Since its establishment in 1973, AQD has shown sustained achievements in aquaculture, thus contributing greatly to the progress of the aquaculture industry in the region.

Continuing research on prawn culture at AQD has generated techniques in the areas of maturation, hatchery, nursery, and grow-out. Milkfish breeding technology developed at AQD is currently being verified at various sites in the Philippines. It is hoped that these technologies would significantly satisfy the demands of the industry in the region.

The economic viability of hatchery techniques developed for rabbitfish and refined for sea bass is being undertaken. Results of studies on other finfishes are being verified.

Significant research results are documented in numerous scientific papers published in local and foreign journals. Verified results are packaged into extension materials and disseminated to the aquaculturists and fish farmers.

Research outputs of AQD researchers are being increasingly recognized by the research and scientific communities. During the past two years, various awards for scientific papers were earned by AQD.

Specific for 1988 is the redirection of AQD's research thrust to reflect the regional research priorities identified during the Seminar on Aquaculture Development in Southeast Asia held in the Philippines in September 1987. Likewise, training programs were prioritized based on training requirements in aquaculture in Southeast Asia as assessed during a seminar held in Thailand in May 1988.

Extension activities were revived and intensified in order to help the small fish farmers raise their standard of living and contribute to the farmer's profitability campaign of the present government.

AQD likewise continues to foster closer relationship with various governments and organizations.

SEAFDEC/AQD. (1989). 1988 annual report. Tigbauan, Iloilo: Aquaculture Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.