Fisheries and Aquaculture Biosystems Laboratory and Engineering Hub

11/02/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬!

CFOS-IA faculty member Dr. Sanny David Lumayno visited Mindanao State University - Maguindanao and served as resource person during the Training Workshop on Research and Technical Writing on January 27–28, 2026.

The activity is part of the capacity-building initiatives for research personnel and student researchers involved in the National Tilapia Research and Development Program, particularly Program B: Productivity Enhancement of SpiN Tilapia Culture Systems, under Project 1: Development of Improved Production System for SpiN Tilapia.

The project is led by Dean Dr. Ramjie Y. Odin of MSU-Maguindanao College of Fisheries and is funded by DOST–PCAARRD.

The training-workshop was also attended by researchers from other ongoing projects of MSU–Maguindanao.

Following the training-workshop, Dr. Lumayno visited the university’s hatchery facilities and provided technical guidance on UPV SpiN broodstock management on January 29.

Dr. Lumayno has been actively involved in the improvement of saline-tolerant UPV SpiN tilapia since 2023 and has led two DOST–PCAARRD–funded research projects focused on the development of YY male technology for producing all-male tilapia offspring without direct hormone use, as well as the enhancement of reproductive performance in brackishwater systems.

📸: MSU-Maguindanao Team

23/12/2025

📢 ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕊𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥: ℝ𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔽𝕚𝕤𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕚𝕟 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕒-𝕃𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕊𝕖𝕒𝕤 🌊🐟

Tropical fisheries catch many species at once, but current monitoring often fails to reliably record which species and what sizes are being caught, especially when onboard human observers are not present. This makes it extremely hard to assess stock status, catch composition, and ecosystem impacts in multispecies systems like those of Southeast Asia.

In the recent study published in Frontiers in Marine Science, the authors compared traditional statistical methods and machine learning (ML) models to estimate fish length using otolith measurements across several pelagic and demersal species. Otoliths are often recovered even when species composition data are missing, making them a valuable source of biological information.

✅ Otolith length and area were strong predictors of fish body length, especially for demersal species
✅ Machine learning models (e.g., Random Forest) outperformed classical approaches in complex cases
✅ This opens the door for more cost-effective, scalable ways to reconstruct catch size structure and species identity even when traditional monitoring is weak or absent
✅ When paired with advanced tools like deep learning or image recognition, these methods could revolutionize biodiversity monitoring, stock assessment, and electronic monitoring systems in data-limited fisheries

This shows great potential especially for tropical, small-scale, or mixed-gear fisheries where onboard data collection is minimal but otoliths are available from landings. With smart modeling and simple biological samples, we can start filling critical data gaps in multispecies fisheries, improving sustainability and our understanding of tropical marine ecosystems.

Read more: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1711110/full

06/12/2025

🌊 L𝑖f𝑒 𝑜f a F𝐴B𝐿E H𝑢b𝑏e𝑟 🌊

Meet our dedicated FABLE Hubbers — 𝑨𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒂, 𝑨𝒊𝒓𝒂, 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒖 — MS Fisheries (Aquaculture) students, all currently working on their masters thesis under the guidance of Dr. Lumayno. Earlier this semester, they successfully defended their thesis proposals before their esteemed panel committees. All four scholars are also proud recipients of the 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐃𝐏 𝐌𝐒 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭, supporting their pursuit of excellence in research and innovation.

Their collective efforts are centered on advancing the 𝐔𝐏𝐕 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐍 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞-𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝, a step toward resilient aquaculture in the face of freshwater scarcity and saline intrusion.

𝑨𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒂 is leading the development of XX Neomale Technology, targeting the production of all-female tilapia for improved broodstock management. Her research is backed by the 1st-ever 𝐔𝐏 𝐆𝐏𝐍𝐈𝐌 (𝐆𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠-𝐚𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥), having secured ~ ₱1 million in funding — a remarkable milestone!

𝑨𝒊𝒓𝒂 is investigating how broodstock age and size influence the reproductive and growth performance of the offspring, including their economic implications for hatchery owners.

𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔 is designing and testing an artificial incubation
system across varying salinity conditions to support improved hatching performance in saline environments.

𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒖 is assessing the reproductive capability of broodstock conditioned under freshwater versus brackishwater systems, generating insights crucial for saline-adapted hatchery operations.

Together, their works aim to strengthen the promotion of a saline-tolerant tilapia breed, addressing urgent concerns such as limited freshwater supply, saltwater intrusion, and the resulting physiological stress that often leads to mass mortalities in aquaculture.

To our FABLE Hubbers, best of luck on your MS thesis journey!

Your hard work and passion continue to help shape the future of sustainable aquaculture. 🌟🐟

01/12/2025

The tilapia aquaculture industry faces increasing challenges from saline intrusion into freshwater systems and consumer concerns over hormone-treated fish. This study developed a molecular marker-assisted YY male technology in the saline-tolerant UPV SpiN tilapia hybrid {Oreochromis spilurus (Günth...

30/11/2025

📢 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭!
We’re excited to share our new research on a breakthrough for tilapia farming, especially in areas affected by saltwater intrusion.

🌊 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔:
Tilapia farms are increasingly challenged by rising salinity in freshwater ponds. At the same time, many consumers prefer fish grown without direct hormone treatments.

🐟 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒅:
Our research project "𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳-𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘠𝘠 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯" implemented at the University of the Philippines Visayas, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture led by Assoc Prof. Dr. Sanny Lumayno, successfully produced a saline-tolerant “YY supermale” UPV SpiN tilapia hybrid (a cross of 𝑶. 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒔 × 𝑶. 𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒔) using molecular marker-assisted selection. This approach allows us to produce all-male offspring without directly treating the fry with hormones.

🔬 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔:
We used a DNA marker to identify a s*x-determining gene.
By carefully pairing natural XY male and s*x-reversed XY female broodstock, we produced YY supermales.
When these YY males were crossed with natural XX females, they produced 100% male fry, ideal for aquaculture because males grow faster, larger, and more uniformly.

⚙️ 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕:
✔️ Supports sustainability in both freshwater and brackish environments
✔️ Reduces reliance on hormone treatments
✔️ Enables scalable seed production for saline-tolerant tilapia
✔️ Provides a more consumer-friendly farmed fish option

🔗 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆: https://doi.org/10.3897/aiep.55.171978
Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria

🙏 𝑨𝒄𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕:
This study was made possible through the support of DOST PCAARRD Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division - IARRD our funding agency. Thank you for empowering research and innovation in Philippine aquaculture.

We’re proud to contribute new science toward more resilient and sustainable aquaculture systems. 🌱🐟

More updates soon at FABLE Hub!

28/11/2025

25/10/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐕-𝐂𝐅𝐎𝐒 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓!

Congratulations to our very own FABLE Hubber, 𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙚 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙖, for winning First Place in the Professional Category of the Science, Technology, and Innovation National Pitching Competition on Sustainable Development Goals 2025 held on October 24–25, 2025 at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City! 🎉👏

His pitch featured the 𝑼𝑷𝑽 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝑵® 𝑻𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒂 𝒀𝒀 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, a molecular marker-assisted innovation for developing all-male saline-tolerant tilapia — supporting sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient aquaculture. 🌱🐟

Ande was the Project Technical Aide for the DOST–PCAARRD two-year funded project titled “Molecular Marker-Assisted YY Male Tilapia Production” led by our very own Second Quill, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sanny David Lumayno, together with Prof. Dr. Victor Marco Emmanuel Ferriols, Prof. Dr. Rex Ferdinand Traifalgar, and Sir Alan Failaman.

This year’s pitching challenge gathered 9 professional participants and 16 student contenders from universities across the country. It was hosted by the University of San Agustin, co-hosted by MSU–Iligan Institute of Technology, and held in partnership with Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand.

We also extend our congratulations to Asst. Prof. Lhumen Tejano of Seafood PRIME Laboratories, who won Second Place (Professional Category) for presenting the Seafood-on-the-Spot (SOS) technology — a DA–BAR–funded ready-to-eat seafood innovation led by Prof. Encarnacion Emilia Yap, created for both emergency response and everyday nutrition. 🥗🌍

Para sa sektor ng pangisdaan! 💙🌊🐟

13/10/2025

𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗔 𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦

The Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC), led by Consortium Director Dr. Pastor Jones T. Denusta, visited the UPV Brackishwater Aquaculture Center (BAC) on October 3, 2025, to document the success story of one of our technology adopters, Mr. Reynald Narandang of Brgy. Lacaran, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Mr. Narandang has been using UPV’s saline-tolerant SpiN tilapia fry from BAC for grow-out culture in his brackishwater ponds, showcasing the viability and impact of science-based aquaculture innovations developed by UPV. His inspiring story will be featured in the AquaChamps Coffee Table Book, to be launched during the upcoming Tilapia FIESTA 2025. This year’s Farmer and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology (FIESTA) on Tilapia, themed “From Pond to Plate: Celebrating a Sustainable Tilapia Industry,” will be held on October 20–24, 2025, at Orchid Gardens, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The event will highlight tilapia technologies and innovations generated across the country.

Representing UPV in the Tilapia FIESTA Exhibition, Farmers’ Technology Forum, and Technology Pitching Activities are faculty members from the Institute of Aquaculture and tilapia project leaders, Asst. Prof. Fredson H. Huervana (BAC Station Head), Dr. Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar, Dr. Carmelo S. del Castillo, and Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno. They will feature UPV-developed tilapia technologies, including:
• Culture Technology for UPV SpiN Tilapia in Coastal and Estuarine Environments
• Nutritional Biotechnology to Improve Outcomes in UPV SpiN Tilapia
• UPV SpiN Tilapia YY Technology
• Utilization of Marine Diatom Supplement to Improve the Fatty Acid Profile of UPV SpiN Tilapia

WESVAARRDEC is one of the regional consortia under the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). The visit of DOST-PCAARRD WESVAARRDEC and the upcoming Tilapia FIESTA underscore the growing partnership between UPV and national research institutions in advancing regional aquaculture development and promoting sustainable innovations.

Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals:
: Partnerships for the Goals
: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
: Zero Hunger
: Responsible Consumption and Production
: Life Below Water

16/09/2025

📢 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 ‼

𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒂 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆-𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑼𝑷𝑽 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝑵 𝑯𝒚𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅 — Tatak CFOS, Tatak UPV!

The Philippines is facing increasing challenges from saline intrusion and overuse of freshwater systems, pushing fish farmers to look for new opportunities in brackish and estuarine waters. The 𝑼𝑷𝑽 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝑵 𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒂 𝒉𝒚𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅 (a cross between 𝑶𝒓𝒆𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒔 and 𝑶. 𝒏𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒔) is specially bred to thrive in these salty environments, offering a sustainable solution for expanding aquaculture.

Researchers at the University of the Philippines Visayas have successfully feminized genetic male tilapia (XY) into functional females through natural hormone treatment, confirmed by advanced DNA testing (PCR genotyping). This means the fish behave like females even though they have male chromosomes. To keep track of the fish during testing, a simple identification system was created by clipping small spines on their backs, making unique codes to prevent sample mix-ups.

This feminization is an important 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒀 𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, which 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍-𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒂 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 without the need for hormone treatments anymore. Such advances promise to improve breeding efficiency, fish growth, and sustainability that are critical for supporting fish farmers, especially in coastal communities affected by changing water conditions.

Stay tuned for more innovative breakthroughs from UPV that support Filipino fishers and food security!

This project is funded by the DOST PCAARRD Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division - IARRD.

Click here to access full paper: https://doi.org/10.3897/aiep.55.161420

16/09/2025

We are proud to share that our Second Quill and Storyweaver-in-Motion, Assoc Prof. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐨, a DOST-PCAARRD Longterm Balik Scientist, was a plenary speaker at the “Fostering Innovation and Regional Excellence (FIRE): Igniting Collaboration in Science and Technology” Balik Scientist Forum in Western Visayas held on September 10, 2025, at Capiz, Roxas during the Regional Science and Technology Week.

He delivered a compelling talk titled “From ilaya to ilawod: fisheries innovations streaming towards sustainability,” highlighting the crucial need for scientific knowledge and innovations to flow from research centers (𝓲𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓪) directly to the communities and fishery stakeholders (𝓲𝓵𝓪𝔀𝓸𝓭). Only by streaming science toward the local community can we achieve true sustainability and meaningful development in fisheries and aquaculture.

Among the research highlights, he presented the ongoing improvement of the saline-tolerant tilapia hybrid, "𝐔𝐏𝐕 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐍", developed to thrive in varying saline conditions. This hybrid is especially beneficial for fish farmers affected by saline intrusion, supporting higher productivity in brackish and estuarine environments.

He also discussed the development of the 𝒀𝒀 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, an innovative breeding method aimed at producing all-male tilapia populations, with the aid of molecular s*x markers, funded by DOST-PCAARRD. This technology enhances growth efficiency and sustainability by enabling natural production of XY male offspring.

These pioneering efforts exemplify the commitment to bringing science directly to the community fishery stakeholders for true sustainability in aquaculture.

This event, organized by DOST Region VI, highlighted the vital contributions of Balik Scientists in driving scientific progress and forging collaborations that address pressing regional and national priorities.

Para sa bayan, lagi at lagi!

14/09/2025

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Wisdom Weaver, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟. 𝐃𝐫. 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐬, on this remarkable achievement!

A truly well-deserved recognition for an outstanding educator and inspiring mentor.

Your dedication continues to shape minds and uplift hearts.❤️

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭𝐬 10𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫! 🔱

The UP Fisheries Guild proudly congratulates the 2025 Trident Awardee, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙑𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙤 𝙀𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙉. 𝙁𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙨! The ceremony officially commenced today September 13, 2025 at the UPV Little Theater, Iloilo City Campus.

This triennial award of leadership and timeless excellence is bestowed upon The Best College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Graduate in the Field of Academe for their exceptional contributions to the fisheries sector.

Through crashing waves swiftly strides the trident and the bearer it guides. The gleaming spear serves as a symbol of the trailblazing achievements the heroes in the fisheries sector are capable of. May your continued excellence and lasting impact be an inspiration to us all.

𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐢’𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐚𝐧!! 💙💛

11/09/2025

Ilaya't Ilawod would like to congratulate its CEO, Dr. Sanny David P. Lumayno, on his promotion to Associate Professor 3 of the University of the Philippines Visayas. ✨

Your well-deserved promotion is a reflection of your dedication in honing young minds and igniting their passion for aquaculture. 🐟

Congratulations, Assoc. Prof. Sanny. Your ii family is proud of you! 🙌