TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Fingerlings or small young fish are being dispersed in the region’s inland waters as part of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource’s (BFAR) “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL project.
This is also among BFAR’s projects in celebration of the 54th fish conservation week on October 16-21.
BFAR Regional Director Doctor Milagros Morales said in Philippine Information Agency Region 02’s Tipon-Tipan that the BASIL project gives opportunity to enhance sustainability and productivity of inland waters.
She said that dispersal of various types of fingerlings indigenous to a certain area maintains the continuous supply of fish for local fishermen.
Around 22.5 million small fishes are targeted to be dispersed, said BFAR’s Jennifer Tattao. Bulk of the fingerlings will consist 16.5 million tilapia fish. Other fish include common carp, pangasius, and aquarium fish.
The said project also covers capability building which aims to strengthen organizations and fisherfolk to properly manage inland waters.
Morales said they have also deployed 40 deputy fish wardens or ‘Bantay Laot’ protectors to augment quick response or law enforcement teams in the region’s waters, especially that the Ludong is in its closed season.
The director said that “wardens” are provided minimal cash incentives of P3,000 per month and are undergoing training.
54th Fish Conservation Week
Under Proclamation no. 176, the fish conservation week is celebrated every third week of October.
Director Morales said the fish conservation week is celebrated “to create awareness and remind the people that we have to protect and conserve our fisheries resources.”
In the celebration, BFAR R02 conducted simultaneous coastal cleaning activities dubbed as ‘Scubasurero’ in Santa Ana and Aparri in Cagayan.
Aside from this, BFAR reported in the media conference that 1.4 million pieces of mangrove propagules were planted for mangrove rehabilitation this year.
BFAR also announced that the local government unit of Claveria will receive P2 million for being the regional winner in the Search for Outstanding Coastal Community 2017.
Meanwhile, quiz bees were held in provinces throughout the week. A jingle contest is also slated for Friday, October 21.
A stakeholders’ meeting to be attended by aquaculturists, capture fisheries, and the fish processing sector will be held on Friday.
Morales assured that BFAR’s programs will not end during the celebration and that they will continue their efforts in conserving aquatic resources in the region. Northernforum.net
