May 30, 2024

 

El Nino causes US$464,000 damage to aquaculture industry in Ilocos region, Philippines

The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has reported PHP 27.2 million (US$464,000) worth of damage to the Ilocos region's aquaculture industry due to the El Nino phenomenon, less than a 1% decrease from the expected first quarter production, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

Remely Lachica, BFAR Ilocos Region chief aquaculturist, said that the dry spell caused by El Nino reduced aquaculture production by 193.42 metric tonnes, affecting 2,208 fishermen. Approximately 362 hectares of fishponds in inland municipalities and three hectares of seaweed farms were impacted.

 

However, other production areas, such as fish cages in mariculture and brackish water ponds with continuous water supply, were spared.

 

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority, aquaculture production across the region was 33,173.96 metric tonnes, Lachica said.

 

She noted that this year's first-quarter production is 2.2% lower, or 792 metric tonnes less, compared to the same period last year. This decrease was not due to El Nino but was attributed to a low supply of fingerlings, cold weather from late last year to February, and regulatory requirements in protected areas for fishpond operations in mariculture parks in La Union and Ilocos Norte.

 

Other factors contributing to the decline included high costs of feeds and fuel and low water levels.

 

Despite these challenges, fisherfolk in the captured fisheries category reported improved production due to the absence of typhoons and uninterrupted operations.

 

Lachica highlighted that early information dissemination, conducted as early as the last quarter of 2023, helped mitigate the dry spell's impact on the aquaculture sector. Fishermen were advised to reduce stocking intensity to prevent overcrowding, particularly in areas without aeration, ensuring enough space and maintaining water quality.

 

They were also encouraged to have backup aeration systems for rising temperatures, use aquasheets to lower temperatures, and avoid excessive feeding to prevent water pollution.

 

Lachica mentioned that they are working on a rehabilitation proposal to seek possible funding for the affected fishermen.

 

-      Philippine News Agency