Fish import suspension bodes well for aquaculture

MANILA, Philippines — The suspension of the importation of certain pelagic fishes to avert diversion of stocks to wet markets would allow the local aquaculture industry to grow, fish cage operators said.

“The immediate action of the Department of Agriculture is an indication that they are serious in their objective of developing the agriculture and fisheries sector as a profitable industry for fish farmers, fisherfolk, and all stakeholders in the value chain,” said Norbert Chingcuanco, vice president for corporate planning of Feedmix Specialist Inc. II.

Earlier this month, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. suspended the importation of frozen  round scad (galunggong), bonito (tulingan) and mackerel (alumahan) to prevent these stocks from being diverted to wet markets.

Tiu Laurel pointed out that unscrupulous fish importers were diverting the frozen fish stocks to evade paying value added tax.

Philippine Association of Fish Producers Inc. chairman David Villaluz said reducing fish imports would allow the aquaculture industry to expand.

Villaluz said fish producers are reeling from low selling prices while struggling with high production costs.

Villaluz added that aquaculture production can boost domestic fish supply and meet the country’s total requirement.

“It is hard for our fish farmers to turn a profit. We only ask that we earn back our investment,” Villaluz said.

“Give us four to five months to recover whatever deficiency there is in production. We have so many empty cages. If we can use these cages, we can produce the country’s fish requirement in four to five months, even beyond,” Villaluz added.

Mario Balazon of Taal Lake Aquaculture Alliance Inc. (TLAAI) said the market diversion of the imported fish stocks have forced farmers to lower their prices and sell at loss to pay their debt.

“There is no reason to import, aquaculture is producing well not only in Taal Lake but everywhere in the Philippines, what we need is a sure buyer and the support of the government in terms of subsidy to lower our production cost,” Balazon said.

Adrienne Nera of TLAAI said fish cage operators are holding back on their investments due to stiff competition against fish importation.

Pablo Rosales, president of Pangisda Pilipinas, urged the government to provide support to fishermen that would allow them to sell their catch better in the market.

“We are all against importation that leads to smuggling. Our government should help us, small and artisan fishermen to process the sardines and bring our catch to the markets,” Rosales said.