39 CV fish, shellfish species endangered

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vzcaya, Philippines – Thirty-nine fish and shellfish species in Cagayan Valley have been identified as endangered due to destructive fishing, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said yesterday.

The BFAR is undertaking conservation efforts, including inventory of the species’ remaining habitats, and an information campaign to save them from extinction, said Jovita Ayson, BFAR regional director.

These species, BFAR said, include the ludong (mullet), hito (catfish), dalag (mudfish), gurami (snake-skinned gourami), igat (eel), mori (goby), agurong (trumpet snail), bisukul (native snail), cabibi (clam) and udang or ulang (giant freshwater prawn).

“We have crafted a long-term conservation plan to prevent extinction,” Ayson said.

BFAR blamed illegal fishing, which included blast fishing and the use of electro-fishing gadgets, as among the major factors for the dwindling population of the fish and shellfish.

Of the 39 endangered species ludong, also called the President’s Fish or Pacific salmon, is the one nearest extinction.

Ludong sells for P5,000 a kilo, making it the country’s most expensive fish. BFAR is imposing a yearly 45-day ban, from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15, on catching ludong, as it is during this period when the female migrates to the open sea to spawn.   

The ban on ludong fishing during this period, BFAR said, is covered under Fisheries Order No. 31, which prohibits catching, purchasing, selling transporting, exporting and possession of the fish.

BFAR said violators face six months to eight years imprisonment and a fine of P6,000 to P80,000.

As for the other species, BFAR said it has tapped the help of other law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts against illegal fishing methods. – With Czeriza Valencia