The breeding of the sandfish, a variety of the sea cucumber now in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) list of priority species, is hailed a success at the National Integrated Fisheries technology Development Center (NIFTDC) in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan.

The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) announced that it has produced 43 million eggs on the second day of its attempt to generate a hatchery-bred sandfish (Holothuria scabra) for sea ranching and restocking as part of a training program facilitated by Natacha Agudo, a French expert on sea cucumber hatchery from New Caledonia.

NFRDI staff and representatives from BFAR Region 1 and 2 participated in the training.

Director Westly Rosario, NFRDI interim executive director and chief of NIFTDC, said the development signals a good start for the sea cucumber hatchery they are about to complete.

The hatchery is envisioned to produce millions of three-grammer sandfish juveniles for sea ranching, restocking and resource enhancements to help repopulate the dwindling sandfish in its natural habitat and to protect the livelihood of sea cucumber farmers.

Out of 26 broodstock used, seven sandfish responded after several hours of inducing the animals tospawn. Five females have contributed to the 43 million eggs and they are now fondly called the “Big Mommas” by the researchers at NIFTDC.

The 43 million eggs were fertilized only by two male sandfish.

It is believed that dried sea cucumber or beche-de-mer, which is in high demand in the international market, has aphrodisiac properties.

NFRDI has identified around 31 commercial species of sea cucumber in the Philippines. The sandfish, when dried and semi-processed fetches an estimated farm-gate price of P3,500, is facing rapid depletion due to the market demand and unsustainable fishing practices.

WORKSHOP

Meanwhile, the Asian Fisheries Academy and the WorldFish Center will hold an international workshop on sandfish release strategies on April 13 to 16.

Dr. Steve Purcell, a leading expert on sandfish sea ranching and restocking, will facilitate the workshop in Dagupan.

NFRDI has partnered with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, UP Mindanao, the WorldFish Center, and other international agencies to implement the regional project on sea ranching and restocking of sandfish in Asia-Pacific with funding support from the Australian Center for Agricultural Research.#

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