The Philippines has launched its largest crayfish nursery in Candaba, Pampanga, through a three-way partnership involving Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Taiwan’s Da Shin Biotech Ltd. and the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).
The facility is set to mass-produce the high-value Australian Redclaw crayfish, positioning the country as a stronger player in global aquaculture.
The 1,280-square-meter nursery contains 16 tanks capable of producing 48,000 fry every two weeks. It also features water-recycling systems designed to lower the industry’s environmental footprint by reducing wastewater and conserving freshwater.
DA assistant secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the project demonstrates aligned efforts among government, industry and fisherfolk.
“Built through the partnership of Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc., Da Shin Biotech, and the DA-BFAR, this nursery shows that when government, private innovators, and fisherfolk come together, progress stops being a dream it becomes our shared reality,” de Mesa said.
Located in Candaba, an area long recognized for its freshwater resources, the nursery will supply Farm Fresh’s existing 3-hectare grow-out ponds, which produce 30 tons of market-size crayfish annually. It will eventually support partner growers as the industry expands.
The Australian Redclaw crayfish is a hardy, fast-growing species increasingly in demand in both local and international markets.
The DA noted that crayfish farming “opens new doors for our fisherfolk by bringing in more income, more livelihood, and more food on our tables.” BFAR has set strict safeguards to protect native aquatic ecosystems.
Farm Fresh Early Catch Inc. plans to establish large-scale grow-out operations beginning in 2026. These operations will cover 1,500 hectares in Luzon and 750 hectares each in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Once fully operational, these sites are projected to yield more than 1,200 tons of crayfish every six months, which will position the Philippines as a competitive regional and global supplier.
The crayfish industry is also expected to generate more than 3,000 direct jobs and stimulate new enterprises in farming communities.
