BFAR prepares for shellfish production

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is identifying the toxicity levels in Philippine waters — including toxic-bearing organisms and red tide affected areas — in preparation for a planned massive shellfish production program.

In an interview over radio station DWIZ on Saturday night, BFAR director Asis Perez said the bureau wants to encourage the culture of shellfish like mussels in more saltwater areas.

In line with this, BFAR is holding consultations with the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Toxicology and the Department of Health (DOH) for a study on toxic bearing organisms and red tide affected areas in the country to determine areas fit for expanding shellfish production in the country.

“This is the first step in determining the direction of the bureau in increasing fisheries resources particularly low trophic organisms like shellfish and oysters,” Perez said, adding that “it’s more profitable to farm low trophic organisms as it entails lower production cost because they do not need to be fed.”

At present the waters of Dumanquillas and Murcielagos Bay in Zamboanga are still positive for red tide.

“We can open more bays for the cultivation of shellfish because it entails a low cost to raise and has high market value,” said Perez. “We have to make sure that these bays are free from toxins.”

He said the expected increase in tourist arrivals in the coming years will also give rise to seafood demand.

This, in turn, will increase employment and livelihood in rural areas.