April 4, 2024
Laguna province, Philippines boosts aquaculture to counter El Nino's impact
The provincial government of Laguna, Philippines, in partnership with the country's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and municipal authorities, is ramping up aquaculture production to mitigate the anticipated decline in farm output caused by the El Nino dry spell, Philippine News Agency reported.
In an interview, Provincial Agriculturist Marlon Tobias outlined the province's strategy, focusing on the expansion of "tilapia" fingerling propagation in backyard fishponds and freshwater rivers and lakes across the region.
Tobias emphasised the regular distribution of fingerlings to fishermen and land farmers grappling with the effects of drought. He said they have regular fingerling distribution conducted monthly and as they see any immediate need in the rivers connected to Laguna Lake. This is important to increase the catch of their fishermen and to have a stable supply this dry season.
Collaborating with municipal governments, more than 50,000 fingerlings have been provided to 110 fishpond operators in the town of Luisiana. Additionally, the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) has been releasing tilapia fingerlings into the wild to support agriculture workers displaced by El Nino, ensuring sustenance from Laguna's water bodies.
Recently, Tobias led the release of 31,000 fingerlings in the Balanac River in Magdalena town and another 31,000 in Binan City's Barangay Malaban, focusing on the initiative's aim to revitalise Laguna's waters and support local fishermen.
Tobias stressed the importance of sustainable fishing practices, advocating for the capture of larger fishes to increase fishermen's income and preserve fish stocks.
Assuring close monitoring of fish supply, Tobias reiterated his office's commitment to addressing production concerns promptly, highlighting this initiative's complementarity with other efforts by BFAR and local agricultural offices to enhance fish production.
- Philippine News Agency
