bfar's premier research vessel cruising through its multi-mission functions
DESCRIPTION
The DA-BFAR Magazine Volume 1 No. 1 First Quarter 2012TRANSCRIPT
The DA-BFAR Magazine
ISHILESf
Volume 1 No. 1First Quarter 2012
The Of�icial Publication of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
DA-BFAR
on this issue
BFAR’s premier research vessel
. . . cruising through its multi-mission functions
on this cover
photo by Paul Joseph NuvalBFAR CAR
contents
thrust and programs
cover story
conservation/protection
Fish for Peace ProgramPhilippine Aquasilviculture ProgramGovernment warns dynamite fishers to stop illegal activity
Life on BoardBFAR’s premier research vessel . . . cruising through its multi-mission functions
Saving the President FishStock Enhancement of Giant Clams
PompanoSeaweed FarmingBangusEfficiency of fish traps for deep-sea fishing
general info/news
What is Red Tide?National Capability Training for Information OfficersNew FAOsAquaescapade
technology in focus
The DA-BFAR Magazine
ISHILESf
Volume 1 No. 1First Quarter 2012
The Of�icial Publication of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
DA-BFAR
The new magazine logo is designed by Ms. Mavic Relayson, a freelance writer/graphic artist whose heart is for the seas and the creatures within.
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ADVISORY BOARD
Atty. Asis G. Perez Director
Gil A. Adora
Asst. Director for Technical Services
Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios, Jr.Asst. Director for Administrative Services
EDITORIAL BOARDEditor-in-Chief: Melannie R. Guerra
Writers/Junior Editors: Kaye Kirsteen Mendoza, Marella Germaine Torrico and
Rosana Ombao Lay-out and Design: Michelle B. Suva
Graphics: Joel Manalo and Randy dela Cruz
Circulation: Glaiza Hernandez and Jennifer Turallo
Photography: J. Manalo, Jovencio Rulloda, Jr., Marlo Demoos, M. Suva, R. dela Cruz and
Regional Information Officers
Regional Advisers/Regional Directors
Rebecca G. Dang-awanNestor D. Domenden
Jovita P. AysonRemedios E. Ongtangco
Esmeralda Paz D. ManalangRuben J. Jardin
Dennis V. del SoccorroDrusila Esther E. Bayate
Andres M. BojosJuan D. AlbaladejoAhadulla S. SajiliVisa T. DimerinFatma M. Idris
Ambutong K. PautongNerio G. Casil
Janice D. Musali
Regional Information Officers
Paul Joseph NuvalRemely Lachica / Francis Greg Buccat
Max Prudencio / Gene BaquiranLani Lamyong
Anna Merlinna Fontanilla Ronaldo Canabe / Kathleen Ann Hilotin
Janice Ragur / Joel AbalayanAlma Saavedra
Gesselle Frances Zeta / Jimmy SalamidaPilar Ilagan / Divina Ignacio
Noel Saldajeno / Clifford ReyesEnrica Patricia Araullo
Omar SabalJesieca BabatidFarhana Usman
The Fish files magazine is published by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and distributed free of charge to interested individuals and institutions associated with
fisheries and aquatic resources.
You may send contributions to: The Editor, Fish Files MagazinePCA Compound, Elliptical Road,
Diliman Quezon CityEmail: [email protected]
EDITOR’s NOTEWelcome to the new format of the DA-BFAR Newsletter. With the fast-paced
advent of technological breakthroughs in communication and transfer speeds closing in to the speed of light – we wonder what more news is fresh news right after it had happened. Obviously, a quarterly circulation would no longer respond to one’s thirst for information and knowledge. Thus, we had decided to veer away from the usual documentation of past news into one that would spark more discussions, move people to take actions and ultimately make them be involved.
In this new magazine – we shall call the BFAR Fish Files, we intend to pre-sent a comprehensive cover of the projects being undertaken by the agency and chronicle the different experiences in project implementation by the regions to provide more insights, or better still to learn and improve on those experiences.
We increased the number of pages from 20 to 32 and settled for a much thinner paper similar to major weekly magazine so as to save on costs. We had put up special sections that will feature our gains in the new program thrusts of the bureau on resource conservation, protection, livelihood and the accom-panying developments in research and technology, including collaborations and partnerships here and in the international arena. Another exciting spot is the back cover where we intend to feature awesome aqua or sea escapes - may be on production or conservation-related or simply on a sight to behold. A picture speaks a thousand words so they say, and such sceneries that we know abound in our regions would encourage and motivate our people to respect, love and protect the bounties we have.
We are putting on-board and are expecting much from our regional informa-tion officers following their initial training last March 16 - 20 on-board the M/V DA-BFAR. As Director Atty. Asis G. Perez told the group – as “carpet bombers” the IOs will play a very important role in communicating our thrusts and pro-grams to our various publics.
Ambitious as we are in meeting this self- imposed challenge despite our limitations, we seek due consideration on the delayed publication of this first quarter issue considering that the new writers came in barely a month ago.
We hope that you will find the contents of the new magazine worthwhile and we welcome your suggestions to improve it. Much more welcome all your contributions, whatever your place is in the organization.
contentsLife on BoardBFAR’s premier research vessel . . . cruising through its multi-mission functions
“The Fish for Peace program seeks to institute equity and
sustainability in the use of the fisheries resources by local
fisherfolk-residents.”
Atty. Asis PerezDirector
Thrusts and Programs
Binhi para sa Kapayapaan Bantay Dagat Pangkapayapaan
Program
4
Fish for Peace
There is hope in fish
In partnership with the local govern-ment units (LGUs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), has launched a program called “Fish for Peace”. The program is the government’s response to the ailing condition of many fisherfolk-families in Mindanao.
“The Fish for Peace program seeks to institute equity and sustainability in the use of the fisheries resources by local fisherfolk-residents,” director Asis Perez said.
The program’s banner objective to increase the resource productivity and the income of fishing communities to reduce poverty as a way to achieve peace in the area has been appreciated by both the ARMM leaders and the fisherfolks.
Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, along with Basilan Gov. Jum J. Akbar and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali, expressed full support for the program. They are also convinced that it will not only address the peace issues in Mindanao but more im-portantly improve the lives of its people.
The project is supported by the local heads in 32 municipalities of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Receiving what is rightfully theirs
In 2011, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), the ARMM region produced 909, 320 metric tons (MT) of fishery and aquaculture products with a value of P14.58 billion at current prices. The volume represents 18.3% of the country’s total production at 4.98 million MT.
In addition, the ARMM remains as the country’s top seaweed producer, harvesting a total of 686,450 MT valued at P4.3B, which represents 37% of the country’s total seaweed output, at 1.84 million MT worth P11.39B in 2011.
Despite the region’s abundance in fisheries and aquatic resources, the coastal communities remain impover-ished due to inadequate fisheries’ infra-structure support, poor access to basic needs, degraded marine environment and fish habitat, and the presence of crooked individuals.
“The ARMM including other regions in Mindanao contributes significantly to food security, but is provided the least in terms of budget allocation. This we intend to rectify,” Dir. Perez said.
The Bureau chief emphasized the government’s plan to make itself “felt” by the poverty-stricken communities in Mindanao through the implementation of various livelihood projects like the Fish for Peace.
The project is divided into three major components: (1) Bantay Dagat Pangka-payapaan for habitat protection; (2) Binhi Para sa Kapayapaan for resource and habitat rehabilitation and; (3) KaPAYAO-paan for livelihood generation.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Fisheries Salvador Salacup, however, stressed that the project is not the typical dole-out livelihood program of the gov-ernment, as this anchors on the strong partnership and counterparting between and among the stakeholders where each party give something to ensure that it works properly.
More livelihood projects on the way
The DA-BFAR has provided P24.5M in fishery and livelihood projects, targeting
to benefit thousands of fisherfolk families and their respective island-municipalities in ARMM.
Dir. Perez said that the earmarked fund included the provision of motor engines to 67 patrol boats for the ‘Bantay -Dagat’ program to protect ARMM mu-nicipal waters from illegal fishermen and poachers.
Of the total P24.5M, P12.9M was used to procure 16 units of non-motor-ized banca, 15 motor engines, 10 fish driers, 2,500 fish pots and 250 units of gill nets which were distributed to about a thousand fisher-families along the 288,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh. The marsh is bounded by the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
Moreover, the bureau plans to develop a portion of the marsh into a center for freshwater fish biodiversity, informed Perez. Another P8.8 million was allot-ted for an aquasilviculture program that included the establishment of five multi-species hatcheries, mangrove rehabili-tation and 20 aquasilviculture “techno-demo” farms. The joint-partnership of DA-BFAR and the ARMM LGUs have already planted 225,000 mangrove pro-pagules or shoots amounting to P1.4M. Finally, about P2.8M was earmarked for two units of icemaker equipment, 12 sets of seaweeds farm inputs, 200 kilos of seaweed seedlings, 2.4 million pieces of fingerlings and other fishing parapherna-lia.
With the infusion of investment by the Aquino government through the DA-BFAR and the combined efforts of the local gov-ernment units and their fisherfolk con-stituents, the potential of further increas-ing ARMM’s fishery and aquaculture is expected to increase at a rate that would significantly impact on the lives of our marginalized fisherfolk .
Funds for multi-hatcheries in SUCs Fish pots are environment-friendly fishing gears
Program
5
Fish for Peace
During the fast-paced development of aquaculture in the ‘70s towards the ‘90s, little attention was given to the important role of the mangrove forests to the fish catch of marginal fishermen. The unpre-cedented conversion of this ecosystem into vast fishpond estates significantly reduced the mangrove cover to less than a quarter of its original area of 500,000 hectares in 1918.
In addition, reclamation for residen-tial and industrial purposes, overharves-ting of mangrove trees for charcoal or wood production, the lack of reforesta-tion and physical expansion of coastal communities further contributed to its decimation.
For so long a time, the condition of the once healthy mangrove forest conti-nues to deteriorate particularly in fish-pond areas which are now abandoned, under-developed and under-utilized. Such areas can be literally regarded as “sick” and so is the income of marginal fisher-folk who depend on fishing as their sole source of livelihood.
Why is this so? The mangrove serves as a breeding and nursing ground for many important species of aquatic organisms, including food fishes, crabs, shellfishes and certain aquatic plants such as Caulerpa or lato.
With the end-in-view of restoring the pristine condition of an important eco-system, that is, the mangrove forest, the BFAR launched the Philippine Aquasilvi-culture Program - a holistic approach to achieving sustainable aquaculture in a healthy mangrove system.
“To achieve such goal, a three-tiered program was designed starting with the restoration and enhancement of the deci-mated mangrove forest through planting of propagules; establishment of multi-species hatcheries and the development of pilot aquasilvi farms in strategic areas nationwide,” said Director Asis G. Perez.
The program is tied up with state universities and colleges (SUCs), local governments and peoples’ organizations to ensure effective implementation.
Mangrove restoration“What is significant about this pro-
gram is that a huge part of the project funds goes to the fisherfolk who would actively be involved in the mangrove restoration phase”, Perez said. He added that for every P10.00 that government will spend for each mangrove prop-agule – P8.00 goes to the fisherman. This amount would cover the costs for propagule and labor for planting up to the time the propagule would sur-vive. The bureau targets the planting of 100,000,000 propagules over a span of three (3) years.
Community-based hatcheries
Unlike heavily-funded government hatcheries, this multi-species hatchery would function as a “lying-in” center for gravid or spawning species of aquatic organisms thriving in the mangrove areas. To be established in the campuses of partner SUCs, the hatchery would also provide the laboratory support for hands-on training of students enrolled in fisher-ies and other allied courses.
The fry or hatchlings produced in the hatcheries will be used initially for restocking and later for distribution to fish farmers once the aquasilvi farms are established.
Aquasilvi farms
Aquasilviculture is simply growing fish inside enclosed mangrove areas without cutting down any mangrove tree. De-pending on the parameters such us tidal flow, location and mangrove cover, canals are dug to allow areas for growing fishes and other aquatic animals. Here, BFAR plans to established demo sites where the mangroves have been restored. Prio-rity would be given to fisherfolk who had been involved in the restoration phase. The beneficiaries will be provided hands-on training and materials for net enclo-sures.
The fisherfolk families will be super-vised by community organizers hired from among graduates of fisheries and other allied courses.
Counterparting schemes Counterparting is a basic foundation in
all program phases. For fisherfolk bene-ficiaries, this translates to the provision of labor; for the partner SUCs, the area for the hatchery and the provision of technical expertise during the conduct of trainings; and for the LGUs, the provision of the necessary ordinances and super-vision to ensure program success and continuity.
Program implementation
The guidelines on the implementation of the project have been established by the bureau with the National Brackish-water Aquaculture Center in Pagbilao, Quezon as the lead.
Briefly, the national program will be headed by the national steering commit-tee headed by the DA secretary, BFAR director and the CHED chairperson. The members include BFAR regional directors, SUC presidents, BFAR assistant director for technical services and DENR Forestry Management Bureau (FMB) director. The said committee is tasked to formulate policies and guidelines for the develop-ment, operation, maintenance of the community-based multi-species hatche-ries and other matters related to the implementation of the project.
Crusaders on the rise
Dir. Perez is very optimistic that the number of advocates to this government initiative would significantly increase. Many of the local heads he had talked with had started mangrove reforestation activities on their own; while others had committed to plant the same area which the bureau could come up with in their respective jurisdictions.
Truly, we see hope in this modest col-laborative endeavour not just in the liveli-hoods and jobs that would be generated, but more importantly in bringing back the abundance of aquatic organisms for the next generations to come.
Thrusts and Programs
Philippine Aquasilviculture Program
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Philippine Aquasilviculture Program
7
The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued a stern warn-ing that the agency will be very tough in curbing blast or dynamite fishing.
Following a test blast conducted in a 2-hectare fishpond at the BFAR’s Central Visayas Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center last February 24, 2012, director Asis G. Perez said that the agency had now officially launched an all-out war against blast fishing in the country.
The result of the single blast showed that all fish larvae of siganids, grouper and bangus used as test fish were killed at a distance of 65 meters from the blast site. Various life stages of the said fish species were situated at various distanc-es to the blast site inside the pond.
“Even matured fish are seriously af-fected at such a distance,” Perez said, as the test fish had ruptured swim bladder, fractured bones and exhibited internal h emorrhage.
Studies showed that a 1-liter size home-made bomb could send powerful shockwaves up to a speed of 4,940 feet per second. However, in the blast test, only a low density surface primer half the efficacy of the common dynamite in fish-ing was used.
Region 7 director Andres Bojos said that the test blast was coordinated with the local Firearms and Explosives Division of the local Philippine National Police. He said that as host venue, the undertaking puts on center stage the need to pro-
Government warns dynamite fishers to stop illegal activity
tect also the Danajon double barrier reef which is one of the only 6 double barrier reefs in the world and the only one in the Philippines.
Impact of dynamite fishing
“In the open sea, the damage brought about by dynamite fishing is far greater considering its impact to all other aquatic life including the planktons and other microscopic organisms that serve as food for all the creatures, aquatic plants, and worst the coral reef that serves both as a habitat and a barrier for coastal erosion,” the bureau director stressed.
Current studies of the BFAR on-board its research vessel showed that on the average, the density of fish eggs, larvae and juveniles in offshore waters of the Sulu and the Visayan seas could reach 3,000 individuals per 100 cubic meter of water sample.
“What is shocking to note is that for one fish species alone, the damage could run up to P240M losses per day”. Perez revealed that unpublished studies show that blast fishing throughout the country average at 10,000 blasts per day.
President Benigno Aquino III is seri-ous on curbing all forms of destructive fishing with the approval of P100M budg-et for BFAR’s law enforcement campaign.
“This budget could significantly improve the agency’s law enforcement capability, particularly in beefing up its personnel complement that is very much wanting”, Perez said.
Thrusts and Programs
Shockwaves ruptures the fish’s swim bladder
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Government warns dynamite fishers to stop illegal activity
As a follow-through, BFAR encou- raged the academe and research institu-tions to undertake a scientific study to determine the economic valuation of the illegal practice, including other forms of destructive fishing.
Members of the tri-media and heads of local governments in Bohol, PNP offi-cials, BFAR fish examiners and other gov-ernment agencies and NGOs witnessed the blast test together with environment experts from the USAID-Philippines, Rolf Andersen and Kerry Reeves as well as Cynthia Perera of the US Department of Interior.
Responsible fishing
Fish catch from both municipal and commercial fisheries continue to shrink over the past 4 decades due to overfish-ing, illegal fishing and pollution. Last year, production from both municipal and commercial fisheries totalled to 1.3M and 1.04M metric tons respectively. Capture fisheries account to some 48 percent of the total 4.98 million metric tons fish production lat year.On the other hand, aquaculture, of which 60 percent are sea-weeds totalled to 2.6 million metric tons.
“We are not only extracting our re-
sources at a rate faster than the normal rate it could naturally replenish. What is more disturbing is that we continue to ignore the irreversible destruction to fish habitats brought about by blast fishing,” he added.
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As it sails on through its 13th year, DYCA, officially known as the M/V DA-BFAR, is the premier research and oceanographic vessel of the BFAR. For the past quarter of this year, the vessel carried on multifarious functions while simultaneously under-taking its primordial research function. Firstly, it served as the central headquarters for MCS operations as the 3-month closed season for sardines in Western Mindanao took effect. DYCA pro-vided a common meeting ground for local government heads in shaping up the Fish for Peace program. It also enabled the bu-reau to bring its programs, especially in providing livelihoods to marginal fisherfolk in many island/coastal provinces that were never before visited by a national official. It had opened its doors to important meetings and trainings which could be con-sidered its “firsts”. Truly, M/V DA-BFAR, its officials and crew sailed on through calm or rough waters, efficiently providing the platform in support of the bureau’s thrust towards a holistic approach to resource protection and conservation as well as in enhancing the livelihoods of the marginal fisherfolk.
Cover Story
Potential sea organisms from deep-sea fishing explorations
Convergence meetings with the local heads of island municipalities
10
Potential sea organisms from deep-sea fishing explorations
Convergence meetings with the local heads of island municipalities First catch after the sardine closed season in Zamboanga waters
BFAR ManCom meeting at sea - the first ever undertaken
11
All types of jobs do have its pros and cons and working aboard M/V DA-BFAR is no exception. Some of the advantages are travelling in various places, forming long lasting friendships with your colleagues and many other benefits that the experience of work-ing on a ship can offer. On the other hand, working away from your family and facing the hazards of the seas are some of the challenges a ship crew must face.
As the M/V DA-BFAR sets sail, officers and crew members perform each of their relevant tasks accord-ingly. Each of them has different but equally important assignments to do. Some are designated to work at the pilothouse or deck, which is located at the upper part of the ship, where they take care of the navigation, communi-cation and manoeuvring of the vessel. The M/V DA-BFAR, pilothouse needs at least 3 persons; a look-out (Seaman) who sometimes serves as an assistant; a helmsman (Quartermaster) who steers the wheel of the ship; and a
duty officer (Chief mate, 2nd mate, or 3rd mate) who supervises the direc-tion of the ship and operates the radar and radio equipments. Responsibilities behind the deck like maintaining the safety of both the ship and crews are somewhat tough and the officer and crew in duty must be able to handle the job.
Meanwhile, the chief engineer and his enginemen are working hand in hand to ensure that the vessel’s engines are running efficiently. Like working at the deck, being in-charge at the engine department is quite criti-cal since it needs a lot of supervision. The limited supply of maintenance parts at the open sea is a disadvan-tage so a small engine malfunction is something to worry about. Unlike cars which can be stable on the road if something fails, a vessel’s engines need to be fixed immediately in order to avoid visiting Davy Jones’ locker.
Apart from working in the deck and engineering department, there are skilled labourers assigned to do
other necessary jobs such as cooking, cleaning and safeguarding the vessel’s vicinities.
An 8-hour shifting is observed by the officers and crew of the research vessel. Personnel-on-duty spend 4 hours during day time and are substi-tuted by the next shift who will also spend their 4-hour duty. The same goes during night-time to complete the allotted 8 hours. This is routinely car-ried out by each member of the crew. However, whenever there’s a shortage of manpower the persons in-charged must double their working hours to compensate and get the job done.
The sailor in command Captain Ernaldo T. Caliwang is responsible for the over-all supervision of the ves-sel’s operation – engines, navigation, maintenance, etc. He sees to it that the voyage is safe and everything is in control. As he cited, “Ang pagkakamali ng official on-duty ay pagkakamali ng kapitan” (“A mistake of the officer on-duty is a Captain’s mistake”) thus, he always makes sure that all officers and
Life on Board
12
Feature Story
crew perform their jobs effectively. In the same way, Mr. Rafael Ramis-
cal, the Chief Scientist of the vessel ensures that his subordinates func-tions correspondingly. He supervises the over-all operation of oceanographic surveys and other research stud-ies aboard. As of the present, he has seven researchers who are conduct-ing studies on the different branches of oceanography: physical (ocean temperature, salinity, etc.), biological (fish eggs, larvae, etc.) and chemical oceanography. The significant results of these studies are the main output of each voyage hence, researchers make certain to obtain useful and accurate data.
Aside from the challenges they face in performing their obligations onboard, the crew of the ship also have to over-come their sadness from missing their loved ones. Whenever they can they find time and ways to get in touch with those they left at home, they would contact them via mobile phone or through the cyberspace if connections
other necessary jobs such as cooking, cleaning and safeguarding the vessel’s vicinities.
An 8-hour shifting is observed by the officers and crew of the research vessel. Personnel-on-duty spend 4 hours during day time and are substi-tuted by the next shift who will also spend their 4-hour duty. The same goes during night-time to complete the allotted 8 hours. This is routinely car-ried out by each member of the crew. However, whenever there’s a shortage of manpower the persons in-charged must double their working hours to compensate and get the job done.
The sailor in command Captain Ernaldo T. Caliwang is responsible for the over-all supervision of the ves-sel’s operation – engines, navigation, maintenance, etc. He sees to it that the voyage is safe and everything is in control. As he cited, “Ang pagkakamali ng official on-duty ay pagkakamali ng kapitan” (“A mistake of the officer on-duty is a Captain’s mistake”) thus, he always makes sure that all officers and
are available. These bonding times with their family and loved ones, no matter how short, inspire them to face the life at sea.
Even though they are working with-in a limited space, most of the time the crew members do not even get the chance to mingle with their colleagues due to different time schedule and working area. But whenever they have an opportunity they socialize, they never let any disagreements get in the way. It even became a tradition for them to have a small gathering dur-ing the last night of their journey for thanksgiving and merrymaking.
Working on board a ship is indeed a challenge. One must face the perils of nature and experience the melanchol-ies of staying away from home. But overcoming these challenges can give pleasure and fulfilment to those lucky enough to have the opportunity to work on a research vessel while giving service to their country.
Glaiza Hernandez
photos byNMFDC
13
ways and impose measures in protecting the species.
A research facility has also been established in Aparri, which are currently trying to breed fingerlings in captivity. The rearing and breeding studies are to be based on information they will gather on its feeding habits. DNA analyses of the species are also on-going.
Recent research done by Dr. Mudje-keewis Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute has identified two species of Ludong present in Cagayan. Cestraeus oxyrhynchus and Cestraeus goldiei species were found but the more popular C. plicatilis was not found. Dr. Santos said this does not equate to the extinction of the Cestraeus plicatilis because this maybe just caused by a limited number of samples gathered for analysis. The research also showed how new pool of data is needed as basis for comparison for other researches regarding Ludong.
BFAR is also taking steps in amend-ing the legislation regarding the ban-ning of catching and selling of Ludong. The Fisheries Administrative Order 31 of 1952 only has the minimum penalty of six months imprisonment or a two hundred peso fine. The bureau plans to increase the imprisonment period and the fine to eighty thousand pesos. There are also recommendations to include Ludong in the species covered by the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act or Republic Act (RA) 9147, which has more severe penalties
Ludong has been regarded as the President’s fish for its high value in the market, priced at five thousand pesos per kilogram. It is a freshwater fish that migrates to marine or seawater to spawn. This species is endemic to the Cagayan river, and Bantay Santa of the Abra river system in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra, Ludong has been a cultural icon for Cagayanos. The popula-tion decline of Ludong has been attribut-ed to lack of implementation of conserva-tion measures, and dredging and mining activities in their natural habitats.
Based on a three-part approach to conserve the most expensive fish in the country, the Oplan Sagip Ludong (OSL) has gained support from various sectors of the community. The project is focused on research and development; conserva-tion and protection; and intensified infor-mation and education campaign.
Dr. Evelyn Ame, research chief of BFAR Region II and the project leader, said that four teams composed of mem-bers from various government agen-cies are conducting research on the endangered species. These teams are tasked to identify the causes of the popu-lation decline by studying Ludongs’ char-acteristics, behavior and habitat. With these studies, the project hopes to find
“... huwag nating hayaang tuluyang mawala,
dapat nating mahalin dahil ito’y yaman na ibinigay ng kalikasan na kapag hindi
minahal ay maaring mawala sa atin at sa ating salinlahi”
Proceso “Procy” J. AlcalaSecretary
Department of Agriculture
Conservation Measures
Saving the President’s Fish
14
for violators. A five year closed season, especially during its spawning period of October to December, is also included in the proposed amendment. This will help not only in the increase of the popula-tion but also in the future studies to be conducted.
As part of the information and education campaign of the project, a jingle contest was initiated by BFAR Region II. The contest aims to find the best jingle composed by the second-ary students of the region, which will then be used as a campaign material for saving the Ludong. This contest also helps in spreading awareness regarding conservation among students.
Pledges of commitment from various sectors have also been pouring for OSL. Members of the media from Cagayan have pledged their sup-port in the awareness campaign for this project. They would advocate the conservation and protection of the Ludong to legislators, fisherfolks and the community. The fisherfolks of region 2 have also set their commitment to the preservation and protection of the species.
The bureau is also planning to close off the rivers of Cagayan by October this year to save the remaining number of Ludong or the president’s fish residing at the river. Partnered with the Depart-ment of Agriculture, the bureau will issue an administrative order this July to prohibit the growing number of illegal fishing activities for Ludong starting October 2012. (BFAR Region 2)
Stock Enhancement of
Giant ClamsSaving the President’s Fish
15
The Tridacnidae species, commonly known as “giant clams” and locally called as “taklobo”, are abundant in the reefs of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental. In 2000, it was reported that collection of these species were rampant in the area and have been sold in the local market for consumption. The shells are also for ornamental purposes. Apparently, the same activity was being practiced in several areas where most fisherfolks lacked awareness on its importance in the ecology in addition to the prohibi-tions of fishing or taking of rare, threat-ened or endangered species under R.A. 8550 of 1998.
Consequently, BFAR XI in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Ba-naybanay initiated the Stock Enhance-ment Project of Tridacnidae species. In December 2011, the project was started at Burias Reef which is within the 131.48-hectare Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Mapagba, Barangay Maputi.
An organized fisherfolk family who used to be taklobo gatherers was tapped in the implementation of the project. They were involved in the collection of stocks from outside the Marine Protected Area or MPA and to be resettled in a two-hectare designated area within the MPA site. Actual collec-tion of clams were closely monitored and supervised by BFAR XI and Banay-
banay Fishery Law Enforcement Team to ensure the safety and survival of the species.
Currently, a total of 82 pieces of Tridacna species have been successfully collected and resettled. Four of which are classified as Tridacna maxima, and the rest are Tridacna squamosa. Based on its shell length estimates, its sizes vary from small to medium and big. The actual measurements of the clams were yet to be determined including its tagging. Marker buoys were installed in the perimeter of the resettlement area to monitor stocks easily.
The project uses coastal resource management approach in protect-ing and conserving the said species. Specifically, the project is designed to protect environment and biodiversity conservation and to ensure the long-term genetic viability of Tridancna sp. It also aims to establish the role of MPAs to climate change adaptation. Socio-economically aims to ensuring women’s active participation, thereby eliminating discrimination against them, and to fos-ter tourism to augment income of both the LGU and stakeholders managing the area. Finally, the project also supports the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of wild flora and fauna in its thrust towards protection of threatened and endan-gered species. (BFAR Region 11)
General News16
As “carpet bombers”, the information officers of the bureau play an important role in providing the medium to bring all the necessary and relevant information to its diverse publics. As such, the 5-day training on board M/V DA-BFAR was conceived .
The training was attended by IOs from the different regions, Regional Fisheries Training Centers and the National Marine Fisheries Development Center.
Included in the 5-day training are the review of the work of a journalist; photo and video documentation, basic grammar and writing, social media networking, communication crises management and presentation of the current programs and thrusts of the bureau.
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General News18
"... being an IEC advocate is very challeng-ing. Given the support through trainings and workshops to somehow enhance our poten-tials, it made us realize that our role as IOs wouldn’t be as hard because we are being guided and strengthened. Thus, it became a shared responsibility to us now and a passion awaiting to be fulfilled."
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“IEC is not just about being published. It should bridge the gap between
city and countryside in terms of information and knowledge.
It drives me to read more and continue to learn.”
"The workshop motivated us to do our best .. . . the openness and sharing of knowledge
and experiences boost our confidence.”
?Can Red Tide be predicted or controlled?
Currently, red tides cannot be predict-ed, but researchers are investigating the possibility. At present, methods to control red tides are still limited in scope and remain largely untested in major blooms since it is premature to conclude whether control methods are feasible, applicable and advisable due to lack of knowledge on the side effects of those methods and research studies are needed to validate the methods.
What seafood are unsafe to eat from waters affected by Red Tide?
Filter-feeding shellfish which include clams,cockles, oyster, mussels and scal-lops from red tide affected coastal areas are unsafe to eat. Shellfish are particu-larly prone to toxin contamination as they feed by filtering microscopic food out of the water, and if toxic planktonic organisms are present, they are filtered from the water along with other nontoxic foods. Whelks, moon snails and other univalves can also accumulate danger-ous levels of toxin during red tide as they feed on contaminated shellfish. Acetes or alamang from red tide affected waters are also not safe for consumption.
What is Red Tide?C
ause
sRed tide is a term used to describe coastal phenomenon in which the water is
discolored by high algal biomass or concentration of algae. The discoloration may not necessarily be red in color but it may also appear yellow, brown, green, blue or milky, depending on the organisms involved. Some red tides are considered harmless when there is no harmful impact on the environment, living organism and humans as well. Almost always red tides are harmful since they cause harm to the environment, living organisms and to humans. Some cause mass mortality of fish or fish kills and some produce potent toxins that are of public significance. They cause poisoning syndromes such as PSP, ASP, DSP, NSP and Ciguatera Poisoning.
What seafood can we eat from waters affected by Red Tide?
Fish, squids, crabs and shrimps can be eaten during a red tide because the toxin is not absorbed in the edible tissues of these animals, however, the gills, viscera and internal organs of fish must be re-moved before cooking. Eating distressed or dead fish, and other aquatic animals in areas affected by red tide is discour-aged because the reason for the animal’s strange behavior or death cannot be absolutely known. It could be something unrelated to red tide.
What happens when toxic shell-fish is consumed?
In the Philippines, the most common shellfish poisoning syndrome is paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Eating toxin contaminated-shellfish can cause PSP in humans. PSP is caused by saxitoxin, which is produced by toxic dinoflagel-lates, and is one of the most potent toxins.
After ingestion, this poison imme-diately affects the nervous system, with symptoms usually occurring within 30 minutes. Severity depends on the amount of toxin ingested. Initial reactions are tingling of the lips and tongue, which spreads to the face, neck, fingertips and toes. Headache, dizziness and nausea
Red tide occurs when an algae rapidly increases in numbers to the extent that it dominates the local planktonic or benthic community. Such high abundance can result from explosive growth, caused, for example, by a metabolic response to a particular stimulus (e.g., nutrients or some environmental condition like a change in water temperature), or from the physical concentration of a species in a certain area due to local patterns in water circulation. Blooms are caused by environmental conditions that promote explosive growth. Factors that are favorable to the rapid increase include warm sea surface temperatures, and high nutrient content. The similarity of these alga and heterotrophs often makes it difficult to identify the precise cause of a harmful algal bloom, and to predict its impact on the affected ecosystem.
General Info
follow. These symptoms may be mistaken for drunken conditions and are further aggravated by alcohol consumption. In severe cases, muscular paralysis and res-piratory difficulty may occur within five (5) to twelve (12) hours. Fatalities from respiratory paralysis have been reported.
Can PSP be treated?
There is no antidote and direct treat-ment for PSP. Treatment is symptomatic and varies with the severity of symp-toms, which include pumping the stom-ach, inducing vomiting and charcoal hemoperfusion (a process involving the pumping of arterial blood through an activated charcoal filter to remove the poison). Alkaline fluids such as sodium bicarbonate are also thought to be help-ful in treating symptoms, as the toxin is unstable in alkaline conditions. Artificial respiration may be required if patients exhibit respiratory stress.
What can we do to avoid eating contaminated shellfish?
Individuals should pay close atten-tion to Red Tide Advisory and under no circumstances should individuals har-vest, market and consume shellfish from any areas under shellfish ban due to red tides. Toxic shellfish taste and appear no different from nontoxic shellfish and cooking does not destroy the red tide toxin. Testing is the only way to deter-mine if shellfish contain unsafe levels of toxin.
Source: FRMD - Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Section
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BFAR, as a government agency mandated to conserve, protect and manage the country’s fishery and aquatic resources, has to find innovative ways to reduce fishing pressure in heavily-exploited fishing grounds such as in bays, gulfs and other coastal areas. This need to find new fishing grounds prompted the conducts of a feasibility study in using traps to catch marine species in offshore and deep sea areas. The assessment was under-taken as part of the endeavor of the bureau to maximize areas which are usu-ally unexplored and underutilized by fisherfolk.
Researchers of MV DA-BFAR compared the impacts of two different gears, namely the beam trawl and deep sea traps.
Based on bio-diversity tests the beam trawl caught more varied species of marine organisms com-pared to the deep sea slopes. This is evi-dent on the diverse number of organisms collected using the beam trawl ranging from anthozoans (corals, sea anemones and sea fans), echinoderms (sea stars, brittle stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sand dollars), crustaceans (shrimps, lobsters and crabs), mollusks (gastropods and bivalves), polychaetes and grena-
Efficiency of fish traps for deep-sea
fishing
“Traps are efficient to catch important deep sea organisms and less damaging to the envi-ronment”
diers (Mac-rouridae).
On the other hand, deep-sea traps were observed with almost no diversity of catches for the dominance of Family Pandalidae
on the catch composition. Pandalid shrimps (or
more popularly known as nylon shrimps) are practically unknown in the Philippines because they are found in great depths and these are inaccessible to fishermen. These deep sea shrimps are however harvested commercially in other coun-tries, famous for their sweet flavor and tender texture and mainly for sushi mar-kets in Asia, Europe and U.S using trawls
and traps (WPRFMC, 2006).Although thier is a disparity between
the two gears in terms of selectivity of catches, the purpose of using them is to demonstrate their impacts supported by scientific facts. Beam trawl is an ac-tive fishing gear and as it was dragged along the deep seabed it carried with it everything that is on its way. The deep sea traps, on the other hand, are pas-sive gears baited with chopped scads and submerged at depths 70m to 900m. They are cylindrically-shaped gears covered with polyethylene netting material and new addition to the fishing gears used by M/V DA-BFAR in her exploration cruises.
The results of this study will be used as basis for decision-making on whether our fisherfolk should go further out of the municipal waters. “The goal is to know first the biodiversity; their distribu-tion and abundance, then evaluate their potential for fisheries. While they are im-portant as source of food, livelihood and income, should be exercised in coming up with a decision that should be based on science. These deep sea resources are delicate and we need further knowledge that only thorough research could pro-vide. This is just the first step in explor-ing the potential of our deep seas”, Mr. Rafael Ramiscal, Chief Research of M/V DA-BFAR said. (Laureana Nepomuceno)
Photos by NMFDC
21
Technology in Focus
PompanoRaising the high-value finfish silver pom-
pano in a mariculture zone may spell sizable economic returns considering its huge domestic and international market demand.
Silver pompano (Trachinotusblochii) is very popular in the aquaculture world, particularly in mariculture or marine-based aquaculture because it is easily cultured. It easily adapts in a fish cage environment as it tolerates high range of salinity and it readily eats commer-cialized feeds. It is considered a high-value finfish because of its good quality white meat which is preferred by posh restaurants in the country and abroad. Pampano can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as ginataan, paksiw, sinigang, sweet and sour, steamed, fried or grilled. Many chefs prefer pompano fillet. Its marketable size ranges from 250 grams (3-4 pieces per kilo) up to one kilo (1-2 pieces per kilo), depending on the length of culture.It is priced betweenP200-450 depending on its size.
BFAR-Region 4A has successfully cultured pompano in marine floating cages through a research project conducted from 2008 to 2009 at the Padre Burgos Mariculture Zone
in turn, affects the health of the fish and the environment as a whole.
Based on the said study, the results did not vary significantly for three stocking densities but it proved that cage culture of pompano is a promising venture. The highest growth attained was 368.29 grams per fish after only four months with highest production of 1.05 tons and highest survival at 100% and the best (lowest) feed conversion ratio of 1.58 (which means it only took 1.58 kilogram of feeds to produce one kilo of fish, the lower the value the better). Although the results did not vary statistically, it proved that stocking den-sity affects the performance of cultured fishes according to Mr. Chavez.
Mr. Chavez added that the results in growth, production, and survival also translate to good economic returns considering that pompano attained its marketable size over a short period of time. A farmer can profit ap-proximately P63,000.00 in a year if the pom-pano is sold at a conservative price of P280.00 per kilo. Overall, Mr. Chavez recommends commercializing the technology of raising
(PBMZ) in Quezon. The project, entitled “Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Survival and Production of Silver Pompano (Trachinotusblochii, Lacepede) in Marine Float-ing Cages,” was led by Hannibal M. Chavez, Research Manager of the Regional Fisheries Research and Development Center, BFAR 4A.
In the research, Chavez tested the fish’s growth performance against three different stocking densities in nine cages. He said that stocking density, or the number of fish per unit area, is an important factor in aquaculture as it affects the food intake of fish and consequently its growth, immunity, and maturation. Too many stocks in a certain area can result to over crowding which the causes food competition. Some will be able to eat enough and some will not be able to eat enough resulting to differ-ent sizes of fish during harvest, which is not desirable in aquaculture. Also, fishes tend to be more susceptible to diseases in a crowded cage and diseases spread easily from one fish to another. All in all, overstocking would result to poor growth and low fish quality. Furthermore, overstocking degrades the water quality, which
grows well in Mariculture Zone
Technology in Focus22
in turn, affects the health of the fish and the environment as a whole.
Based on the said study, the results did not vary significantly for three stocking densities but it proved that cage culture of pompano is a promising venture. The highest growth attained was 368.29 grams per fish after only four months with highest production of 1.05 tons and highest survival at 100% and the best (lowest) feed conversion ratio of 1.58 (which means it only took 1.58 kilogram of feeds to produce one kilo of fish, the lower the value the better). Although the results did not vary statistically, it proved that stocking den-sity affects the performance of cultured fishes according to Mr. Chavez.
Mr. Chavez added that the results in growth, production, and survival also translate to good economic returns considering that pompano attained its marketable size over a short period of time. A farmer can profit ap-proximately P63,000.00 in a year if the pom-pano is sold at a conservative price of P280.00 per kilo. Overall, Mr. Chavez recommends commercializing the technology of raising
pompano in fish cages because this can serve as an alternative livelihood for the fisherfolk and increase the fish production in Region 4A.
Growing of pompano in cages fits well with the government’s programs, particularly that of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), because it can be cultured in the sea. Land-based aquaculture is now being limited due to its negative impact to the environment such as pollution, mangrove deforestation, and diseases among cultured fishes. To lessen these repercussions and also to provide alter-native livelihood for fisherfolk, BFAR is promot-ing mariculture or the culture of fishes in the open sea. (BFAR Region 4A)
Characteristics of Pompano
Size / Weight / Age
Max length : 110 cm FL male/unsexed common length : 40.0 cm TL male/unsexedMax. published weight: 3,400 g Short description
Dorsal spines (total):7 Dorsal soft rays (total): 18-20; Anal spines: 3 Anal soft rays: 16 - 18
Color:Generally silvery, paler below; large adults mostly golden orange, especially ventrally. Dorsal snout profile very steep; soft dorsal and anal fin lobes greatly elevated.
Source: www.fishbase.org
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Based on the 2008 survey, Philippines has posted the 3rd highest of produc-tion of seaweeds around the world. Its production 1.6 metric tons, more than ten percent of the world production on seaweeds. Based on the 2011 national fisheries production, seaweed production shared thirty seven percent of the vol-ume of the total fisheries production with 1.8 million metric tons of this aquatic plant produced. This numbers clearly show seaweed aquaculture as a booming industry. Seaweed aquaculture has also attracted the interest of the fisherfolks who saw its benefits and considered it as an alternative source of livelihood.
This section features stories from those regions that have gained the fruits of marrying aquaculture technology with seaweed farming and from those regions that are recently venturing into seaweed industry.
In the VisayasIn Eastern Visayas, a steady increase
in seaweed production has been achieved for the past five years; from 17,825.91 in 2006 to 22,570.48 metric tons in 2010. Seaweed farming continues to fuel the growth of the local aquaculture and provide livelihood to some 1,357 seaweed farmers in the region. In sup-port to seaweed development, BFAR 8 has implemented the Seaweed Dispersal Program and Seaweed Roll-over Scheme to introduce seaweed farming as a lucra-tive livelihood and provide alternative source of income to marginalized fisher-folk. The Roll-over Scheme has benefitted 141 seaweed farmers in the region and produced 97.92 metric tons in 2010. High production in Leyte and Eastern Samar was attributed to the good quality of seedlings distributed, new farming areas established and the expansion of exist-ing areas and the technical assistance extended by BFAR 8.
To encourage other areas to venture into seaweed farming, BFAR 8 focuses its efforts by providing technical assistance to seaweed farmers and interested mar-
Providing More Than Extra Income
Technology in Focus
Seaweed Farming24
ginalized fisherfolk. This has been done through seminars, trainings and technol-ogy demonstrations. The input assistance by distributing quality seedlings, plant-ing materials and dryers is also a big boost to the industry. Furthermore, the establishment of seaweed nurseries and identifying key areas for farming and ex-pansion in the region are geared towards increased production.
The Sea-weed Seedling Bank/Nurs-ery project intends to mass-produce quality seed-lings to ensure its availability to farmers. At present, the lack of quality seed-lings is one of the major problems of the industry. Explants from UP Marine Science Institute are cur-rently maintained in the laboratory and nurseries.
The establish-ment of the Seaweed Tissue Culture Labo-ratory in the region has given light to the lack of quality seed- lings. It addresses the declining productivity of farmed seaweeds in the region. The con-tinuous usage of the same seedlings has been observed to result to low yield and quality. With the establishment of the laboratory, seaweed farmers are assured of access to good quality seedlings. The tissue culture laboratory is the first at its kind in Eastern Visayas. With this labora-tory, BFAR 8 aims to solve the problems on seedling shortage and deteriorat-ing quality, and achieve a much higher seaweed production for the region in the coming years. (Region 8)
In MindanaoNorthern Mindanao is slowly emerging
as a potential major contributor to the overall seaweed production in the coun-try with a variety of species five such as Caulerpa, Sargassum, Gelidiella, Graci-laria and Eucheuma. The latter is
usually more abundant in the waters of
Panguil Bay.The rich waters of Panguil Bay, shared
by the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, is contributing to the abundant production of seaweeds with Kappaphycus alvarezii or locally known as “guso”. Guso is emerging as an important aquaculture species and it has helped prove seaweed aquaculture to be one of the most beneficial and most environment-friendly forms of livelihood in the coastal areas.
Another species of seaweeds abun-dantly thriving in Sapang Dalaga, Mis-
Providing More Than Extra Income
amis Occidental is Caulerpa lentillifera. It is one of the favoured species of edible seaweeds due to its soft and succulent texture. It is also known as sea grapes, green caviar, “ar-arosep“, or “lato” in the Philip- pines. This kind of seaweed
is farmed in Casul Bay, Sapang Dalaga, Mis-amis Occidental and has gained more acceptance in the locality due to its abundance and nutrient contents.
With all these various species present in the waters of Region 10, it is no surprise that they have good numbers in terms of seaweed production. With Lanao del Norte at the top seaweed producing provinces, the region posted an uptrend in 2007 and 2008, produc-ing 201,214.42 MT and 285,610.90 MT respectively. Despite the down-trend in 2009 at 254,859.58 MT
(30,751.32 MT decrease), there was a sharp increase of 318,793.86 MT in 2010.
The increase in seaweed production was attributed to the input assistance, like seaweed distribution and seaweed dryers establishment, and technical as-sistance of BFAR 10. The overall seaweed distribution in Region 10 posted 43,000 kg, and 482 seaweed growers availed of the input assistance. The overshot distri-bution was due to the establishment of seaweed nurseries. These nurseries ca-tered to the demand of seaweed growers when the supply from the private nurser-ies was scarce and also helped in control-ling the local prices. (Region 10)
Seaweed Farming25
The marine fish cage farming of bangus or milk-fish at the Panabo Mariculture Park, now on its 6th year of operations, continue to offer conomic gains for the locals of Panabo City and all other private investors from other localities as well.
In 2011, the mariculture park exceeded its targets of ensuring food security at 101% and providing jobs at 103%.
BFAR-RFTC XI Center Chief Dr. An-drew M. Ventura said that the total ban-gus production from the 247 fish cages yielded 1,517.55 metric tons valued at P132.4M. The cages are operated by 72 private investors. The produce has been registered and verified for food safety and its quality has also been approved for local and export market.
Moreover, the BFAR’s Marine Fish Cage Livelihood Project for Fisherfolk Families yielded 33,139.20 kg or close to 33.14 MT of bangus. This translates to a gross sale of P2,998,435.90.
The fish farming venture in the mari-culture park generated 514 jobs to fisher-folks living in coastal barangays adjacent to the park.
Bangus (milkfish), a major commod-ity in our country, is making its name around the globe. Various value-added bangus products such as canned, bottled, deboned fillets in different variants are just some of the many products being ex-ported in different countries. Thus, many priviate individuals and corporations are seeing the bangus fish farming as a good business investment and a viable product for export.
BangusJuan dela Cruz’s new ‘galunggong’
Milkfish(chanos chanos)
Technology in Focus26
BFAR-RFTC XI Center Chief Dr. An-drew M. Ventura said that the total ban-gus production from the 247 fish cages yielded 1,517.55 metric tons valued at P132.4M. The cages are operated by 72 private investors. The produce has been registered and verified for food safety and its quality has also been approved for local and export market.
Moreover, the BFAR’s Marine Fish Cage Livelihood Project for Fisherfolk Families yielded 33,139.20 kg or close to 33.14 MT of bangus. This translates to a gross sale of P2,998,435.90.
The fish farming venture in the mari-culture park generated 514 jobs to fisher-folks living in coastal barangays adjacent to the park.
Bangus (milkfish), a major commod-ity in our country, is making its name around the globe. Various value-added bangus products such as canned, bottled, deboned fillets in different variants are just some of the many products being ex-ported in different countries. Thus, many priviate individuals and corporations are seeing the bangus fish farming as a good business investment and a viable product for export.
Venturing into the business of fish cages has become a lucrative opportu-nity for small business owners and to big investors as well. Not only has it become a proliferating business but it also helped improve the lives of local fisherfolks, which is one of the major objectives of Panabo Mariculture Zone/Park.
For this year, Ventura foresees the operation of 100 more units of marine fish cages - 60 cages for the private stakeholders and 40 cages for the fisher-folk beneficiaries. The additional cages is expected to yield 390 metric tons more of bangus and to generate an additional income of P35.1 M for local residents.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Regional Fisheries Train-ing Center (BFAR-RFTC) together with Regional Fisheries Office (RFO) Davao City and Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) Davao del Norte has partnered with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) Davao to contribute to the food supply and to provide added source of income for the fisherfolks. (BFAR RFTC Panabo, Region 11)
Central Luzon venturing into Seaweed FarmingRegion 3 is a non-traditional area for seaweed
farming. In 1999, an initial assessment was con-ducted to determine the viability of seaweed farm-ing in the region. One of the provinces identified was the province of Zambales, with an estimated potential area of 700 hectares, BFAR 3 initiated the culture of seaweed Kappaphycus sp. in the province. The propagules were sourced from Sorsogon and distributed to farmers to start their seaweed nurs-ery. In 2004, the region successfully established 37 seaweed nurseries and recorded an initial produc-tion of 27 metric tons (MT). With this success, the region intensified its campaigns on seaweed culture, conducted hands-on training and established tech-no-demonstration projects. BFAR 3 also established its own seaweed nursery in Masinloc, Zambales. These significantlyincreased production to 636.50 MT the following year.
Natural calamities such as typhoons and dis-eases hamper the production of seaweeds in the region. Despite these, the region was undaunted and proceeded to conduct free trainings, provide free propagules and planting materials to marginal fisherfolk. To date, around 21 hectares in Zambales are already planted, with seaweeds benefitting three fisherfolk associations (having at least 50 mem-bers), 30 individual farmers and three commercial farms.
Test planting was also conducted in other prov-inces like Aurora and Bataan. In Aurora, around 150 hectares was identified as potential area. Nurseries and demonstration farms were also established. The province of Bataan has 20 hectares potential area for Kappaphycus sp. Two seaweed nurseries were already established in the province. Gracillaria sp. also grows abundantly from December to May in the province. An estimated of 300 MT (dried) is be-ing produced annually.
Bulacan, like Bataan is endowed with resources where in Gracillaria sp. naturally grows. Bulacan was reported to produce 420 MT (dried) of seaweed annually just from gathering. BFAR 3 will be distri-buting seaweed dryer to gatherers of this province.(Region 3)
. . . Seaweed Farming
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OBJECTIVESThese rules and regulations aim to:
1. Comply with the provisions of the Council Regulation No. 1005/2008 and its Implementing Guidelines.2. Ensure traceability of fishery products derived from legal, reported and regulated fishing activities in the Philippines, at all stages from harvesting and processing to marketing;3. Establish a mandatory set of procedures for the catch certification scheme; and,4. Ensure that fishery products exported to an EU-member country originate from catches made in compliance with applicable laws, regulations or conservation and management measures.
APPICATIONThis Order shall apply to all Philippine-
flagged fishing vessels that either directly supplies raw materials to EU-member countries or supply raw materials to canneries, proces-sors or exporters for processing prior to the export of the processed fishery products to EU-member countries. It also apply to canneries, processors, and exporters which are exporting fishery products to EU-member countries.
DECLARATION OF CATCH LANDINGAND TRANSSHIPMENT
To ensure that the objectives of this Order are realized, catch landing and transhipment must always be recorded or declared.
a) Landing of catches shall be verified and certified by authorized BFAR personnel in a Catch Validation Certificate.
PROHIBITIONNo fish or fishery products caught or taken
by means of IUU fishing or without complete traceability in all its stages from fishing or gathering, storage, transporting, processing up to distribution shall be exported to EU-member countries.
Export of fishery product/s to EU-member countries shall only be allowed if supported by a Catch Certificate, which has been validated by DA-BFAR.
SANCTIONSNon-compliance to the provisions of this Or-
der or providing false information in the Catch Certificate and its documentary requirements shall be a ground for the non-issuance of Catch Certificate, delisting from the list of EU-accred-ited exporters and the filing of criminal com-plaint for violation of the rules on exportation.
SCOPEFor fishing vessels that fall under the fol-
lowing criteria:
1. Fishing vessel with an overall length of more than 12 meters without towed gear or2. Fishing vessel with an overall length of more than 8 meters with towed gear or3. Fishing vessel of more than measured 20 GT.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF REGULARCATCH CERTIFICATE (RCC)
An RCC must only be accomplished by a fishing company. It is classified into:
1. Mother Catch Certificate – RCC issued at landing or prior to processing; or2. Consignment Catch Certificate – RCC issued after processing of catch in canneries or processing plants.
THE CONSIGNMENT CATCH CERTIFICATEThe Consignment CC is the regular catch
certificate issued after processing. It shall be accomplished by the fishing company and shall contain the same information as those con-tained in the Mother CC except for the docu-ment number, final product description and code and actual weight of the consignment. The Cannery Code and Cannery Sequence Number shall be added to the document num-ber of the Mother CC to generate the consign-ment CC’s document number.
For instance, using the previous example of the Mother CC of Frabelle Corporation the code of the cannery sequence code shall be added to Mother CC’s document number, which is 608-BFAR12-FFC-2011-0001. Thus, the final document number appearing on the Consign-
ment CC will be 608-BFAR12-FFC-2011-0001-GTC-0001. The final product code and descrip-tion shall also be supplied; for example, for canned skipjack, the description of the product shall be canned tuna and the product code shall be 1604.14. The codes for all registered canneries are listed in Annex 4.
The weight of the consignment shall be provided by the cannery or processing plant to the fishing company for the box “Estimated live Weight”. In support thereto, the cannery or processor shall submit a letter informing BFAR of the weight of the consignment. The total weight of the consignment weight indicated in the various Consignment CCs must not exceed the verified weight landed indicated in the Mother CC. Section 6 and 7 shall be left blank in the Consignment CC even if transhipment is declared in the Mother CC.
THE CATCH VALIDATION CERTIFICATE (CVC)The Catch Validation Certificate is a docu-
ment issued by BFAR certifying the species and volume of fish landed by a fishing vessel in a particular fish port in the Philippines. Since most catches are unloaded by carrier ves-sels that consolidate catch from one or more catcher vessels, the CVC shall also indicate the species and volume of fish per catcher ves-sel. For this purpose, the carrier vessel must provide a Transhipment Certificate. The species and weight indicated in the CVC shall be the basis of the weight that will be indicated under the box “Verified weight landed (kg) where ap-propriate”.
SCOPE The Processing Statement shall be issued
by DA-BFAR only for fish or fishery products caught by foreign flagged fishing vessels in high seas or waters of other countries, which are unloaded and processed in the Philippines. Consignments from raw materials caught by Philippine-flagged fishing vessels, whether caught in domestic waters, high seas or waters of other countries do not require Processing Statements.
For fishing vessels that are:1. With an overall length of less than 12 meters without towed gear;2. With an overall length of less than 8 meters with towed gear;3. Without superstructure; or,4. Less than 20 Gross tons.
THE SIMPLIFIED CATCH CERTIFICATE (SCC) The SCC is the catch certificate for catches of fishing vessels stated in above, which shall be accomplished by the Processor/Exporter or its authorized representative. It shall be
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RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) NO. 1005/2008 ON THE CATCH CERTIFICATION SCHEME(EXCERPTS)
The Catch Certificate Scheme ensures
traceability of fishery products in the
Philippine waters at all stages from harvesting, processing to marketing.
It is an important measure to eliminate
illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing or IUUF.
28
ment CC will be 608-BFAR12-FFC-2011-0001-GTC-0001. The final product code and descrip-tion shall also be supplied; for example, for canned skipjack, the description of the product shall be canned tuna and the product code shall be 1604.14. The codes for all registered canneries are listed in Annex 4.
The weight of the consignment shall be provided by the cannery or processing plant to the fishing company for the box “Estimated live Weight”. In support thereto, the cannery or processor shall submit a letter informing BFAR of the weight of the consignment. The total weight of the consignment weight indicated in the various Consignment CCs must not exceed the verified weight landed indicated in the Mother CC. Section 6 and 7 shall be left blank in the Consignment CC even if transhipment is declared in the Mother CC.
THE CATCH VALIDATION CERTIFICATE (CVC)The Catch Validation Certificate is a docu-
ment issued by BFAR certifying the species and volume of fish landed by a fishing vessel in a particular fish port in the Philippines. Since most catches are unloaded by carrier ves-sels that consolidate catch from one or more catcher vessels, the CVC shall also indicate the species and volume of fish per catcher ves-sel. For this purpose, the carrier vessel must provide a Transhipment Certificate. The species and weight indicated in the CVC shall be the basis of the weight that will be indicated under the box “Verified weight landed (kg) where ap-propriate”.
SCOPE The Processing Statement shall be issued
by DA-BFAR only for fish or fishery products caught by foreign flagged fishing vessels in high seas or waters of other countries, which are unloaded and processed in the Philippines. Consignments from raw materials caught by Philippine-flagged fishing vessels, whether caught in domestic waters, high seas or waters of other countries do not require Processing Statements.
For fishing vessels that are:1. With an overall length of less than 12 meters without towed gear;2. With an overall length of less than 8 meters with towed gear;3. Without superstructure; or,4. Less than 20 Gross tons.
THE SIMPLIFIED CATCH CERTIFICATE (SCC) The SCC is the catch certificate for catches of fishing vessels stated in above, which shall be accomplished by the Processor/Exporter or its authorized representative. It shall be
submitted to BFAR for validation within one (1) week from unloading of the fish catch at the fish port, together with the required docu-ments listed in Section 21. It shall follow the format prescribed in Annex 2.
RECORD-KEEPING BY FISHING COMPANIES, PROCESSORS AND EXPORTERS
Fishing companies, canneries, processors and exporters shall keep a record of all Catch Certificates issued to them by BFAR, together with all the documentary requirements in a folder and a separate electronic list of Catch Certificates in order to keep track of the num-ber of catch certificates issued and make these records readily available to BFAR upon request.
RECORD-KEEPING BY BFARThe BFAR Central Office and concerned
BFAR Regional Offices shall maintain an up-dated record of the Catch Certificates issued by their respective offices, both in electronic form and otherwise, in order to keep track of the number of Catch Certificates issued and for monitoring purposes, and make these records readily available to EU upon request.
SUBMISSION OF MONTHLY REPORTS AMD MAINTAINANCE OF CENTRAL DATA-BASE
The concerned BFAR regional offices shall submit a monthly report on the implementation of the Catch Certifica-tion Scheme including submission of the list of Catch Certificates they have been issued per month as well as the overseas Catch Certifi-cate requests and prob-lems encountered to the Fisheries Regulatory and Quarantine Divi-sion (FRQD) of the BFAR Central Office. The FRQD shall maintain a national or central database of all the catch certificates issued by BFAR.
PRESERVATION OF ORIGINAL CCs.
The originals of the catch certificates must be retained and pre-
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) NO. 1005/2008 ON THE CATCH CERTIFICATION SCHEME(EXCERPTS)
29
served for a minimum period of three (3) years by BFAR as the validation authority, which period coincides with the period in which the Commu-nity preserves its own copies of the same.
MONITORINGFor purposes of ensuring the
effective implementation of the IUU Regulation, BFAR shall conduct random and unannounced inspection, monitoring or evaluation of the fish-ing company, cannery or processing plant. Funds for these activities shall be made available upon approval of the project proposal.
FEESA fee of fifty pesos (P50.00) shall
be paid to BFAR by the applicant to defray administrative cost for the is-suance of RCC, SCC, and Processing Statement.
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RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAM IN THE HIGH SEAS(EXCERPTS)
Creation of the National Fisheries Observer Program (NFOP)
There is hereby created a National Fisheries Observer Program (NFOP) un-der the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources which shall be the source of fisheries observers in the Philippines.
A Philippine Fisheries Observer Pro-gram Management Office (PFOPMO) shall be established to implement the activities of the program including training, certi-fication, authorization and deployment of fisheries observers to collect scientific data and other information related to fishing on board fishing vessel operating within the Philippine 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), or in the high seas and in the waters of other countries in coordination with the Commission ROP and to perform such other related func-tions as mandated by the Fisheries Code and Fisheries Administrative Orders.
Coverage
The NFOP shall cover all commercial fishing boats/catcher boats that targets tuna species (i.e. skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye) operating with major fishing gears and transshipment vessels in the High Seas. Fishing vessels may choose to have Filipino Observer from the BFAR NFOP or from other RFMOs to board their vessels. Level of coverage shall be in compliance with the applicable WCPFC, IOTC, ICCAT or CCSBT requirements or from country that granted fishing access – for all Philippine flagged vessels oper-ating in the high seas or in the waters
of other states where these have been licensed to conduct fishing activities.
The Fisheries Observers shall strictly observe and follow the Code of Conduct Stipulated in FOP Annex 3 of this Order or the BFAR Fisheries Observer Program: Code of Conduct for Observers Program in the Philippines.
Terms of Reference
The Fisheries Observer Program shall promote responsible fisheries and will play an important role in the conduct of monitoring control and surveillance ac-tivities. The program can serve as infor-
mation provider of primary and secondary production including scientific information on catch and effort, stock assessment and other fisheries regulation compliance. The fundamental purpose is to provide fisher-ies managers, research organizations, en-vironmental agencies, the fishing industry with independent, reliable, verified and ac-curate information on the fish catch, effort and practice of Philippine flagged vessels.
The development of fisheries observer in the Philippines is in accordance with article 28 of the convention which states that “The Commission shall develop a regional observer programme to collect verified catch data, other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area and to monitor the implementation of the Conser-vation and Management Measures (CCMs) adopted by the Commission.”
Sanctions
Fishing Vessels covered in this Order found engaging in fishing operation in the High Seas or under the jurisdiction of other countries without a fisheries ob-server onboard or during the FAD closure periods shall be considered as having vio-lated Section 86 of the Fisheries Code and will required to return to homeport. An administrative fine of Php 100,000.00 shall be imposed to those who failed to comply and will be a ground for suspension of Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License (CFVGL) in the case of a first offense and cancellation or revocation of CFVGL and exclusion from the WCPFC Register of Ves-sels in case of a subsequent offense.
The Fisheries Observers Program promotes
responsible fisheries, by providing independent,
reliable, verified and accurate information on
the fish catch effort and practices of fishing
vessels as basis for decision-making.
30
RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAM IN THE HIGH SEAS(EXCERPTS) UPDATESQuick Response Team
Fishery Law Enforcers on guard!The Philippine Constitution is one of
the most environmental-friendly set of laws. Even our neighboring countries in the Southeast Asia are so impressed with how our laws that they would use our laws as basis for formulating their own environmental protection laws. We may have a superb set of laws to protect our environment but we lack the capacity to enforce them.
As an environmental advocate and a lawyer, Director Asis G. Perez fully under-stands the gap between these environ-mental laws and its proper implementa-tion. This is why one of his priorities is to enhance the law enforcement capabilities of the bureau by forming the Quick Re-sponse Team. It is a 24/7 task force unit created to respond to fisheries-related emergency actions. Members of the team are oriented with fisheries resource pro-tection and the laws that come with it.
In support of the campaign launched by the new chief of the Bureau of Fisher-ies and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to min-imize, if not stop, all forms of destructive fishing, the Bureau is also conducting
training on Fishery Law Enforcement and Deputation of Fish Warden in partner-ship with the Local Government Units and other concerned agencies. BFAR has also set guidelines in the conduct of the said training as mandated in Fisheries Office Order No. 33, in order to equip fishery law enforcement officers with neces-sary skills and technical expertise on the detection of illegally-caught fish as well as proper implementation of the provi-sion of R.A. 8550. Also, a deputized Fish Warden now has the authority, as clearly defined under Section 124 of R.A. 8550, to implement all fishery laws, rules and regulations to their respective munici-palities empowered by law through their respective LGU and with BFAR.
The responsibilities to rehabilitate, conserve, and manage coastal and ma-rine ecosystem for present and future generation entails commitment, cour-age and positive outlook. With this, full support should be given to all fishery law enforcers, the guardians and vanguards of our coastal and marine environment. (BFAR CARAGA)
mation provider of primary and secondary production including scientific information on catch and effort, stock assessment and other fisheries regulation compliance. The fundamental purpose is to provide fisher-ies managers, research organizations, en-vironmental agencies, the fishing industry with independent, reliable, verified and ac-curate information on the fish catch, effort and practice of Philippine flagged vessels.
The development of fisheries observer in the Philippines is in accordance with article 28 of the convention which states that “The Commission shall develop a regional observer programme to collect verified catch data, other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area and to monitor the implementation of the Conser-vation and Management Measures (CCMs) adopted by the Commission.”
Sanctions
Fishing Vessels covered in this Order found engaging in fishing operation in the High Seas or under the jurisdiction of other countries without a fisheries ob-server onboard or during the FAD closure periods shall be considered as having vio-lated Section 86 of the Fisheries Code and will required to return to homeport. An administrative fine of Php 100,000.00 shall be imposed to those who failed to comply and will be a ground for suspension of Commercial Fishing Vessel/Gear License (CFVGL) in the case of a first offense and cancellation or revocation of CFVGL and exclusion from the WCPFC Register of Ves-sels in case of a subsequent offense.
31
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