UP Visayas - Institute of Aquaculture

29/08/2026

28/08/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐲? 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨!

𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮, a major seaweed crop in the Philippines, is easily stressed when exposed to air during very low tides. This study tested how different lengths of air exposure affect its health and ability to absorb nutrients. Seaweed fragments were dried for 2, 4, or 6 hours and then rehydrated and cultured for 7 days.

Seaweeds dried for only 2 hours were able to recover their normal photosynthetic activity after a week, but longer drying caused too much water loss for recovery. Ammonium uptake remained active even after drying, although the 2‑hour group showed a slower response. Phosphate behaved differently: all dried seaweeds released phosphate instead of absorbing it, especially when moisture loss was high.

Overall, the results show that once 𝘌𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘶𝘮𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮 loses too much water, it struggles to regain normal function and begins to leak nutrients. This highlights how extreme low tides and drying events can threaten seaweed farms under changing climate conditions.

27/08/2026

CFOS-IA pioneers uGREAT in UPV, anchors on Balik Scientist pursuits
The Institute of Aquaculture (IA) is pioneering the Undergraduate Research and Education Assistantship for Technology (uGREAT) Program of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) at UP Visayas through funding support for 15 undergraduate students of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) who will be working on their respective undergraduate theses.

The uGREAT Program seeks to provide selected undergraduate students with institutional support, particularly funding, to pursue their research interests aligned with R&D endeavors anchored on DOST-PCAARRD’s strategic priorities.

Describing the uGREAT Program as an excellent opportunity to further develop research skills while contributing to the advancement of aquaculture research and innovation, Mr. John Cornelius L. Basco, one of the student grantees, expressed that the program would enable him “to implement my research more effectively, gain valuable experience in conducting R&D, and potentially contribute to the development of a research paper that could eventually be published in a scientific journal.”

The student research projects to be pursued through the uGREAT Program are all anchored on enhancing the characterization, performance evaluation, effluent effects, development, post-harvest potential, and marketability of UPV SpiN YY tilapia—a research project implemented by the Institute of Aquaculture and led by Balik Scientist Awardee Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno.

This also marks the first time that a Balik Scientist has led a uGREAT Program, making the initiative a notable milestone in strengthening the integration of research mentorship, institutional support, and the Balik Scientist Program.

While most of these student theses will be implemented at the Institute of Aquaculture, the Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO), the Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT), and the Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS) will also collaborate to expand the potential capabilities of these student research projects.

Dr. Iris Ann G. Borlongan, Dr. Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, Dr. Roxanne Cabebe-Barnueveo, and Ms. Mary Gold R. David of IA; Asst. Prof. Christian James Morales of IMFO; Dr. El Andro A. Obar of IFPDS; and Asst. Prof. Lhumen A. Tejano and Asst. Prof. Gardel Xyza L. Silvederio of IFPT will also serve as research advisers, co-advisers, and consultants to the students pursuing their research under the uGREAT Program.

The following are the proposed student thesis topics attached to the uGREAT Project titled, Enhancing Saline-Tolerant UPV SpiN Tilapia Through YY Supermale Offspring Evaluation: Morphology, Growth, Reproduction, Product Development, Marketability, and Sustainability (SpiN-Enhance):
● Morphometrics and Meristics of Selected Tilapia Breeds (Kyla Lorraine Abello)
● Geometric Morphometrics of Selected Tilapia Breeds (Angel Delgado)
● Optimizing Transport Protocols for Juvenile and Adult UPV SpiN Tilapia (Rezel
Decomotan)
● Assessment of Reproductive Performance of Genetically Male Tilapia (Atasha Nice
Misterio)
● Assessment of Reproductive Performance of YY Supermales under Simulated
Photovoltaic Shading System (Paul Ryan Nalaunan)
● Assessment of growth performance of UPV SpiN GMT fry using mycofeeds (John
Cornelius Basco)
● Assessment of growth performance of UPV SpiN GMT in grow-out system (Asher Josh Galang)
● Effect of UPV SpiN tilapia effluents during nursery rearing on the growth of Eucheuma
sp. (Hikaru Chunai)
● Effect of UPV SpiN tilapia effluents during nursery rearing on the growth of Ulva sp.
(Jolan Tranca)
● Low Temperature Preservation of Whole UPV SpiN (JJ M. Husmalaga)
● Determination of Quality Characteristics of UPV SpiN Fillets (Bryan Roy M. Bayot)
● Development of Dried UPV SpiN (Tilanggit) (Fiona Alexandra Silverio)
● Development of Smoked UPV SpiN (Maria Shaina A. Canieso)
● Consumer Perception and Market Acceptability of UPV SpiN Tilapia in Iloilo Province
(Andrea Toledo and Claidel Palmes)

These details were presented during the Inception Meeting held on August 26, 2026, at the CFOS AV Hall, which was attended by representatives from DOST-PCAARRD, faculty and staff of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and other units of UP Visayas, and the student grantees. The meeting also featured the Balik Scientist Exit Report of the project lead, Dr. Lumayno, following his long-term engagement as Balik Scientist with DOST-PCAARRD.

Dr. Lumayno’s presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration, highlighting that what happens upstream affects the downstream, while the latter also creates ripples that reach back upstream.

“Science is strongest when it streams towards the community, for true sustainability,” Dr. Lumayno said.

Drawing from his experience as a student-shifter to the BS Fisheries program of UP Visayas, his work as a research assistant at the UP Marine Science Institute, and other “side quests,” including working as an English tutor, Dr. Lumayno shared how these opportunities contributed to his decision to pursue research and his personal goal of contributing to the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry. He also recounted his subsequent studies as a master’s and PhD student in Japan, which further shaped his research journey.

Dr. Lumayno ended his presentation with the reminder, “Science should not remain in the ilaya, isolated in laboratories and publications—it must stream to the ilawod, where ordinary people live, work, and dream.”

The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, on the other hand, recognizes the continued support of DOST-PCAARRD and initiatives such as the uGREAT and Balik Scientist Programs as valuable opportunities for its students to hone their research skills through mentorship and institutional support as they pursue their research endeavors, and as an avenue for young scientists to strengthen research capacity, foster mentorship, and advance academic and scientific excellence.

26/08/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬!

A recent study by faculty-researchers of the Institute of Aquaculture compared three commonly used air diffusers to see how well and how quickly they can put oxygen into the water, an important aspect of keeping farmed aquatic animals healthy.

The results showed that the diffusers clearly differed in how quickly they increased oxygen levels and how efficiently they used energy. The study then looked at whether these differences in aeration were also associated with water quality, shrimp growth, and immune indicators.

To evaluate the biological effects of contrasting aeration performances identified in the previous experiment, a culture trial was subsequently conducted using Pacific white shrimp (𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘪) reared in 500-L tanks at a stocking density of 30 shrimp/tank under a completely randomized design with three replicates per treatment to compare airstone and perforated hose.

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 (𝐩𝐮𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝) 𝐛𝐮𝐭, 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐩 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲.

13/08/2026

📢 Hear ye! Hear ye! 📣
Today’s IAs big day out 🥳
Pa-beedah, beedah naman si Ja🐝
Thank you UP 🌻🥰

13/08/2026

“BAKIT YY? BECAUSE WHY NOT?”

And with that powerful closing line, Dr. Lumayno made his message clear: Why not bring homegrown research closer to real-world impact?

Congratulations, Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno, on winning 2nd Place Best Technology Pitch at the 3rd Agri-Aqua Innovation Pitch Fest (AIPF) 2026! 🏆👏

He presented the UPV SpiN Tilapia YY Male Technology, a bold step toward transforming aquaculture through molecular marker-assisted breeding of all-male tilapia population.

Kudos to Doc Sanny and the entire UPV SpIN YY Tilapia team! 💙🙌🏼

Here’s to turning ideas into solutions, research into opportunities, and innovation into impact. 🚀🐟

28/07/2026

Aquaponics and hydroponics are innovative food production systems that can help produce fresh vegetables more efficiently while making better use of water and nutrients. By combining different fish and plant species, these systems offer promising approaches to sustainable food production.

A recent study by students and faculty members of the Institute of Aquaculture, University of the Philippines Visayas, explored how different production systems influence the growth of lettuce.

The researchers compared coupled aquaponics, nutrient-complemented decoupled aquaponics, and conventional hydroponics to evaluate nutrient dynamics, lettuce growth, and economic performance. Their findings highlight how each system differs in nutrient use, plant growth, and economic returns.

What's the verdict?

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 "𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭" 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦. Each production system offers unique advantages and trade-offs. Understanding these differences can help farmers, researchers, and practitioners select the most suitable system for their goals while promoting more efficient and sustainable food production.

24/07/2026

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥! 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲.

Congratulations to our interns from Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) – Del Carmen Campus for successfully completing their internship at the UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Institute of Aquaculture from June 15 to July 24, 2026!

During their internship, they gained hands-on experience and contributed to various research projects and laboratories, including the Mass and Precise Mangrove Restoration Using Aerial Drone Systems (MANRADS) project, the Seaweed Laboratory, Broodstock Development of the Mangrove Crab (𝘚𝘤𝘺𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘢) project, and Nutrition Laboratory. Some of the students likewise enhanced their skills in Aquaculture Laboratory Techniques at the CFOS-IA Wet Laboratory.

Thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and valuable contributions to our research and public service initiatives. May the knowledge and experiences you gained inspire you as you continue your journey in aquaculture!

📸SNSU interns

21/07/2026

20/07/2026

The Application of Molecular Techniques in Aquatic Research: RNA Extraction and qPCR Analysis, conducted by DOST-PCAARRD funded project “Gene-based Identification of Growth Promoting Feed Additives for Milkfish Aquaculture” implemented by the CFOS-IA and led by Dr. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar successfully brought together participants from Capiz State University (CAPSU) and the University of Antique (UA) for three days of intensive lectures and hands-on laboratory training on June 30-July 2, 2026.

The program provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology, tissue and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and qPCR analysis—essential techniques that support advancements in aquatic research, aquaculture, and fisheries science.

This training reflects our shared commitment to enhancing research capabilities, fostering inter-institutional collaboration, and equipping researchers, faculty, and students with the skills needed to address emerging challenges in aquatic science through modern molecular approaches.