The training on water quality management for pond fish culture was conducted on December 27-28, 2019 at BFAR Guiang Farm in Balococ West, Lingayen, Pangasinan. The main objective of the two-day training was to provide theoretical and practical experience among the fisherfolk of Lingayen and Binmaley, Pangasinan on the basic principles of water quality and fish health management in pond fish culture. Furthermore, to give them updates on how to prevent fish kills in their culture farms.

Ten faculty and staff members from Pangasinan State University – Binmaley Campus served as resource persons and lecturers, and 30 fishermen from Lingayen and Binmaley, Pangasinan.

An opening program was held on the first day of the training, followed by the lectures of resource people using powerpoint presentations and actual water quality analysis. Ms. Jennie B. Fernandez gave a lecture on the Basic Principles and Management Practices of Water Quality while Mr. Lemark M. Bautista gave a lecture on the Principles of Water Quality Analysis. This was followed by the lecture by Mr. Rey S. Raguindin on Organic/Integrated Farming Systems. Mr. Raul V. Dela Pea talked about how to prevent fish kills in fish farms while Dr. Sotero M. Aban talked about fish health management.

On the second day, Mr. Armando C. Garcia conducted a demonstration on how to conduct an In-Site Water Quality Analysis using a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) meter, pH meter, and Secchi disc. This was followed by the closing program and the distribution of certificates.

The participants were very thankful for the opportunity to attend the training because they learned a lot about how to prevent fish kills and how to maintain good water quality in ponds to produce healthy fish.