BFAR briefs agri-fishery council on 2006 projects
San Jose, Antique -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) bared projects for calendar year 2006, during the recent meeting of the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC).
Rosemarie Nacisvalencia, BFAR Provincial Director reported to the body that the projects include Modified Milkfish Culture, fingerlings dispersal for Milkfish, Tilapia and Gito.
The Milkfish culture project requires fishponds suitable for one hectare, two hectares or with a total exposure of four hectares through Milkfish fingerlings distribution project, Nacisvalencia explained is still under the validation phase.
The Tilapia culture/fingerlings distribution is suited for in-land fishery project. The identified towns are San Remigio and Sibalom. The package of assistance that BFAR extends to beneficiaries include500 pieces fingerlings and feeds free of charge.
For Tilapia fishery projects which need more than 500 fingerlings, BFAR charges a minimal fee. The same package of assistance/support is extended to farmers engaging in Gito culture good for backyard type of project.
The BFAR likewise extends support to seaweeds farmers. For this year, Anini-y the southernmost municipality is the recipient of the one-hectare seaweeds culture. Last year, the municipality of Pandan in northern Antique availed of the same project.
Another project which BFAR intends to implement in the province is the Abalone, locally known as "sobra-sobra". The BFAR director bared that Abalone commands a higher price in the market. The office is still in the process of identifying the prospective beneficiaries or project proponents.
To strengthen the capabilities of the fishery sector in terms of Coastal Resource Management (CRM) and other related aspects, Nacisvalencia has slated a Coastal Resource Management Planning Workshop for all coastal municipalities.
This activity aims among others to address the alleged rampant illegal fishing activities and the reported shortage of bangus fry.
Nacisvalencia encouraged the PAFC members to visit BFAR Office in Malandog, Hamtic, Antique on how to avail of projects or assistance in support to the fishery sector and the seaweeds farmers.
(PIA)