BSF- Fish Hatchery is the only school based fish hatchery in Bataan and operated by the respected teachers, workers and students.

The hatchery includes different species of fish, where the public can learn more about aquatic life, fishing and the knowledge in aquatic resource management. The fish hatchery is also sometimes used for educational purposes, as in classrooms where students learn about fish husbandry by hatching and rearing of fish.

One purpose of this fish hatchery is to raise a certain kind of fish and fry in order to stock on pond for fishing. Certain types of fish especially Tilapia such as Genetically Improve Farmed Tilapia or GIFT Tilapia, Red and Tilapia mossambica are being cultured here.

The said hatchery is also raised fish for people’s visual pleasure such as Oscar (Astronusocellatus), Guppy (Poecilia reticulate), Molly fish (oeciliasphenops), Rainbow fish, Angel fish and many more.

Just like our houses, this hatchery has excellent design which facilitates cleaning to keep the space as hygienic as possible. It is ideal and capable for culturing fish because it has sufficient tanks, tabs, aquarium and equipment mostly, given by JICA or Japan International Cooperation Agency. Assigned students together with their teachers are responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the area and the fish being cultured.

Activities in the hatchery include:

Feeding- Different fish in the hatchery have different dietary requirements, so it is so important to select a variety of good, healthyfeeds that will meet the particular fish’s nutritional needs. Checking of

water parameter and changing of water- We have here water testing kit to monitor the levels of ammonia, nitrates, nitrites and the pH of our water and  Using a siphon hose, we remove large debris and fish waste from the tanks and aquarium, siphon about 15% of the tank’s water into the bucket.

Cleaning and Equipment Maintenance- The hatchery equipment we have for our fish are regular and properly check.

• Check that all pumps and filters are operating at least once a day.
• Check that the temperature is correct in the tank at least once a day.
• Check that all lights are working at least once a day.
• Clean other filter media regularly, or replace as necessary. For power filters and corner filters the media and water flow should be checked every couple of weeks
• Check the tank for leaks at least once a month. Though rare in modern aquariums, a leak could be very costly if not caught early.
• Check the stand regularly for any signs of cracks or other damage.

By: Cristina Chua | Master Teacher II | Bataan School of Fisheries | Orion, Bataan