44 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG formulations can significantly enhance the survival and growth of M. iloiloensis in controlled environments. Notably, a combination of biofloc and feed mill waste yielded the highest survival rates, body weight, and overall biomass, while the use of biofloc alone in the larval rearing phase has proven to be a cost-effective strategy, reducing the reliance on highprotein commercial diets while maintaining optimal growth performance. Beyond its potential as live feed, recent studies have demonstrated that M. iloiloensis is a highly effective supplemental feed for shrimp broodstock, particularly the Indian white shrimp Penaeus indicus. Studies indicate that incorporating M. iloiloensis into shrimp diets enhances spawning frequency, fertilization rates, and postlarval survival and growth (Estante-Superio et al. 2023). This advantage stems from its superior nutritional profile, rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, and lipids crucial for reproductive success. A key advantage of M. iloiloensis over Perinereis sp. (Table 1) is its size and texture. M. iloiloensis individuals tend to be larger and have softer bodies, making them more palatable to shrimp broodstock. In fact, M. iloiloensis demonstrates a superior nutritional profile over Perinereis nuntia. Farmed P. nuntia contains 512–528 g/kg of protein (approximately 51.2–52.8%) and 340 ± 57 g/kg of fat (around 34 ± 5.7%) (Techaprempreecha et al. 2011), whereas farmed M. iloiloensis offers higher protein content at 64% and lower fat content at 13% (Figure 5) (Mandario 2020). This makes M. iloiloensis an ideal feed ingredient for aquaculture species that require high protein and moderate fat intake. Moreover, M. iloiloensis exhibits greater adaptability to varying salinity and temperature conditions than Perinereis sp. (Darya et al. 2016), making it a more resilient candidate for aquaculture. By utilizing a native species that is both nutritionally comparable and more suited to local aquaculture settings, the Philippines can strengthen its self-sufficiency in shrimp hatchery operations. With shrimp farming contributing billions of pesos to the national economy, the demand for high-nutrient feed sources continues to rise. Polychaete-based supplemental feeds have been shown to enhance shrimp growth and reproductive success, making them a vital component in hatchery operations (EstanteSuperio et al. 2023). By cultivating M. iloiloensis locally, the Philippines can reduce its dependence on imported feed. This shift strengthens local aquaculture industries and supports a more sustainable seafood production system. Challenges and Opportunities in Polychaete Hatcheries With the growing demand for polychaetes in the aquaculture industry, specifically in shrimp farming, utilizing hatchery-bred mud polychaetes offers a sustainable alternative that supports shrimp growth without compromising natural populations. Thus, the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD) decided to establish a mud polychaete hatchery to address industry needs while promoting sustainability (Estante-Superio et al. 2023). SEAFDEC is an independent inter-governmental organization that was established in 1967, with a mission “to promote and facilitate concerted actions among the Member Countries to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia.” Its Aquaculture Department (AQD) that was established in the Philippines in 1973, plays a role in advancing aquaculture through research, technology verification, training, and information sharing. Furthermore, SEAFDEC/AQD focuses on cultivating fish, shrimp, mud crabs, mollusks, and seaweeds while promoting sustainable aquaculture and responsible resource management to drive rural development and alleviate poverty. Ms. Mandario, who initiated the project, shared that SEAFDEC/ AQD has been investigating the potential of Marphysa species in the aquaculture field since 2012, prior to the discovery of M. FIGURE 6. Polychaetes are being cultured in these grow-out tanks. These tanks mimic their natural habitat, having a muddy substrate and constant supply of oxygen. Photo credit: I. R. Bailon. FIGURE 5. Protein and fat content of Marphysa iloiloensis compared to Perinereis nuntia. Photo credit: R. Jabines.
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