Faculty researchers from the Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) and College of Fisheries (CF) of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) headed by Dr. Karl Marx A. Quiazon and Dr. Emmanuel M. Vera Cruz, respectively conducted a two-day site visitation and reconnaissance in Guinayangan, Quezon on January 18-19, 2024 for CLSU’s current action research on climate solutions in small-scale aquaculture for sustainable aquatic food systems.
The project aims to involve the community of Guinayangan, Quezon to achieve its goal of promoting inclusive, nature-based climate solutions in small-scale aquaculture funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and spearheaded by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) in collaboration with CLSU.
Key activities during the reconnaissance included site visits to local aquaculture farms, dispersal of tilapia fingerlings to smallholders with freshwater ponds, and the potential establishment of a Fish Conservation Zone in the Maulawin Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL). Discussions with stakeholders and visits to seven (7) lagoons provided insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by small-scale aquaculture practitioners, as well as the potential for conserving native fish species in the area.
This initiative, strategically timed amid growing climate concerns, seeks to establish a resilient foundation for sustainable aquaculture practices. It emphasizes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and environmental conservation. The findings from this project are projected to influence future policies and practices, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for small-scale aquaculture in the region.