FOR their new environment-friendly fishing method, fisherfolk of the northern town of Daanbantayan were rewarded with a catch of nearly 150 kilos of different kinds of fish.

Coined from the Filipino words “lambat” (net) and “baklad” (corral), the lambaklad uses a stationary huge fish trap laid down about 35 meters under the sea.

The lambaklad fishing net is 200 meters long and 40 meters wide.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar), in coordination with the Municipal Government, turned over the P2.65-million project to four fishermen’s associations last Feb. 19.

The beneficiaries were the Bakhawan Fishermen Association, the San Vicente Kauswagan Suba Fishermen Association, the San Roque Livelihood Fishermen Association and the Agujo United Fishermen Association.

On its first day of operation last Feb. 21, the lambaklad net caught 149.8 kilos of fish.

The fishermen set the lambaklad nets at 5 a.m. and pulled these out three hours later.

In its official Facebook page last Feb. 21, Daanbantayan said Mayor Vicente Loot had sought Bfar’s assistance after learning that neighboring towns were practicing a better fishing method.

Aside from Bfar officials, also present during the turnover ceremony were Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura, Municipal Councilors Ali Abucay and Bridgette Tancawan and Municipal Agriculturist Maria Lina Jugan. (RTF)