocos Norte. 

With a Php 4.1 million fund from the Department of Agriculture, MMSU will implement its research for development (R4D) project on spatial suitability and field verification trial of seaweed farming technologies this year. 

Prof. Ernesto S. del Rosario, Jr., project leader, said the project will assess the prospect sites for seaweed farming; determine suitable seaweed species and culture technology; and establish demonstration farms for seaweed culture along coastal communities in Badoc, Currimao, and Burgos towns. 

Del Rosario said the project will produce a decision and support system for planning and development of sustainable seaweed aquaculture. 

He added the project will benefit the fisherfolk, seaweed gatherers, researchers, extension workers, and policy makers or legislators in the province. 

“This information and technology will be used by local government units (LGUs), policy makers, and researchers in formulating plans and policies for seaweed aquaculture and coastal development,” he stressed. 

Also, the project will provide alternative livelihood for fisherfolk and will reduce their reliance on capture fisheries as main income.

MMSU’s collaborating agencies for the two-year project are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the LGUs of the three towns.  

Studies show that seaweeds are a good source of colloidal materials which are used as gelling agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products. (StratCom)