46 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG Research Division, polychaetes are just like fishes or shrimps. As they age and grow older, their productivity rate decreases. This is the reason why older breeders of polychaetes tend to produce poor quality eggs. As a solution, Ms. Baguyong stated that they would harvest new polychaete breeders from the grow-out tanks and slowly renew the older breeders. Moreover, Dr. de la Peña emphasized that they are still trying to study the survival rate of M. iloiloensis since many factors can affect survivability. They are currently standardizing their protocols to ensure implementation of good aquaculture practices. Even with the challenges mentioned, the potential of polychaete hatcheries to revolutionize the aquaculture industry remains undeniable. The breakthroughs achieved by SEAFDEC/AQD demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable polychaete production. By continuously enhancing procedures and providing solutions to existing problems, the limitations in polychaete hatcheries can be addressed, helping to unlock their full potential and supporting the growing aquaculture industry. A Future Built on Worms While initial investments in hatchery infrastructure and research for M. iloiloensis may be substantial, the long-term gains, including reduced reliance on costly imports, enhanced feed security, and improved hatchery performance, offer clear economic and ecological advantages. To fully realize this potential, targeted policy support will be essential. Government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources could drive adoption by integrating M. iloiloensis into national aquaculture programs, offering technical training, and establishing biosecurity and certification standards to ensure safe, high-quality production. In the Philippines, SEAFDEC is the only institution currently leading this initiative, taking critical steps to move beyond experimental success. According to Dr. de la Peña, one of their main goals is to standardize production outputs per run per hatchery module. “Right now, our production per module varies, and we’re still trying to reduce those inconsistencies,” Dr. de la Peña explained. To achieve this, SEAFDEC is actively studying the biology of M. iloiloensis, focusing on its reproductive cycles and annual yield potential (Figure 7). Understanding these biological parameters is essential for projecting reliable production targets and to meet the growing feed demands of aquaculture species. Given the broad scope of aquaculture species supported by SEAFDEC such as crayfish, lobster, crab, shrimp, and fish, there is an urgent need to scale up the production of M. iloiloensis. Their goal this year is to double their current output. Once culture protocols are refined and stabilized, M. iloiloensis could replace expensive imported polychaetes, enhancing feed security and reducing operational costs for local hatcheries. At present, hatchery operations remain independent and lack formal partnerships. However, once protocols are fully refined, SEAFDEC foresees that government agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources could play a crucial role in demonstrating these methods to commercial farms and private hatcheries across the country. Conclusion The vision is clear, and the path towards self-reliant and sustainable aquaculture is within reach. As scientific groundwork advances, the Philippines is set to transform M. iloiloensis from a native mud-dweller into a sustainable feed component. With continued research, government support, and private sector engagement, ulodulod could become a symbol of innovation in the future of Philippine aquaculture. As hatcheries and fish farms across the country struggle with the high costs and risks of importing live worms, ulod-ulod offers a remarkable solution. By promoting the sustainable use of marine resources through local aquafeed alternatives, this initiative directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The potential payoff is enormous: a reliable, sustainable, and locally available source of live feed that supports not just aquaculture growth, but also the livelihood of coastal communities. In a world where food security is more important than ever, that makes all the difference. Notes Irnes Rebien H. Bailon and Rochelle A. Jabines, Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1108; Janice A. 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