Centre for Aquatic Resources Research and Conservation

04/05/2026

Seven years after this call, it is disheartening to see that armored catfish (𝑃𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑔𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑡ℎ𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠, 𝑃. 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑠, and their hybrids) have now invaded most rivers across Luzon.

⛔️ This is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by invasive alien species (IAS).
✅ Responsible pet ownership is key: never release aquarium fish into natural waters.
🔎 If you encounter these species in your area, please share the coordinates. Your reports are vital in completing the distribution study and in coordinating with the proper authorities for management action.

Together, we can still make a difference. Let’s stop the spread of IAS before it’s too late.

It pains our hearts every time we document this invasive alien species (IAS), the armored catfish, 𝑃𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑔𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑡ℎ𝑦𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑠 and its congener 𝑃𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑔𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑡ℎ𝑦𝑠 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑗𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑢𝑠.

⛔️ Please do not release your aquarium fish into natural bodies of water.

✅ Be a responsible pet owner and help stop the spread of IAS.

🔎 If you spot this species in rivers, lakes, or other water bodies near you, kindly send us the coordinates. This will help us complete the distribution study and coordinate with the proper authorities. Thank you!

25/04/2026

This is exactly why responsible fish keeping is critical. The introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) poses a severe threat to our natural waterways. Releasing a pet into the wild isn't 'freeing' it; it's potentially destroying a local ecosystem. Think before you dump.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1cGF7hc3XZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

29/10/2025

𝐀 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐲: 𝐈 𝐀𝐦 𝐃𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬,

I am here, providing you with clean water to drink and to irrigate your farmland. I make your land fertile, nourishing your crops for a bountiful harvest. I give you the fish you eat. I cleanse your body before and after a tiring day. I provide the energy to meet your insatiable power requirements.

But despite all these benefits, what you have been doing to me is truly beyond my comprehension.

I am crying because I am dying.

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬,

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓻

𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬,

I am here, providing you with clean water to drink and to irrigate your farmland. I make your land fertile, nourishing your crops for a bountiful harvest. I give you the fish you eat. I cleanse your body before and after a tiring day. I provide the energy to meet your insatiable power requirements.

But despite all these benefits, what you have been doing to me is truly beyond my comprehension.

I am crying because I am dying.

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬,

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓻

28/10/2025

𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒈𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬

Historically in the Philippines, almost any large, flat-headed goby was identified as 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑔𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑔𝑖𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠 (Hamilton 1822). Modern ichthyological research has proven that 𝐺. 𝑔𝑖𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠 is actually a species complex, a group of several closely related, but distinct, species that are morphologically very similar. This recognition means many fish formerly identified as 𝐺. 𝑔𝑖𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠 in the Philippines are, in fact, one of the other valid species, such as 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑔𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑎𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑢𝑠 Akihito & Meguro 1975.

Consequently, identification between 𝐺. 𝑔𝑖𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠 and 𝐺. 𝑎𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑢𝑠 (and others species within the genus) often necessitates the close observation of minute anatomical details, such as the arrangement of sensory canal pores and pit organs on the head. For this reason, DNA barcoding studies are now essential to confirm the true identity of individuals within this complex.

from mainland Luzon

12/09/2025

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐮𝐣𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐃𝐈!

We are proud to announce that the study on Naujan Lake conducted by our 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐄𝐧𝐏 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐬, has been prominently featured by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).

This vital research, funded by the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI), is the subject of a compelling NFRDI article titled, "Preserving Lake Naujan: A Call for Sustainable Management."

This recognition from a prominent national institution highlights the crucial importance of Dir. Labatos' work in promoting sustainable practices and offering crucial insights to ensure the long-term preservation of Naujan Lake.

You can read the full article here: https://nfrdi.da.gov.ph/2025/09/03/feature-preserving-lake-naujan-a-call-for-sustainable-management/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMwcaFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkt5lRw71ENPZLf0SDVkBFSZfoLQQo8dWeAuNbLqkdXp8oKSZKkah6TvN8YW_aem_-JaorZNc4GPENFjPDg8XQQ

03/09/2025

Dear Friends,

If you're in or around the San Pablo City area, we warmly invite you to join the of the Seven Lakes Foundation for their Clean-Up Drive happening every Sunday throughout September 2025.

Let's come together to help preserve the beauty of our lakes and community!

Madlang Pipol of San Pablo, are you ready!!!! Its time to roll-up your sleeves and be a part of the solution in keeping our biggest lake stay clean and green....efforts will begin every Sunday for the month of September.

08/08/2025

The Australian Red Claw Crayfish, 𝐶ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑥 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑠, offers aquaculture opportunities, but its invasive nature poses serious threats to native biodiversity. Our latest white paper critically reviews the draft BFAR Administrative Circular regulating its culture in the Philippines, identifying 13 legal and environmental gaps that must be addressed to align with PD 1586 and other key Philippine laws.

Protecting our aquatic ecosystems starts with strong, science-based policy.

Read the White Paper here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lF-Jd6GnApaFvcYVKJ7l1bwQsBncXI89/view?usp=drive_link

07/08/2025

From Luzon

05/08/2025

Some of you might be interested to avail of this free online course on Sustainable Lake Management (SLM).

"The main objective of the course is to enhance practitioners’ understanding of SLM and equip them with the tools to develop and implement a lake recovery plan that considers the input of diverse stakeholders and is tailored to the participants’ unique environmental and socio-economic conditions."

In collaboration with UNEP, Cap-Net, and ILEC, UNEP-DHI Centre is launching the 2025 edition of its Sustainable Lake Management (SLM) course. This online, free and self-paced course offers five modules to improve the understanding of fundamental principles of SLM and to equip participants with tools...