Ten aquaculture professionals from the Asia-Pacific region — including the Philippines, Fiji, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea — attended a week-long training on sandfish (Holothuria scabra) culture at SEAFDEC/AQD in the Philippines from 19–23 May 2025. Supported by INFOFISH, the training aimed to enhance participants' technical knowledge and skills in the sustainable farming of this economically important but threatened sea cucumber species.
The course covered the entire sandfish culture process, including broodstock management, algal culture (Chaetoceros and Navicula), juvenile rearing, and community-based sea ranching.
Beyond technical training, participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas and better understand how hatchery practices relate to broader fisheries management and policymaking.