Understanding biosecurity measures of seaweed farmers in Caloco, Tinambac, Camarines Sur, Philippines

The study was conducted to assess seaweed farmers’ understanding of biosecurity in Caloco, Tinambac, Camarines Sur. Data were collected using well-structured questionnaires administered in the identified area. A total of 30 identified seaweed farmers participated in the study; most were aged between 51 to 60 years old, 70% were male, and 90% were married. The highest educational attainment reported was high school graduates which was 60% of the respondents. Fishing was identified as the primary source of income with 60% of respondents earning a monthly income ranging from PhP. 6,000 to 10,000. The most commonly cultured species in the area was Eucheuma alvarezii due to its fast growth rate, high market value, and suitability for longline technique. The on-farm biosecurity practices revealed that seaweed farmers harvested their crops earlier than the set scheduled time due to the occurrence of ice-ice disease. In managing diseased crop, 55% of the farmers dried and marketed the affected seaweed crop, while 36% were disposed of outside of the farming area and transported them to land. Furthermore, after the disease occurrence, about 64% of the farmers treated seedling by washing them with soap, rinsing them thoroughly, and returning them to the farm the seedlings.