The Department of Agriculture is betting on Australian redclaw crayfish to boost income for inland fish farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, on Thursday, led the stocking of 14,000 juvenile crayfish, or “craylings,” in a pilot farm trial to see if the species can thrive profitably in local freshwater ponds.

“We want our farmers to grow profits, not just crops. With proper observance of good aquaculture practices and biosecurity measures, the culture of Redclaw crayfish offers huge potential that could sustainably transform fish farming in the Philippines,” Tiu Laurel said.

The pilot, run by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with private partners, reflects a shift toward science- and market-driven aquaculture, guided by rules rather than unchecked expansion.

The BFAR formalized the approach last year with Administrative Circular No. 001, series of 2025, the country’s first guidelines for raising redclaw crayfish.

Under the rules, broodstock and craylings must come from certified local hatcheries or BFAR facilities to protect local waters.

The agency's prototype hatchery at the National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center maintains 30 female and 10 male breeders, plus 200 additional breeders capable of producing up to 5,000 craylings per cycle. Another 300 craylings are reserved for tank trials.

The real test is in Nueva Ecija, where BFAR will monitor four ponds over four to five months, testing two stocking densities—10 and 15 crayfish per square meter.

Survival, growth, feed efficiency, and potential earnings will determine whether redclaw can be scaled commercially. Successful trials will lead to standardized production guides, farmer training, and wider adoption.

With controlled trials, strict biosecurity, and a focus on value over volume, the DA said it expects redclaw crayfish to soon become a reliable source of income for fish farmers.