Fishery losses due to 'Emong' hit P500 million

MANILA, Philippines – Fish operators in Pangasinan and La Union have incurred losses of around P500 million or about 6,000 metric tons, which constitute 3.7 percent of the annual regional production target of fish stocks said Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 director Nestor Domenden.

The government said it is allocating P25 million to help marginal fish cage operators associations in Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan rehabilitate their fish cages which were destroyed by typhoon Emong.

Quickly rehabilitating the destroyed fish cages will prevent an unwanted shortage and price hike in bangus, a major fish product.

“We need to act fast in rehabilitating the fish cages in these areas. Growing bangus to marketable size requires at least six to seven months and this would mean shortage and hike in fish prices in Metro Manila,” Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said.

Yap stressed the need to address the issues of food security and the livelihood of the affected fisherfolk as well as the importance of restoring supply lines of bangus to Metro Manila markets.

Bolinao, Anda and nearby areas supply 120 metric tons (MT) of bangus to Metro Manila.

Because of the damage caused to the fish cages, the supply to Manila could fall short by 80 MT, Yap said.

To compensate for the shortfall, the DA and the BFAR have requested the commercial fisheries sector to increase their unloadings of galunggong and tamban in the Navotas Fish Port.

Five of the biggest commercial operators led by Frabelle, RBL, Irma, TransWorld Journey, Mega Fishing and Jimmy Yap Zamboanga City have responded positively to the DA’s request.

The Laguna de Bay de Bay operators have also agreed to increase their daily harvests of bangus by 30 MT.

Yap also instructed the National Food Authority to increase its supply of NFA subsidized rice of P18.25 per kilo to the barangays affected by the typhoon.

The DA will assist in the repair and rehabilitation of the damaged fish cages.

Yap gave instructions for the LGU, together with the BFAR, to immediately formulate the guidelines in identifying the fisherfolk-beneficiaries under a selection criteria.