BFAR readies fish pens for Talisay

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will provide fish pens to fishermen in Talisay City as a way of helping them increase their catch, Councilor Bernard Odilao Jr., chairman on council committee on Agriculture and Environment said.

Odilao said BFAR director Rogelio Amatorio Jr. has already set aside at least five fish pens or "payao" for Talisay, which will then be distributed to the city's coastal villages.

Odilao also said that Amatorio made his pledge last week during the opening ceremony of the "Farmers and Fisherfolk Month" program held in barangay Pooc.

Most of the people living in the coastal villages in the city still depend on fishing, and Odilao said that over the years the fish catch has been dwindling due to a number of reasons, compelling some of them to go to other areas to fish.

These "payaos," where fish will breed and multiply, will address that problem, he said.

In the past, some "payaos" were put up in barangay Poblacion and in other areas, but were eventually destroyed by the sea.

A number of fishermen from Talisay had been apprehended by Bantay Dagat personnel of other local government units.

The fishing grounds in Cordova town and in other areas are off-limits to non-residents, the same way with Talisay City.

"Once the fish pens are installed, we are sure our fishermen will have enough fish to catch," said Odilao.

The city write a formal letter to BFAR central office for the fish pens.