THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Northern Mindanao formally kicked-off the celebration of the 45th Fish Conservation Week Monday.

This year's fish conservation week celebration focuses on mitigating the effects of global warming on the fishery sector with the theme "Pagbabago ng Klima: Hamon sa Likas-kayang Pangisdaan".

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

"Wherever you go people talk about the threats of the global warming," Ernacio said.

He added that something has to be done to mitigate its effect.

David Ernacio, BFAR officer-in-charge in Northern Mindanao, reported the initial success of BFAR's mariculture park in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental--touted as one of the successful mariculture park in Mindanao.

"As of September this year there are 83 investors with 93 existing fish cages and has produced 287 metric tons of bangus," Ernacio said adding that there are 36 additional investors lining up to join the said venture.

Meanwhile, Ernacio said BFAR is also developing a bangus hatchery in Camiguin to address the scarcity of fingerlings in the region.

Eighty to 90 percent of the fingerlings are sourced from Davao province.

Ernacio said fish production is at 150 metric tons annually but the sufficiency level in Northern Mindanao is only at 70 percent.

"Naa pay isda sa atong region, pero daghan factors nganong medyo gamay (There is still fish in the region but there are factors why the fish are small)," Ernacio said.

He cited population, climate change and conversion of beachfronts into beach resorts as the main factors in the dwindling fish supply in the region.

"We have 2.5 million people (Northern Mindanao) and you multiply that with the 36 kilogram per capita per year to get the sufficiency level," Ernacio said.

A person ideally consumes a total of 36 kilos of fish annually, aside from other sources of protein such as pork, chicken or beef and other nutrients, to meet minimum health requirements.

But Ernacio was quick to reiterate that BFAR is still on track with its projection to balance the fish supply sufficiency level by 2010.

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(October 21, 2008 issue)
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