𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟰) – Consistent with its goal to ensure milkfish seedling sufficiency in the region, the Benoni Experimental Station (BES) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (BFAR-10) conducted an inventory and sex determination activity for milkfish broodstock in Taguines Lagoon, Mahinog, this province.

During the activity, a total of sixty-three (63) broodstock were cannulated with an 18:30 female-to-male sex ratio. In contrast, the sex of the remaining 15 breeders was undetermined, likely due to their size.

The cannulation technique was applied to determine the sex of each fish by observing the milt that oozes out of the urogenital pore of the ripe male fish when its abdomen is pressed, while a yellowish, transparent, or opaque oocyte is found in female fish.

This method ensures accurate sex identification which is crucial for maintaining an optimal sex ratio in breeding programs.

Meanwhile, the breeders were also measured and weighed, with an average length of 73.78 centimeters and an average weight of 3.48 kilograms, respectively.

Moreover, the identified breeders will be distributed to Mindanao State University at Naawan and the Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) Legislated Hatchery for breeding purposes.

With more sources of fry and fingerlings in the region, the bureau can readily provide stocks to targeted beneficiaries as regular livelihood assistance and relief and rehabilitation intervention for those affected by calamities.

The activity is part of the bureau’s strategy to bolster the aquaculture industry in the region, which aims to improve the efficiency of milkfish breeding and seedling production while ensuring the continuous and year-round availability of milkfish fry.

Present during the event were the personnel from the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) of Camiguin, headed by Provincial Fishery Officer Vianney Anthony A. Gapuz, together with Sagay Multi-Species Hatchery (SMSH), BES, and OJTs from MSU-Naawan and USTP-Panaon.

Further, the same activity will be conducted on August 28 this year for another batch of breeders.(𝙍𝘿𝙀//𝘽𝙁𝘼𝙍-10)