40 MARCH 2026 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG practices. Flowerhorn cichlids often aggregate near fish cages and shallow vegetated zones, making them accessible for removal through communitylevel interventions. Targeted harvesting can reduce their competitive pressure on native species while simultaneously providing biomass for fishmeal production (Ragaza et al., 2022). The rendered fishmeal can then be integrated into feed formulations for cultured species. However, ensuring fishmeal safety is paramount. Each batch should undergo testing for moisture, crude protein, total viable count (TVC) of Enterobacteriaceae (Béké et al., 2025), and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium (Sabbir et al. 2018). Furthermore, microplastic contamination should also be evaluated, isolated, and identified visually, through microscopy and periodic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as previous studies have reported microplastics in fishmeal products from major producing countries (Wang et al., 2021), and Natuel et al. (2023) reported the presence of microplastics in Lake Sampaloc. While transforming an invasive species into a valuable resource presents logistical and economic challenges, including the establishment of organized collection points, accessible processing facilities, and structured market chains, a circular economy model offers long-term benefits. Studies such as Ragaza et al. (2022) confirm that fishmeal derived from invasive species can serve as a nutritionally comparable and viable substitute for conventional protein sources in aquafeeds. With institutional backing, strategic coordination, and continued ecological monitoring, this framework could deliver multiple benefits: reduced invasive fish density, economic stimulation, improved feed sustainability, and indirect support for native biodiversity recovery. Over time, such interventions, when combined with responsible aquaculture practices, can strengthen both the resilience of Lake Sampaloc’s ecosystem and the economic security of surrounding communities, even under persistent invasive fish dominance. Conclusion In the Lower Tapajós River in Brazil, fisher-folk directly recorded CPUE, spawning observations, and habitat changes. This type of participation not only generated scientifically valuable data but also improved compliance with conservation regulations by aligning science with local practices (Silvano and Hallwass, 2020). A similar approach is highly feasible in the Philippines, where the deeprooted “bayanihan” communal cooperation spirit and strong social cohesion within fishing communities provide a natural foundation for collective environmental stewardship. In Lake Sampaloc, many fisherfolk have already observed and responded to seasonal patterns, fish behavior, and habitat changes, often passing this knowledge down through generations. Institutionalizing these practices into structured community-based monitoring systems, supported by agencies such as BFAR CALABARZON and LLDA, could create a powerful synergy between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific data collection. Educational campaigns should emphasize the ecological risks associated with releasing Flowerhorns into open waters (Yan, 2023). Ultimately, restoring balance in Lake Sampaloc requires an integrated strategy that aligns science with community, enforcement with education, and policy with practice. Aquaculture can ease pressure only with strict biosecurity, regulated utilization, and continuous removals. Notes Hannah Nicole C. Gasmen, 1Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1108, and Janice A. Ragaza,* Ateneo Aquatic and Fisheries Resources Laboratory, Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1108. * Corresponding author: jragaza@ateneo.edu References AOAC International. (2000). Official methods of analysis of AOAC International (17th ed.). Washington, DC: AOAC International. Arumugam, U., Pandian, R. G., Jayasimhan, P., Sudarsanan, G. B., and Sornappan, G. (2024). First report of Paracapillaria philippinensis infection in flowerhorn cichlid in India. Parasitology Research, 123, 150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08175-4 Béké, F. H., Kouadio-N’gbesso, N., Attien, P. Y., Kouadio, N. E., Asté, A. C., Benie, C. K. D., and Dadié, A. T. (2025). Nutritive and microbiological quality of fish feed formulated from local flours enriched with larvae of Hermetia illucens. Advances Ultimately, restoring balance in Lake Sampaloc requires an integrated strategy that aligns science with community, enforcement with education, and policy with practice. Aquaculture can ease pressure only with strict biosecurity, regulated utilization, and continuous removals. FIGURE 11. A lakeside community fishpen in Lake Sampaloc, a common aquaculture setup that, while supporting livelihoods, contributes to nutrient runoff and alters the lake’s ecological balance. Photo: H.N. Gasmen.
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