BFAR sets up measures to save aqua resources

CEBU, Philippines - Now feeling the impact of climate change, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Central Visayas is instituting measures to address the effects of the changing weather condition to the fishing and aquatic sector.

 Larson Tan, senior aquaculturist, said they have already noted “minimal” impact of the climate change in aquatic resources, but stressed they would not wait long to take actions.

“Maapektahan atong seaweeds and corals because of the change of temperature in the seawaters, in which, among the living things there, dunay mamatay, maluya. Malaya sad ang seaweeds,” Tan explained.

He said this will primarily affect fisherfolk and would eventually result to lower fish production.

Tan is afraid that if this happens, commercial fishing vessels will resort to Danish Seine mode of fishing locally known as “hulbot-hulbot,” which could damage the corals.

To address the problem, Dr. Allan Poquita, BFAR assistant director, said they will be planting seaweeds in deeper seawaters or at about three to five meters deep, enough for sunlight to penetrate.

“Ang pagtanum ana ipaagi og bamboo raft nga naa’y sinker aron adto ra ‘na ngadto, unya ang lugar dili agianan og barko or in non-conventional sites aron dili samuk o mabulabog ang isda sa ilawom,” Poquita said.

BFAR is also encouraging the fisherfolk to shift from fish hunting to fish farming using its sea cage technology and mariculture parks.  Fishermen can rent fish cages from BFAR, which will also provide fingerlings.  (FREEMAN)