BFAR taps youth in fish campaign

CEBU, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is tapping the youth in a national fish conservation campaign.

BFAR-7 information officer Alma Saavedra said the youth are encouraged to protect and preserve the fisheries and aquatic resources through reporting illegal fishing activities to help stop depletion of the country's marine resources due to over-fishing, water pollution and use of destructive fishing methods.

"We believe that youth can help us in many ways. They could be our instrument in bringing back our rich natural resources," she said.

On October 19-23, the country will be observing the 52nd Fish Conservation Week proclaimed in 1963 by then President Diosdado Macapagal by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 176 and as mandated in the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (RA 8550 s. 1998).

The celebration aims to intensify awareness on the need to conserve and protect fisheries and aquatic resources.

This year's theme, "Pinatatag na Batas Pangisdaan, Hakbang sa Pagkamit ng Mas Masaganang Karagatan," centers on conserving the resources for a bountiful sustainable harvest in the future. It also highlights the campaign to minimize the illegal, unregistered and unregulated fishing along the coastal areas of Central Visayas through Municipal Fisherfolk Registration Program.

Saavedra said owners of fishing vessels that remain unlicensed are encouraged to join the registration to get rid of their "illegal status."  She clarified, however, that even if they get certified, they are still discouraged to fish within municipal waters.

As part of the celebration, Saavedra said BFAR will hold several competitions, such as video documentary contest featuring registered fisherfolk; search for the outstanding achievers on fish culture, fish capture, and fisheries and aquatic resource management council.

She added that BFAR continues to implement its core programs and priority thrusts on resource protection, resource enhancement, production enhancement, post-harvest and infrastructure and marketing support and continuous organizational development.

BFAR is the government agency that provides the country's fisherfolk with research and development, extension support and training, and regulatory services, while conducting information campaigns and policy formulation and planning.