There is a current craze for pompano culture in cape Bolinao, Pangasinan. The shift in species was due to the erratic production of milkfish brought about by pollution and its high production cost and low market price of the harvested fish.
After years of searching for an alternate fish suitable for culture in the area, pompano seem to be the answer to the prayers of most Bolinao cage operators. According to them, it is a very hardy. In fact, when “fish kill” occurred sometime in 2004, milkfish pen and cage operators suffered heavy losses while pompano did not incur any mortality. Another proof of its hardiness is its capability of being transported live for 6-7 hrs (from Bolinao to Manila) in oxygenated plastic bags. Thus, commanding an even higher market price.
