Lobster production- part 2

Constructing the pen

Layout- using bamboo poles or stakes, mark the corners of an area measuring 5 m x 5m. Drive the main post into these points.

 

Staking – Bamboo, ipl-ipil and bakawan are good staking materials.

-Sharpen the ends of the stakes and drive those 2-3 ft deep into the laid out area.

-Leave enough length to attach the net and 1-2 ft gap between stakes.

-Strengthen the hold of the stakes by attaching onto them a pole or piece of wood horizontal to the base at a height of 2-3 ft.

– Repeat the process every 2-3 ft above the last level depending on the desired height of the pen and the point for strengthening the whole structure.

 

Installing the screen.  Inside the pen, dig a 1 ft deep canal around the perimeter to bury the bottom part of the net and prevent burrowing a species from escaping. At least, two persons are needed to install the screen,  one inside the pen and the other outside it. From the inside, secure the net onto the wall framework with bamboo strips tied vertically onto the horizontal bars with nylon twine (80 lbs)

 

Dividing the pen into compartments.  Divide the pen into three compartments:

-rearing area (15 sq m.)

-transition area (6 sq. m)

-nursery area (4 sq. m)

Follow the process for the layout, staking and installing the screen mentioned earlier. Use nets of larger mesh or bamboo strips to secure an additional compartment of at least 2 m for the molting stock.

 

Constructing the caretaker’s shed . in one corner of the site, construct a shed for the caretaker and fro the harvested stock before the latter is transported to the market. Use local roofing material such as nipa or cogon.

 

Sourcing for juvenile stocks

Only very few areas in the Philippines are identified as having a natural population of lobster. In Guimaras, spawning of lobsters peak s in October. Young lobsters are found in the local coral reef areas during low tide. Lobsters are difficult to catch because of their small size, spiny body and swift movement. Local fisher folks sell the juvenile at 10 pesos each if they weigh less than 200 grams. Those weighing more than 200 grams are considered of marketable size and prized by the kg.

source:MARID Agribusiness,  2004