FOURTH ZANORTE SEAWEED NURSERY GUARANTEES BOLSTERED PRODUCTION

The province of Zamboanga del Norte witnessed the establishment of the fourth seaweed nursery
by the DA-BFAR within its jurisdiction benefitting seaweed farmers and ensuring steady supply of
seaweed in the area.

Last November 15, 2021, personnel from the DA-BFAR-IX Provincial Fisheries Office of Zamboanga
del Norte headed by Provincial Fishery Officer Arcelita A. Andaya in coordination with the LGU of
Sibutad and the beneficiary fisherfolk association successfully sets-up a seaweed nursery in
barangay Barangay Calube in the coastal municipality of Sibutad.

It is important to note that Barangay Calube is virtually one of the exclusive suppliers of fresh
Kappaphycus striatum locally known as “vanguard” which is primarily used for salads. Compared to
K. alvarezii, locally known as kadung, K. striatum fetches a higher price when sold fresh. The Calube
Farfish Association supplies fresh vanguard not only to the immediate municipalities within the
province but also to the nearby municipalities of Misamis Occidental. Hence, the establishment of a
seaweed nursery will ensure continuous production, and provide an avenue for expansion for the
existing seaweed farms in the locality.

The establishment of seaweed nurseries all over the province is a strategic endeavor of BFAR and is
of special importance in the province of Zamboanga del Norte where mostly, seaweed farming is
not considered a year-long activity. The establishment of seaweed farms scattered throughout the
province provides a constant supply of seaweed seedling, making sure that production of raw dried
and fresh seaweeds remains uninterrupted, as it remains one of the most reliable source of
revenue, especially for the province’s marginal fisherfolk.

DA-BFAR has previously put up three seaweed nurseries in Rizal and Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del
Norte.