December 26, 2013

Fish farming in the Philippines' Magat River recovers

Fish farming in the Phillippines' Magat River is showing signs of recovery as fisherfolks in the area like Domingo, are again back in the business.

The 10-member Baligatan Fisherfolk Association (FA), the recipient of two fish cage modules under the Aquaculture Park (Aquapark) Project opened up by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 2 last October 2, 2012, operate cages that they can call their own. The Baligatan FA is just one of 11 fisherfolk association awarded by the BFAR Region 2 and its partners with such project.

Each module consists of four fish cage units measuring 5x10x5 meters each. These are secured with mooring lines that are attached to concrete anchors, and are complete with accessories like pontoons and caretaker's shed. In addition to the structure, the initial production materials such as fingerlings and feeds, were also given for free. The feeds were provided by SN Aboitiz Power Corporation. The fisherfolk provided equity in the form of labour during the construction and installation of fish cages. Skills and financial management training were also provided by BFAR.

According to Alexander Castaneda, BFAR RO2 Provincial Fisheries Action Officer, there were additional 10 modules established last March. These were awarded to different fisherfolk associations in the area. Five modules were also recently inaugurated by the BFAR Cordillera Administrative Region. 

"Thru the Aquapark Project, we hope that we can further increase fishery production and at the same time create job opportunities, increase income, and develop the tilapia industry as a whole," BFAR Region 2 Director Jovita Ayson, said.

Data from the fisheries bureau in Region 2 indicate that from a peak average daily production of six tonnes in early 2000, fish coming-out of Magat Dam has plummeted to 1.8 tonnes at present, especially with typhoon Harurot in 2003. Magat Dam, bounded by the provinces of Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya, in Region 2 and Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region, is a major area for fish farming with an area of more than 4,000 hectares, aside from its prime purpose as hydroelectric power source.