THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that it has completed nine multi-species hatcheries and aquaculture facilities, with 21 still under construction.
The department allocated P635 million for the construction of 37 hatcheries, and said it expects to complete construction by the end of 2022.
Under the Legislated Hatcheries Program, the project aims to meet the demand for aquaculture seed stock, reduce dependence on imported fry, and augment local production.
“Further, it aims to increase the variety of cultivable species in the country, promote species diversification, and provide venue for fisheries extension services,” the BFAR said.
The completed facilities include hatcheries in Perez, Quezon and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, as well as mangrove seed banks and nurseries in Baras, Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, San Andres, Caramoran, and Pandan, Catanduanes.
Meanwhile, the remaining legislated hatcheries under construction will include mangrove crab seed banks, nurseries, grow-out production farms and marine hatcheries in Catanduanes, Quezon, Albay, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Lanao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat.
Training and development centers are currently in development in the Eastern Visayas.
The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department has partnered with the BFAR to prepare feasibility studies, provide assistance in identifying suitable sites and in designing the facilities. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
