DA sets support programs for fisheries sector

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has vowed continued support for the fisheries sector that was badly hit following the devastation of Typhoon “Odette” (international name: Rai) in December last year.

In a statement on Friday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the agency will continue to provide production and production-related interventions and activities to the sector to attain food security.

“We will exert strong efforts to ensure that quality fish and fishery products are made available, accessible and affordable to the consuming public; and provide economic opportunities to fisherfolk and their families for additional and stable income,” he added.

Data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)showed the country’s fisheries production dropped by 1.21 percent to 4.3 million metric tons in 2021 from 4.4 million MT last year. Of all the three fishery subsectors, aquaculture accounted for more than 50 percent of the total volume.

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority has unloaded a total of 486,751.39 MT of fish in all its regional fish ports in 2021. During the period, the ports served 48,267 clients while 32,967 vessels arrived to unload fish.

Through BFAR, the DA is implementing various programs to intensify aquaculture practices and mitigate climate change, distribute fiberglass boats and fishing gear and conduct training for fishers.

In the aquaculture sector, the BFAR has invested in further developing infrastructure such as hatcheries to produce more quality fry and fingerlings, lessen importation and generate more income and livelihood for fish farmers.

It also continued providing support to micro, small and medium enterprises to help their businesses flourish and to make their products more accessible to markets and consumers.

Conservation and protection

Aside from ensuring sufficient fish supply, the bureau also intensified its efforts on resource conservation and protection. These operations include increasing patrol operations against illegal and destructive fishing as well as guarding the country’s four marine sanctuaries, reserves, refugees and fisheries management areas.

It is also utilizing technology-based monitoring, control and surveillance systems to increase its capability in enforcing sustainable fisheries.

Amid the challenges engulfing the fisheries sector, Dar cited the need for continuous investments in hatcheries, nurseries, facilities, cold storage systems, continued observance of closed fishing season and strict implementation of fishery laws.

“We must employ sustainable fishery production, management, and conservation practices and technologies—all to ensure the future of the succeeding generations of Filipinos, and for them to benefit from the bounties of our ‘blue revolution,’” he added.