May 7, 2025

Fisheries bureau highlights merits of aquaculture in Philippines

Aquaculture not only supports the Philippines agricultural sector with sustainable livelihood but also helps the ocean recover by reducing fishing pressure, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas (BFAR-7) highlighted.

BFAR-7 community development officer and officer-in-charge of the Fisherfolk Coordination Unit Joel Lutao emphasised the role of aquaculture in the preservation of biodiversity.

He highlighted that fish farming offers an alternative to traditional fishing and is a vital step towards marine conservation. This aligns with the country's celebration of the "Month of the Ocean" in May, which promotes the protection and sustainable use of marine resources.

Lutao said that the initiative called "from fish hunting to fish farming" aims to reduce dependence on ocean fishing by encouraging fish cultivation in controlled environments like fishponds.

Lutao believes that this initiative helps ease the stress on marine ecosystems and allows fish populations and other aquatic resources to regenerate. He added that the ocean remains a key source of food, transportation, and valuable marine materials for the entire world.

He also stressed the importance of responsible use and conservation of marine ecosystems for future generations.

By promoting aquaculture and involving fisherfolk in governance, Lutao and the rest of BFAR-7 hope to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for marine resource management.

- The Freeman