BFAR to establish mariculture parks

The establishment of mariculture parks shall be the banner project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 for this year in order to hit its target fish production of 274,825 metric tons. The project is designed for culture of milkfish and high value finfish such as groupers and siganids and shall be established in four provinces in the Central Visayas region.

Fifty percent of such target shall come from aquaculture particularly seaweeds and milkfish. Commercial capture fisheries are expected to contribute about 30 percent, while the 20 percent shall come from municipal capture fisheries.

BFAR-7 regional director Dionisio dela Peña said that the improved production from aquaculture is expected to be attained through the establishment of mariculture parks, expansion of seaweeds culture in non-traditional areas, and stock enhancement projects.

BFAR-7 posted a 15.45 percent increase at the end of the year 2005 with a total volume of 232,271.59 metric tons, representing 5.6 percent of the national fisheries production.

The region ranked seventh among the 16 regions in terms of over-all fisheries production. Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao gained the top slot.

As reported by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics in region 7, there was a significant contribution from the aquaculture fisheries because of increased stocking in inland waters and cages and expansion of seaweed production areas, specifically in Talibon and Bien Unido towns in Bohol and Lipayran island in Bantayan, Cebu.

Other production enhancement factors were favorable weather conditions, improved culture and management practices, availability of good quality fingerlings and quality seedlings. - Gregg M. Rubio