The city agriculturist’s office (CAO), showing support for fish cage farming and the viability of launching a mariculture park, has conducted a series of water sampling analysis to determine the chemical and microbiological characteristics of the marine water of Punta Dumalag in Barangay Matina Aplaya, Davao city.
CAO chief Leo Avila III said last May 31 that part of the biodiversity program of Mayor Sara Duterte is to come up with a strategy on how to make sure that coastal water is of good quality and suitable for fish cage farming.
“Padayon natong gina-monitor ang quality sa tubig sa Punta Dumalag, especially as to its microbiological status kay mao sad ni ang maka-apekto sa pagdaghan o pagkunhod sa atong mga isda, apil na diri ang pagtuon sa waste water ug pollution source,” Avila said.
Avila said the promotion of fish cage farming and other sustainable aquaculture technologies will provide an alternative source of income for the fisherfolks living near the area. The analysis of water according to him is important to guide the city on how to manage the park or avoid any incidence of fish kills.
He said, the massive fish kills that happened recently in Batangas which resulted to huge economic losses could have been caused by many factors, including improper aquaculture practices.
“Ang fish kill sa Taal lake in Batangas, I think naay overstocking, naay hugaw sa ubos nga nisaka, kalit lang nagbugnaw ang tubig kay nag ulan. Daghan gyud ug factors,” Avila said.
He added that his office will not hesitate to file the necessary action in court or concerned administrative body against those who continue to pollute the waters that run toward the coast of Punta Dumalag.
“Kung mahibaw-an nato ang status sa quality sa atong tubig, then we will also know how to address the challenges. For example, if in certain area taas ang coliform, tan-awon nato asa siya gikan ug didto nato sugpuon para maundang,” Avila said. [CIO/Roldan G. Gorgonio]
The Mariculture park is projected to produce commercially important finfishes in sea cages such as bangus, siganids, or groupers. Part of the study, according to Avila, is the feasibility of seaweed farming and sea ranching of sea cucumber and abalone.
