Technology Verification and Extension Program of SEAFDEC AQD

Realizing the urgent need to package technologies generated through the years of R&D, the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department (AQD) through the TEchnology Verification and Extension Section (TVES) launched in June 1996, a technology transfer and commercialization program to test aquaculture technologies in actual production systems. On-site trials were implemented to verify sustainability, social equitability, and profitability of aquaculture technologies. Going into real-life situations using aquaculture farms, TVES collaborated with fish farmers and other institutions in brining technology to the end-users to enhance widespread interest in aquaculture. This way, TVES can hasten adoption of these technologies and intensify information dissemination to the rest of the aquaculture industry. Once found viable and profitabe, extension manuals derived from verification studies are published, with the hope that AQD can contribute to the country s concern for increasing livelihood opportunities and food production from the aquaculture sector