GROWING TUNA IN FISH CAGES: A VISION FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

GROWING TUNA IN FISH CAGES: A VISION FOR FOOD SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. In today’s world, where climate change is affecting natural fish stocks and food security, the need for innovation in aquaculture has never been more urgent. Tuna fish farming is one such solution, and countries like Turkey, Japan, and Spain have already demonstrated its success. Why should the Philippines not follow suit?

Being an archipelagic nation, the Philippines enjoys one of the longest coastlines in the world, a natural advantage for aquaculture. While big corporations can easily invest in tuna farming, I hope that farming cooperatives, with the support of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, can also participate. This endeavor would not only bolster food security but also generate livelihood opportunities, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction.

We have the necessary expertise. There are many Filipino scientists working in private companies, universities, government agencies, and international organizations who can contribute to this initiative. Although the startup phase of tuna fish farming may present hurdles, history has shown that with determination and proper guidance, we can overcome these challenges.

When I was a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), I served as Director for Science and Technology. In that capacity, I worked closely with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to manage the Balik-Scientist Program, which successfully brought home numerous Filipino experts from abroad. Concurrently, I also led the Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN) program, a joint initiative between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and DFA, which likewise facilitated the return of Filipino scientists to contribute to national development. Moreover, under the leadership of Dr. Federico "Poch" Macaranas, our team built a strong network of Filipino scientists through the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC), some chapters of which continue to operate today. These experiences affirm my belief that the Philippines has the expertise to make tuna farming a reality.

To make this happen, I propose that the government establish an interagency task force, led by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and composed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DOST, DFA, and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI). Additionally, the UP School of Fisheries (UP-SOF) in Miagao, Iloilo, should be involved, given its proximity to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), an organization that has long been at the forefront of sustainable fisheries development in the region.

The participation of other state universities and colleges (SUCs) with fisheries programs should also be encouraged. We can learn from the successes of other aquaculture ventures, such as those in salmon, tilapia, and milkfish farming. Even container-based fish farming and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) have shown promising results and could serve as models.

While tuna is traditionally caught from the wild, successful ocean fish cage farming has been implemented in various countries. Large, escape-proof cages have been used to grow tuna in their natural environment while mitigating challenges such as predation and disease. Japan, Australia, and Mexico have pioneered ocean cage farming, proving that with proper regulation and technology, sustainable tuna aquaculture is possible.

The Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead in this field. We have the resources, the coastline, and the scientific expertise. With the right policies and investments, we can turn tuna farming into a thriving industry, ensuring food security, generating employment, and reinforcing our position as a leader in aquaculture in Southeast Asia.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

04-21-2025

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