The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) is a regional treaty organization established in December 1967 to promote fisheries development in the region. The member countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

One of the five departments of SEAFDEC is the Aquaculture Department (AQD) based in Tigbauan, Iloilo. It was established to conduct research, develop technologies, disseminate information, and train people in the farming of fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, and seaweeds for food, livelihood, and sustainable development.

The Philippines, as host, provides AQD the physical facilities and the funds for operations. The Philippine Technical and Administrative Committee (PTAC) for SEAFDEC is a special committee of the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture that oversees the operations of AQD.