TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to promote sustainable fisheries and revive marine resources, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region has released 3,000 hatchery-bred sea cucumber juveniles into the waters of Liloan, Southern Leyte.
The juveniles, produced at the BFAR 8–Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC)in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, were turned over on October 14, 2025, to partners from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Bontoc Campus, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8, and the local government of Liloan.
They were placed in four 1×1-meter nursery cages at Tagbak Marine Park in Barangay Tabugon, where they will be monitored monthly until they reach marketable size—about 100 grams—by October 2026.
The initiative is part of the project “Enhancing Community-Based Sea Cucumber Ranching for Sustainable Development,” which seeks to restore dwindling sea cucumber populations, ease fishing pressure on natural stocks, and provide alternative livelihoods for local fisherfolk.
Rowvic Docena, provincial fisheries officer of Southern Leyte, said the turnover underscores BFAR’s commitment to science-based and community-driven fisheries management.
“BFAR 8 remains steadfast in our support for initiatives that align with responsible fisheries development. We value the collaboration with SLSU, DOST, and LGU Liloan in advancing sustainable aquaculture and protecting our marine ecosystems,” Docena said.
With Liloan’s favorable coastal environment and strong community participation, the sea cucumber ranching project is being positioned as a model for sustainable aquaculture and coastal resource management across Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
