Technical Responses to Challenges in Milkfish Aquaculture

Abstract

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) has been cultured in Asia for centuries. In 1999 the total world production of cultured milkfish was estimated at 381,930 metric tons. To meet the production target with less available land for farming, traditional culture in shallow-water ponds, which relied on wild-caught fry from coastal waters and on benthic algae as the main food, had to be modified. To increase unit production, a deep-water pond culture system was developed in the mid-1970s. As a result of the increased water depth and stocking density, in addition to the use of formulated feed and aeration devices, unit production underwent a 5- to 8-fold increase. In the Philippines, pen and sea cage culture methods were developed to increase production. The life cycle of milkfish was completed in captivity before technology for mass production in the hatchery was established in the late 1980s. Preventing overproduction of milkfish is currently an important issue in milkfish producing countries. IThe improvement in processing technology, the diversification of products, and the establishment of international marketing networks are important challenges to the industry. The extension of milkfish aquaculture technology to other countries is a goal that may greatly benefit mankind.