BAR to develop culture process for Surigao oyster species

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the the Surigao Del Sur State University (SDSSU) are developing a culture technology to increase the supply of a wild oyster species found in the province. According to SDSSU researcher Gemma Asufre, the oysters, known locally as “tikod amo,” have export potential. “Koreans and Chinese who come to the Philippines to buy sea cucumber for export are also willing to export tikod amo if there’s a supply,” she said. “One interested supplier wanted to buy at least 300 kilos per week.” The culture of the local species is expected to create jobs for residents of Lianga Bay in the town of Barobo. “The culture of this unique oyster species will not only create an alternative livelihood for oyster gatherers but will make them collaborators in a sustainable farming system that will preserve our coastal resources,” said BAR director Nicomedes Eleazar. The Philippines produces some 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons (MT) of oysters a year at around P400 per kilo (unshelled). The bulk of oyster production in the country is in Cavite. The university recommends that the Surigao oysters be integrated in a polyculture system in which they will be grown together with seaweed and fish species such as siganid and milkfish in 146 hectares of fishpens in Barobo Bay's mariculture zone. In addition to the funds BAR has already provided, SDSSU is proposing another P1 million for a verification study for the culture technology and P2 million to P3 million for a hatchery.  — BM, GMA News