Aquaculture chemotherapy in the Philippines: A review

Aquaculture plays a crucial role in global food security, yet it faces mounting challenges in promoting sustainable and responsible practices. In the Philippines, while the aquaculture industry significantly contributes to the economy, its reliance on chemicals—particularly antibiotics—poses serious risks to public health and the environment. The threat of applying excessive amounts of antibiotics in an aquaculture system is reportedly linked to resistant drug animals. In consequence of the continued use of antibiotics in the system, transfer resistance genes and residues can be passed on to people as they consume animal products, complicating the treatment of conditions in humans. The industry's sustainable development is hindered by a lack of transparent regulatory oversight and limited access to eco-friendly alternatives. This review assesses the current state of chemical use in Philippine aquaculture, focusing on key species and related challenges. It also examines the effectiveness of the regulatory framework governing chemical use, explores emerging drug alternatives, and suggests strategies to improve regulatory oversight and encourage the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. The Philippine aquaculture industry, dominated by seaweeds, milkfish, and tilapia, is rapidly expanding. However, this growth is often accompanied by increased chemical usage, including antibiotics, antiparasitic agents, antifungal agents, disinfectants, vaccines, inorganic fertilizers, and more. Despite existing regulations, enforcement and public transparency remain problematic. The excessive use of chemicals in Philippine aquaculture poses significant threats to both public health and environmental sustainability. Urgent action is required to enhance regulatory oversight, encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives, and ensure the industry's long-term viability. To address these challenges, it is recommended that the government enforce stricter regulations and monitoring mechanisms for chemical use in aquaculture, invest in research and development of sustainable alternatives, raise public awareness about the risks of chemical use, and collaborate with international organizations to share best practices and develop harmonized standards.