MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija – Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel oversaw the launch of a trial program on Thursday, January 15, 2026, to assess the viability of commercial redclaw crayfish farming in the Philippines.
New Approach to Aquaculture
The initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) alongside private-sector partners, represents a change in strategy. The project emphasizes a science-based, market-driven, and controlled approach to aquaculture development.
The on-farm verification trial in Nueva Ecija involves stocking 14,000 craylings across four ponds. Researchers will monitor survival rates, growth, feed efficiency, and overall returns to determine commercial feasibility.
Testing Stocking Densities
Two different stocking densities – 10 and 15 crayfish per square meter – will be tested over a period of four to five months. The data collected will be crucial in evaluating the potential for large-scale redclaw crayfish production.
BFAR’s hatchery at the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center is central to the program. The facility currently houses 30 female and 10 male breeders, along with 200 future breeders, capable of producing up to 5,000 craylings per cycle, with three to five cycles occurring annually. An additional 300 craylings are allocated for tank-based trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this trial?
The trial is designed to determine if raising redclaw crayfish in Philippine freshwater ponds is commercially viable.
Where is the trial taking place?
The on-farm verification trial is being conducted in Nueva Ecija, across four ponds.
How many craylings are being used in the trial?
A total of 14,000 craylings have been stocked for the trial.
If the trial proves successful, it could lead to a new aquaculture industry in the Philippines. However, the results of the four-to-five-month study will ultimately determine whether redclaw crayfish farming can thrive commercially. Further trials or adjustments to farming practices may be necessary before widespread adoption.
