The initial project demonstration sites are located in Bagacay, Gubat; Mapapac, Barcelona representing open sea conditions and a brackishwater pond located at the Sorsogon Demonstration Fish Farm.
The demonstration plots have a uniform area of 2 500 sq m each. The Bagacay area is characterized by having muddy-rocky bottom while Mapapac is corraline bottom. The species used in Bagacay is a combination of Gracilaria firma and G. teniustipitata while =G. changii is used in Mapapac, Barcelona. In the pond, G. teniustipitata is also used. Future seedstocks will be obtained from these farms for the expansion of seaweed farming of fishermen groups. These species were used as they are the most common and dominant forms in the area.
The growth rate is monitored each month and the parameters for growth observed daily include:
The monoline with bamboo spreader is used in Mapapac, Barcelona due to stronger water movement (Figure 7). In Bagacay, the stake method is used as shown in Figure 8. The total area of each plot is 2 500 sq m. Each area is divided into 5 modules. There are 9 lines per module with 34 plants per line. The average weight of seed stock is 20 grams each which is tied to the line at 1 ft interval. The stakes are placed at 1 m apart.
In the stake method, there are 34 plants/line of 10 m long/line. The seedstock averaged 20 gms each planted at 1 ft interval. The stakes are spaced 1 ft apart.
At the outset of preparations of the seaweed demonstration farms, prospective farmers in the locality participated during the construction and seeding as shown in the following photographs (Figure 9–15). Informal discussions took place on the spot while socio-economic information on their household circumstances were also being gathered by the interview team of the project.
It is worthwhile to note that only Eucheuma seaweed farming is extensively developed in the Philippines. The farms are mostly located in Western Mindanao and Central Visayas regions as shown in Figure 16. Gracilaria farming is being developed for the first time in eastern Sorsogon, located in southern Luzon.
