I.

Executive Summary

The significance of this project lies from the perspective of food security and

poverty reduction particularly to small-scale fish farmer in terms of: (a) crop

diversification (b) area and input maximization, and (c) additional income. If

proven technically feasible and economically viable, benefits derived from the

technology will accrue to small-scale fish farmers who will not only diversify

crop/product but also augment their income. In addition, results of this

undertaking will lead to the introduction new high-value species for farming in

freshwater ponds.

Similarly, with the technology acceptable to small-scale fish farmers, food

security can be assured at the farm level in the countryside. Moreover, with

seabass available in the market, market for the product can be established for

the benefit of the fish farmers.

 II. Statement of the Problem

The farming of several farmed species in the same space is known as

polyculture. This practically adopts the principles behind diversity of natural

ecosystems which explore the farming of several species in the same area

without overlapping their feeding habitat thereby maximizing resources, labor,

farm inputs and increases productivity.

The polyculture of seabass and tilapia in particular is based on the principle that

tilapias are omnivores and a prolific species which can overpopulate a pond

within a short period of time. Therefore, food availability and space becomes a

limiting factor in the culture of marketable size fish. Seabass, on the other hand

are highly carnivores species that can tolerate freshwater environment. Farming

of seabass with tilapia can therefore provide better opportunity to increase

product, diversity product and maximize farm resources (input & labor) and

space.
 III. Approach and Methodology

This can be accomplished by simply understanding their feeding niche, with

tilapia stock two months ahead, tilapia offspring are produced, stocking the

carnivorous seabass later when the fry and fingerlings are abundant, will be more

advantageous as they are easy prey that the bigger size tilapia, hence, tilapia

population is biologically controlled by seabass. In this way both species are

benefited including the fish farmers because aside from diversifying crop, it also

maximizes resources utilization and improved production. The project will make

use of existing small-scale freshwater fish farms preferably at least 200-500

square meters with continuous supply of unpolluted water.

This project will commence by draining and drying the pond followed by repair of

dikes and inlet/outlet pipes and leveling of the pond bottom. Each pond will be

equipped with inlet and outlet PVC pipes with fine-mesh screen to prevent

unwanted species from entering the ponds or escape of the stock. Stocking will

be done early in the morning. Stocking of tilapia will be done 2 months ahead of

seabass.

After 120 days of culture, total harvesting will be done by draining and manual

picking.
 Tilapia-Seabass

Polyculture in Small-

scale Freshwater Ponds

Glenda Theresa Avila

Elenah Mae Salen
Sheena Marie Ramos