The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is targeting 65,597 metric tons of fish production this year, an increase from the 43,657 metric tons of production recorded in the third quarter of 2016.
BFAR XI Regional Director Fatima Idris on Monday said they will work to achieve the target in collaboration with the other concerned agencies and stakeholders, to include the livelihood and commercial fishing operators, and the local government units (LGUs).
“We would be focusing on the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals to boost production,” she said.
The BFAR will also focus on the production of seaweed, tilapia, bangus, shrimp, tahong, hito, and lapulapu with an eye to expanding sales to the international market.
She said more livelihood production such as fingerlings and broodstock were already provided to the farmers and fishermen in the area.
The agency is also working on developing post-harvest facilities and supplying needed technologies.
BFAR will be distributing 1,500 units of fiberglass boats to Davao Region’s coastal municipalities and another 50 units of vessels in every congressional area of the region this year.
More or less 24 coastal towns and 11 congressional districts in Davao Region will receive the new fishing boats.
“We are still preparing for the areas of distribution; however the recipients are still subject to validation for the replacement of old boats,” Idris said.
She also encouraged the LGUs to avail the new vessels.
“Farmer organizations and mayors who want to avail of the boats will have to write a request addressed to BFAR or Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol,” Idris pointed out.
Idris said boats made of fiberglass are very sturdy compared to wooden-hulled boats and would increase the productivity level of the fisherfolks.
“Usually ang harvest nila [fisherfolks] pag ginagamit nila ang wooden boats would be two to three kilos in an average compared dun sa 10 kilos na harvest nila kung gagamitin ang fiberglass boats,” Idris added.
The new boats according to Idris would include full fishing equipment and accessories.
“They are resistant to corrosion and are good enough to resist water current,” she said.
Idris added that the fiberglass could generate more income, employment and economic boosting in endeavors.”
The BFAR is also hoping that enforcement measures will help prevent illegal fishing that affects production.
“I’m very positive that the fisheries sector will be enhanced and improved because of our enforcement and regulatory actions,” said Idris.
