WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • DECEMBER 2025 49 such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, are particularly at risk when exposed to contaminated shellfish (Andrews 2005). Moreover, non-compliance with microbiological criteria can result in market restrictions, prohibiting the sale of shellfish from affected areas and thereby threatening the livelihoods of aquaculture-dependent communities (Andrews 2005). Another significant challenge is the impact of climate change and extreme weather events. As a tropical country, the Philippines experiences multiple typhoons, which cause substantial damage to oyster farms, each year. Farmers frequently rebuild their bamboo setups after devastating storms such as Typhoon Carina, which struck last year, and the required repair services are often extensive and expensive. Despite this, the resilience and adaptability of the farmers remain evident, as they continue to restore their livelihoods despite these difficulties. However, the damage dealt by climate change goes beyond the devastation experienced by these human communities as they try to rebuild their economic infrastructure and livelihoods. The oysters themselves are severely affected by the environmental disturbances caused by climate change, and the very essence of the farmer’s livelihood is thrown into jeopardy. For instance, one study found that a mass mortality event of oysters, which killed over 50,000 farmed oysters and resulted in a mortality rate greater than 90%, in December 2023 within Setiu Lagoon, Peninsular Malaysia, was likely caused by heavy rains, flooding and low salinity levels that occurred a month before (Yurimoto et al. 2024). As a consequence of recognizing the vulnerability of their industry, many oyster farmers have begun documenting their farming practices through vlogging. Various social networking services, such as Meta, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, have provided opportunities for these farmers to spread awareness of these practices, in addition to educating the public on the livelihoods of different people from far-flung areas throughout the country. For example, individuals like Joven and Alfie have taken to social media to record the traditional methods of oyster farming in Malolos (Figure 5), Bulacan, in order to ensure that future generations will be able to look back on these practices even if the industry declines. Along with raising awareness of its cultural and ecological significance, their videos serve as a testament to the beauty and sustainability of oyster farming. The Future is Briny: A Glimpse of What’s Ahead Oyster farming is a fascinating industry with a mix of benefits and environmental trade-offs, depending on the method used. Two of the most common approaches are bottom culture and floating cages (off-bottom culture), each with its own set of pros and cons. They can lead to concentrated waste and nutrient build-up in certain areas, which may negatively affect water quality (Kellogg et al. 2018, Parker and Bricker 2020). In Pamawaran, where oyster farming has been a tradition passed down through generations, farmers continue to practice both the broadcast and stake methods, both of which fall under the bottom culture approach. The broadcast method is the simpler of the two that uses empty oyster shells that are scattered across the seabed since it provides a surface for oyster spat to settle and attach. Once the oysters have settled, they are harvested by hand or by diving during low tide. This technique is best suited for shallow waters with firm, exposed seabeds that can be easily accessed when the tide is low. In contrast, the stake method is typically employed in softer, muddier beds no deeper than one meter. Here, bamboo stakes are driven into the seabed, offering a vertical surface for oyster spat to cling to as they grow, slightly elevated to avoid being buried by sediment (Delmendo 1989). Both methods reflect Pamawaran’s deeprooted connection to its coastal environment and the enduring value of traditional community-based knowledge in sustainable oyster farming (Figure 6). FIGURE 4. A local aquaculture worker tends to oyster racks in an intertidal farming area along the coastal waters of Pamawaran, Malolos, Bulacan. The site demonstrates traditional oyster farming methods integrated within a low-impact marine environment, ideal for research on sustainable shellfish aquaculture practices. Photo credit: Kathleen Ybanez. FIGURE 5. Pamawaran oyster farmer Alfie with his video documentation equipment, which he uses to record oyster farming techniques, daily operations, and environmental challenges. Through vlogs and social media platforms, he raises awareness about the socio-economic importance of oyster farming, advocates for sustainable practices, and documents the traditional knowledge and evolving experiences of local farmers within the industry. Photo credit: Michael Santino Candelaria. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 50)
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