September 6, 2005

Philippines to develop fisheries sector in Mindanao region

The Filipino government has allocated 10 million pesos to Tawi-tawi province for construction of a multi-species hatchery, and 5 million pesos to Sarangani province for a fish shelter payao project there. Both provinces in Mindanao were part of the government's effort to develop the fisheries sector in that region.

Tawi-tawi has been chosen as the site for the multi-species hatchery due to its abundant marine resources, clean water environment and favourable weather conditions for aquaculture. The province is also a major source of high-value fish products in the southern Philippines.

Meanwhile, the fish shelter project in Sarangani was set up for managing fishery areas in the province to discourage the catching of juvenile fishes, while encouraging environment-friendly fishing, such as hook and line fishing techniques. Sarangani is also a major source of tuna in the country's south.