Philippines Kicks Off Ambitious Aquaculture Project with Massive Crayfish Nursery
The Philippines took a significant step toward becoming a major player in global aquaculture with the inauguration of the country's largest crayfish nursery in Candaba, Pampanga on Wednesday, November 28, 2025. This flagship project, developed by Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc. in partnership with Taiwan's Da Shin Biotech Ltd. and the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), marks a strategic move to position the nation as a competitive force in the international aquaculture market.
World-Class Facility with Advanced Technology
The newly inaugurated 1,280-square-meter nursery in Candaba—an area renowned for its freshwater resources—houses 16 specialized tanks capable of producing an impressive 48,000 fry every two weeks. What sets this facility apart is its pioneering water-recycling technology, a first for crayfish nurseries in the Philippines that significantly reduces wastewater and conserves precious freshwater resources in an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint.
The facility will mass-produce Australian Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus), a high-value species celebrated for its rapid growth, robust hardiness, and strong market demand. These qualities make it an ideal candidate for sustainable commercial production.
Government Support and Sustainable Vision
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., represented by DA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa, emphasized the project's significance during the inauguration. He highlighted how coordinated action across different sectors can achieve remarkable progress.
"Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream—it becomes our shared reality," Secretary Tiu Laurel stated.
The Agriculture Secretary stressed that crayfish farming opens new economic opportunities for Filipino fisherfolk, bringing increased income, livelihood options, and more food to tables across the nation. However, he also emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility, noting that BFAR has established strict guidelines to protect native aquatic life while ensuring each farming pond nurtures care, discipline, and respect for ecosystem balance.
Massive Expansion Plans and Economic Impact
The new nursery will supply Farm Fresh's existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which currently yield 30 tons of market-size crayfish annually, while also supporting partner growers as the industry expands. Starting in 2026, the company plans an ambitious nationwide rollout of grow-out operations covering 1,500 hectares in Luzon, plus 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Once fully operational, these facilities are projected to produce more than 1,200 tons of crayfish every six months—volumes that would firmly establish the Philippines as a serious contender in regional and global markets. The project is expected to create more than 3,000 direct jobs and stimulate new enterprises across farming communities.
Crayfish offer numerous advantages as a protein source: they're nutrient-rich, have low environmental impact, and require minimal feed compared to other aquaculture species. The launch of this world-class, sustainable crayfish industry aims to put the Philippines firmly on the global aquaculture map while advancing both the country's food security agenda and its drive to create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
