Identified fisherfolk-partners on oyster production through modified bamboo floating rafts technology were formally issued with certificates of technology adoption by the local government units of Anda, Bani, Alaminos City, and Sual, Pangasinan.
“It is worth noting that this technology has been sustained in ABBAS and is still being used continuously. Partner-adopters in Alaminos City applied for an assistance program under DOLE and were awarded supplies and materials for the construction of additional 10 units of oyster floating bamboo rafts. ” National Fisheries Research and Development Institute project leader Dr. Christopher Joseph Rayos reported.
He furthered that the then farmer-partners, now transformed technology adopters, signified commitment in sustaining the use of the bamboo raft technology. Even their respective LGUs support them through participation in various trade fairs and festivals in their municipalities, providing them opportunities to sell their produce.
Compared to the traditional stake method, oyster culture using floating bamboo raft technology is environmentally-friendly. The technology uses bamboo as rafts with plastic drums as floaters. Attached vertically to the raft are plastic straps where oyster spats can attach and grow. It is also a durable and mobile structure which can be transferred to another site when necessary and resilient to withstand typhoons and waves. This method also ensures faster growth and better-quality oyster meat.
“Culture period is also shorter in the floating bamboo rafts. With only just about five to six months, oysters can be harvested. The size is bigger because it gets more nutrients from the natural food circulating in the water,” explained Rayos.
The project was implemented by the DA-NFRDI in collaboration with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Ilocos Region-National Fisheries Development Center, and funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research.