8 Cagayan Valley freshwater species threatened

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines   â€“ The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has identified eight freshwater species in Cagayan Valley as endangered or threatened as their populations have dwindled in recent years.

Besides ludong (mullet), the country’s most expensive fish, BFAR identified the region’s other threatened freshwater species as paltat (native catfish), gurami (snake-skinned gourami), igat (eel), mori (goby), bisukul (native snail), cabibi (clam) and udang or ulang (giant freshwater prawn).

Dr. Jovita Ayson, BFAR regional director, described these “high economic value” freshwater species as endangered now. 

Of the eight species, ludong (Cestraeus sp), also called the President’s Fish or Pacific Salmon due to its high-market value of at least P5,000 per kilogram, is probably the most endangered or nearing extinction, the BFAR said.

Known among gourmets for its delectable taste, ludong used to thrive in rivers in northern Isabela up to the mouth of the Cagayan River.

Recently, BFAR called for a consultation meeting with state colleges and universities and agriculture offices of various local government units in the region to formulate strategies for the conservation of these endemic freshwater fishes.