Losses in fishery sector due to inclement weather hit P387M

THE fishery sector has incurred losses of about P387 million due to weather disturbances since July, an official said on Friday.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Asis Perez said that of the estimated losses, P377 million came from the fishpond and fish cage operators, while P10.1 million from the damaged infrastructure and facilities, such as bancas and fishing devices.

Since July 20, he noted that Tropical Storm "Ferdie," Typhoon "Gener," and the southwest monsoon have hit most parts of the country.

Asis said that among the provinces affected, the hardest hit were in Pampanga where losses were estimated at more than P262 million. Majority of the fishponds affected were mostly in harvestable stage.

In Bulacan, production loss is estimated at P84 million, Bataan, P15 million; Cavite, P6.5 million and Pangasinan, P5.78 million.

In addition, the monsoon rains also affected 115 seaweed beneficiaries in Barangay Uno and Dos at Calatagan with more than 30,000 kilos of seaweeds washed offshore and bamboo rafts damaged by the strong rains.

Perez said the agency is now readying all possible livelihood inputs and assistance to affected fisherfolk for distribution once the weather condition becomes favorable. (SDR/Sunnex)