No more fishpens in Dagupan rivers - mayor

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines  – Mayor Benjamin Lim said he does not want a return of fishpens in rivers since the bangus (milkfish) which the city is known for are raised in fishponds.

Lim told reporters in a press briefing held at the newly built Robinsons Pangasinan mall in nearby Calasiao town the other day, that rivers must be sustainable and be given ample time to breathe.

In past years, fishpens have proliferated and contributed to pollution, sometimes resulting in fish kills, as unconsumed fish feeds settle at the bottom of rivers, he said. 

Lim said only a few capitalists have benefited from the rivers, and that since the illegal structures were dismantled, fishpond operators have heaved a sigh of relief.

He said Dagupan bangus are known for their distinct taste as they are raised the traditional way with natural feed locally known as lablab, in fishponds.

He said bangus production significantly grew with the advent of fishpens but at a price – silted rivers.

Worse, he said fishpond owners became victims, too, because they get polluted water from these rivers.

With the dismantling of fishpens, Lim said he tried to balance the situation through regulations, but others still abused this.

Because of the existing no-fishpen policy, fishpond operators are now happy, he said, adding that other fish species now thrive in rivers.

Meanwhile, a parade of bangus-ins-pired floats kicked off the city’s Bangus Festival, now on its 11th year, on Friday.

The event, dubbed Bangus Ed Carosa, was followed by a parade of bancas from Calmay to Babaliwan and the blessing of the river led by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

There were also a floral offering and ceremonial dispersal of fingerlings.