In line with this agreement, TLRC and Floatech will develop a pilot project prior to a nationwide launch in collaboration with local government units and the private sector. The initiatives are also aimed at boosting employment and also conserving the country’s critical coastal fishing resources.
The MOA was signed by TLRC director general Federico Laxa and Floatech president Philip Cruz.
TLRC is a livelihood-generating government entity. The fishery infrastructure project forms part of TLRC’s contribution to national food security efforts.
Floatech is an entity involved in aquaculture production accredited by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
TLRC and Floatech identified the following areas for the fish culture production project: Samal Island, Davao; Masinloc, Zambales; Mabayo, Zambales; Subic, Zambales; Sto. Tomas, La Union; and Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The project aims to make available to coastal fishermen and LGUs packaged information system on fish caging/mariculture systems and coordinate efforts with LGUs on area selection, project development, training and education and funding.
The agreement also calls for the establishment of a rehabilitation plan to properly address inefficient and uneconomical fish cages, among others.
An initial workshop on these initiatives is set to be conducted in April this year.