The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and its partners released around 3,000 hatchery-bred sea cucumber juveniles on Monday in the coastal waters of Liloan, Southern Leyte.
The juveniles, produced at the BFAR–Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar, were placed in four 1×1-meter nursery cages at Tagbak Marine Park in Barangay Tabugon.
According to BFAR Southern Leyte provincial fisheries officer Rowvic Docena, the sea cucumbers will be monitored monthly and are expected to reach marketable size—about 100 grams—by October 2026.
The project, carried out in partnership with the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Bontoc Campus, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8, and the Liloan local government, aims to restore sea cucumber populations and promote sustainable aquaculture.
“BFAR-8 remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that promote responsible fisheries development. We value our collaboration with SLSU, DOST, and LGU Liloan in advancing sustainable aquaculture and protecting our marine ecosystems,” Docena said.
The sea cucumber release is part of the project “Enhancing Community-Based Sea Cucumber Ranching for Sustainable Development,” which seeks to rehabilitate depleted stocks, reduce fishing pressure on wild populations, and provide alternative livelihoods for coastal residents.
With Liloan’s favorable water conditions and strong local participation, the initiative is seen as a model for sustainable aquaculture and coastal resource management in Eastern Visayas.
Sea cucumbers, which thrive in seagrass beds and sandy or muddy areas, are highly valued in Asian markets for their pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and culinary uses. Dried sea cucumbers fetch between ₱300 and ₱1,200 per kilogram, according to BFAR.