The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is exploring the possibility of seeking export zone status for certain mariculture parks that will engage in fish production for export even as the bureau continues to negotiate with local government units (LGUs) for the grant of tax incentives to potential locators within mariculture parks.
According to Region I director Nestor Domenden, LGUs remain opposed to granting tax incentives to locators in the mariculture park.
Domenden acknowledged that the grant of tax incentives may attract more locators in the mariculture parks even though the main aim of the mariculture parks is to help enhance production by assuring locators of technical assistance and ensuring higher standards of production.
In the existing mariculture park in Sto. Tomas, La Union, Domenden disclosed that locators have dropped from a previous high of 36 to just 11 due to various reasons that may include the lack of tax incentives.
Because the mariculture parks are located within municipal waters, locators are subject to LGU-imposed taxes.
Notwithstanding the lack of tax incentives, the BFAR, Domendes said, is planning the creation of at least four more mariculture parks in Region I alone.
Two planned fish mariculture parks are in Rosario, La Union and in Sual, Pangasinan.
The two additional fish mariculture parks, Domenden said, are scheduled for opening this year and are merely awaiting the grant of Environment Clearance Certificates (ECCs) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Two other mariculture parks are being eyed in Dasol and Infanta in Pangasinan.
The mariculture parks, Domendes explained, are part of the BFAR’s effort to establish non-traditional grow out areas for seaweed which are traditionally grown in Mindanao because of its favorable yearound climate for production.
The two planned mariculture parks in Pangasinan, Domenden said, would hopefully allow three to four cycles for seaweed producers.