New roadmap in the works for eel industry

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine eel industry is working on a new roadmap to guide its development in the coming years, with stakeholders coming together to draft strategies for the sector valued at about P3 billion annually.

In a statement yesterday, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the roadmap was discussed during the 1st National Eeel Summit held last week at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City.

“The roadmap is intended to provide clear guidance for developing local eel production and improving the management of eel resources,” BFAR said.

“Through closer coordination among the community, industry and government, opportunities for our fishers expand, along with the growth of the country’s aquaculture sector,” it added.

According to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, the Philippines exported 23,019 metric tons of eels in 2023.

The export value of these shipments reached $54.53 million, or roughly P3 billion at the current exchange rate.

It was the ninth-most caught species in the country’s freshwater fisheries during the year, behind shellfish, crab, shrimp, catfish, gourami, mudfish, snail, carp and tilapia.

In 2017, the Department of Agriculture (DA) committed around P20 million to support sustainable production and ensure the long-term conservation of eel resources.

The purpose of the funding was to improve aquaculture practices, enhance fishers’ livelihoods and boost the sector’s overall productivity.

The DA also began crafting a comprehensive masterplan to guide the nationwide development of the industry.