DA-BFAR will develop the aquaculture capacity of the samarals

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) promotes culture siganidsor rabbitfish (Siganus spp.), in the area known as samaralas part of its efforts to diversify Philippine aquatic life and create more livelihood opportunities for Filipino fishermen and fish farmers.

DA and BFAR see samaral as a promising type of aquaculture diversity, building on available culture technology, increased production, and an existing consumer market. Breeding can provide fish farmers with alternative livelihoods while creating opportunities across production, processing, and marketing.

“By giving fishermen direct access to technology and strong market support, we can improve production samaral throughout the country,” said DA-BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig.

Why samaral?

Samaralalso known as danggit, kitong, sleep, padsand other names depending on the type and location, it is already familiar to many coastal communities and consumers in the Philippines. Its white meat, distinct flavor, and versatility in Filipino dishes give this species an existing consumer base from which a large aquaculture industry can build.

Unlike most experimental aquaculture species, samaral it has already developed technologies including controlled breeding, hatchery seed production, nursery and growing. Researchers have shown year-round seed production of Siganus guttatusproviding a technical base to expand its culture.

Samaral and provides practical benefits to fish farmers. It can be grown in brackishwater ponds and other suitable culture systems, including existing aquaculture infrastructure. It can use organic algae and selected seaweeds alongside compound feed, providing flexibility in feeding and farm management. These factors, along with the processes of culture and consumer familiarity, are carried out samaral a strong candidate for aquaculture diversification.

From technology to mass production

Although the technology is available, to improve samaral for a high-value aquaculture product will need to link the different parts of the value chain together.

Manufacturing data already points to an emerging base for expansion. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority is shown samaral aquaculture production increased from 153.89 metric tons in 2021 to 361.57 metric tons in 2025. Although still small compared to established fisheries, the increase shows room to further increase productivity and encourage wider commercial adoption.

Besides increasing productivity, DA-BFAR also sees opportunities to create greater value from samaral with post-harvest innovation. Apart from the fresh fish market, samaral it can be developed into dried, smoked, pickled, deboned, and ready-to-cook products.

“As we aim to improve the welfare of our fishermen, we see samaral as a powerful opportunity to improve their lives. Improving this species is more than just producing more fish. We want to strengthen the entire value chain so that its growth creates sustainable income for our fishermen and fish farmers,” added Dir. Salilig.

With available cultural expertise, an emerging manufacturing base, and an established place in Filipino food culture, samaral has strong foundations to grow from an important local fish into a major aquaculture asset contributing to a more food secure Philippines.