DAGUPAN CITY — The warm temperature and clean coastal water in Alaminos City have played a significant role in enhancing the size, quality, and overall production of oysters, according to a local aquaculture expert.
Milberth Ferrer, a senior aquaculturist at the Alaminos City Agriculture Office (CAO), explained that warmer weather creates ideal conditions for oyster growth.
It increases water density, which in turn promotes the production of phytoplankton, the primary food source for oysters.
Ferrer also noted that although oysters are filter feeders, the purity of the water directly impacts their growth.
“If our waters are clean, free from pollutants, there is also a higher chance that the chlorophyll content of our seawater will increase and the production of phytoplanktons, which are what our oysters eat, will increase,” Ferrer emphasized.
To maximize these natural advantages, the Alaminos City government has continued to support local oyster farmers, most notably through initiatives such as the “Talaba Ihaw Ihaw.”
This event, one of the highlights of the month-long Hundred Islands Festival, aims to showcase the city’s locally farmed oysters and expand market opportunities for oyster growers.
The event not only promotes the local seafood industry but also contributes to raising awareness of sustainable practices among the community.
Ferrer highlighted how the city’s environmental programs, such as “Scuba-surero” and “Basura Mo, I-uwi Mo,” have been essential in maintaining clean coastal waters.
These programs support marine biodiversity, benefiting both the oyster industry and the broader marine ecosystem.
Furthermore, the local government continues to aid oyster farmers through training programs and providing equipment and materials that help reduce production costs, improve harvests, and increase farmers’ incomes.
For Jelian Grace Pespes, an Alaminos City resident, the annual festival serves as an important reminder of the need to preserve coastal resources.
“I feel proud that our city promotes its seafood industry through events like this. It does not just showcase our local products but also boosts tourism and helps the livelihood of fishermen and oyster farmers. This festival reminds us why we should take care of our waters,” Pespes said.
In 2023, Alaminos City’s annual oyster harvest was estimated at 450 to 460 metric tons, with the “talabang tsinelas” (slipper oyster) being the city’s primary species.
This oyster variety is distinguished by its large, fan-shaped shell that has a slightly curved, slipper-like appearance, making it easy to identify.
With continued environmental conservation efforts and strong government support, Alaminos City aims to further strengthen its oyster industry while ensuring the long-term health of its coastal ecosystem. (AMB/EMSA/RDPP, PIA Pangasinan)
