The National Seaweeds Technology Center (NSTC) started out as a foreign-funded project (Seaweed Production and Development Project) under the BFAR and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in August 1992.

On January 9, 1998, the Seaweed Production and Development Project which is based in Cabid-an Sorsogon was renamed as National Seaweed Research and Development Center by virtue of a special order from the Department of Agriculture. When the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550) was signed into law, the center was renamed into what is now the National Seaweeds Technology Center.

The NSTC has the following functions:

  • Undertake all applied research and development work in seaweeds including the products that are derived from them;
  • Develop and coordinate research stations for seaweeds in the country;
  • Verify and package economically viable and socially acceptable technologies;
  • Supply up-to-date information and technology transfer to interested parties;
  • Organize, train and develop the seaweed industry’s manpower which includes extension workers and fishermen entrepreneurs;
  • Coordinate with and / or undertake joint research as may be necessary, with the academe and non-governmental organizations;
  • Undertake other relevant studies as may be needed in the formulation of policies and plan implementation;
  • Perform other research work as may be instructed by the BFAR Director