Northern Marianas College President Carmen Fernandez said NMC’s Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services is now preparing for the opening of its aquaculture wet laboratory.

The facility, which will open next month, will allow for the breeding, hatching and rearing of various native fish species. 

Aside from providing seed stocks to farmers, the laboratory will also provide services to help fish farmers enhance their understanding of various fish, Fernandez said.

“The new aquaculture lab will help residents explore new sources of nutrition and revenue and is part of an overall effort to help ensure that aquaculture becomes a major contributor to the economy,” she added.

The aquaculture facility comprises the main hatchery site which includes brood stock tanks, larval tanks, spawning tanks and grow-out tanks. These facilities are supported by a training room/ classroom, a lab and office space for the aquaculture staff.

NMC-CREES aquaculture extension agent/program leader Michael Ogo said they are looking forward to inviting the community to the opening of the aquaculture facility at the NMC campus in As Terlaje.

“Aquaculture has been proven to boost fish production in a sustainable way,” he added.

Source: Marianas Variety // Original Article