30 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG comm., 2025). Currently markets and farms have been dominated by introduced species of catfish, and after conversing with some farmers, they have no plans on cultivating the native catfish to the extent that they cultivate the other species. In fact, hybridization of the three Clarias species in the Philippines has recently begun, with plans to establish it as a new variety for commercial purposes due to its relatively bigger size and leaner meat. Apart from this, interviewed farmers from Bulacan have also shown little to no interest in cultivating the native catfish as its spines can cause fever when poked through the skin (Figure 8). Left with no intervention, the risk of extinction of our native catfish becomes extremely high. Conversion of agricultural lands to catfish ponds may not be entirely harmful but poses risks of reduction in rice production. Agriculture and aquaculture are often linked to each other as both are important food sources. However, some farmers are starting to lean more towards aquaculture and convert agricultural lands to fish ponds primarily because the profit is higher in aquaculture than agriculture (Bontoc, pers. comm., 2025). Both are important food sources; note that rice is a prioritized staple food in the Philippines, as compared to catfish. With farmers focusing on aquaculture like catfish farming, an expected decline in rice production and other agricultural products can impact both consumers and the overall economic growth of the country. Should We Continue Catfish Farming? Undoubtedly, catfish farming has become a significant part of the Philippines, contributing greatly to the Filipino community. From propelling the country into the economic stage due to its production, to solving the nation’s food insecurity, and having firm cultural facets in some parts of the country, catfish farming has significantly improved the quality of life of many of its citizens. However, the industry itself seemingly leans toward exploitation and extinction of the native catfish species. Apart from various pollution that these catfish farms produce, the disappearance of native catfish due to the excessive cultivation of non-native catfish species is bound to happen. As more invasive catfish are cultivated, more land will be soon converted into fishponds, contributing more to already existing water pollution and displacement of other ecosystems. With these details and implications already laid out, this begs the question of whether catfish farming should be continued or not. Catfish farming provides notable economic and social benefits to the country, likely making its discontinuation a considerable setback. Catfish, along with tilapia, account for a substantial portion of the country’s aquaculture production value (Santos-Recto et al. 2022). Catfish farming provides livelihood opportunities, especially in rural areas. A 1,000-square meter pond stocked with 10,000 fingerlings can yield 770 kilograms of catfish, potentially netting a farmer significant profits with an 80% return on investment (Dianala 2020). While catfish’s direct contribution to GDP is not isolated in national statistics, its rapid growth in regional economies, high ROI for small-scale farmers, and integration into national food security strategies clearly establish its economic value in the Philippine aquaculture landscape. The answer can be quite simple: yes we can and should continue catfish farming, but we should also recognize its current threats and detriments as equally important as its benefits. Current sustainable farming practices from QCUAD and Ernesto Tolentino are some of the best examples on how we can continue catfish farming with considerations on sustainability and proper FIGURE 7. Members of the Quezon City University Aquaculture Department (QCUAD) with the Head Researcher, Sir Romel Sevilla (leftmost). Photo credit: A. Olarte. FIGURE 8. Local farmer in Compound Bondoc Farm showing the proper way of handling the catfish to avoid getting stung. Photo credit: A. Olarte. Undoubtedly, catfish farming has become a significant part of the Philippines, contributing greatly to the Filipino community. From propelling the country into the economic stage due to its production, to solving the nation’s food insecurity, and having firm cultural facets in some parts of the country, catfish farming has significantly improved the quality of life of many of its citizens.
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