Atienza: Fishpens choking up Laguna Lake

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza warned of a total clog up in Laguna de Bay “unless decisive steps are taken now” against illegal fishpens that are clogging Laguna de Bay.

“We have clogged the heart (Laguna de Bay) with fishpens,” Atienza said in a statement.

Atienza decried the proliferation of aqua structures, saying the fishpens now occupy as much as 58 percent of the total area of Laguna Lake, exceeding the 10 percent limit set for fishpen belt based on the lake’s Zoning Management Plan. Laguna Lake covers a total area of 90,000 hectares.

Atienza noted the lake’s potential as being the “heart” to jumpstart sustainable development in the whole region of Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and even portions of Central Luzon, saying that it is “providentially” shaped like a heart but is presently “suffering from thrombosis” because of its clogged arteries. 

According to the DENR chief, the Pasig River, which connects to Manila Bay, is likewise clogged with silt and is also in need of drastic measure. The Pasig River is now being dredged by the DENR and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

“There is only one exit point and that’s the Pasig River, a slight vein that goes out to Manila Bay.”

Atienza debunked claims by other groups that the dismantling of fishpens in the lake would adversely affect some 300,000 fishermen. According to him, there are around 18,000 fisherfolk and some 76,000 families dependent on the lake who will benefit from a fishpen-free Laguna de Bay.

He cited studies made on the lake that prior to the proliferation of fishpens in the area, fish catch was up to 82 million kilos or 82,000 metric tons, including 240 million kilos or 240,000 metric tons of shrimps and mollusks.

“Today, there are no more shrimps or shells, except janitor fish,” said Atienza.           

He likewise painted a not-so-bright scenario for outlying towns around the lake still in floodwaters, saying the ebbing of floodwater may take longer than expected unless his recommendation against the structures are taken, especially by concerned local government officials.