House OKs fish research center in Bantayan Island

CEBU, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved the establishment of a research center for fish breeding and/or hatchery for grouper, prawn, lobster, crab, and other high-value marine species in Bantayan Island.

House Bill No. 1948 authored by Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon was already transmitted to the Senate earlier this month.

Salimbangon, chairman of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, said the waters of Cebu is teem with a variety of edible marine species of high commercial value especially grouper, prawn, crab and lobster.

“In spite the abundance, there is a great danger of resource depletion due to unscientific and indiscriminate fishing practices,” he said.

The research center would be exclusively devoted to a continuing aquatic research for fish breeding/hatchery for high value marine species to ensure the supply of spawners, fries and fingerlings to operators of fishponds, fish pens or fish tanks including dispersal programs in the island.

Salimbangon proposed the said research center to be established in the town of Bantayan, one of three municipalities in the island.

The center would be under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture. The BFAR shall issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purpose of the establishment of the center.

Funding requirements shall also be included in the DA programs and in the General Appropriations Act. —/FPL (FREEMAN)