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ISSN 2063-5346
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Integrated Culture of Haliotis asinina and Caulerpa racemosa in Mariculture Park of Lianga Bay, Philippines

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Fabio C. Ruaza, Jr. and Bernardita G. Quevedo
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.10.281

Abstract

The two high-value extractive species, the Haliotis asinina and Caulerpa racemosa have been integrated into the existing commercial finfish culture of Chanos chanos in Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. This study aimed to develop an efficient and economical means of aquaculture bioremediation through integrated multitrophic cultures. The growth rates were determined from H. asinina by monitoring shell lengths and weights in 180 days grow-out cultures, while growth rate and increments were measured for C. racemosa. The cultured species were subjected to proximate analysis to determine the nutrient composition such as crude fat, crude protein, and moisture. Monitoring of water nutrients such as ammonia and nitrate, and physico-chemical parameters were also conducted throughout the study. Results revealed that the the average growth rates of H. asinina showed significant difference in the individuals cultured in combination with C. racemosa when compared to those culture far from the seaweeds areas. On the other hand, the mean growth of C. racemosa showed a significant differences (p< 0.05), in favor of those cultured in the surface layers of the water column. Similarly, significant differences (p< 0.05) were likewise observed in the proximate analyses of the nutrient compositions, specifically for crude proteins between integrated cultures of H. asinina versus the monoculture; and; the integrated cultures versus wild populations of C. racemosa. In relation to water nutrients, the experimental site has minimal amount of ammonia and nitrate level compared to the site without integrated farming system and is densely occupied with fish cages. Therefore, the combination of these successful concepts, which have been proven effective in milkfish culture, should be advocated and expanded in the Region by integrating locally available extractive species.

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