THE regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has started distributing bangus fry collecting gear and paraphernalia to fry gatherers in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Al-zath Kunting, BFAR regional director, said first to receive bangus fry collecting gear and paraphernalia were the wild bangus fry gatherers from the village of Mampang and the fishpond operators’ association in Sitio Mala, Bolong village, Zamboanga City.
Each of the Mampang bangus fry gatherers and fishpond operators’ association in Mala, Bolong received five sets of livelihood interventions. They received the sets of interventions on Friday, September 8.
Kunting said each set contains 10 meters of white fine-meshed netting, two pieces of white plastic basins, one piece of white plastic pail, one piece of white plastic saucer, plastic strainer and sieve, plastic dipper, small scoop net, styrobox and blue plastic drum.
Kunting said it is part of the implementation of the National Bangus Development Program (NDBP). This is projected to produce more than 300,000 wild bangus fry annually per set.
The NBDP does not only aims to increase fry production by providing gear to wild bangus fry gatherers but also supports their livelihoods, promotes sustainable fishing practices, and contributes to the preservation of fisheries resources and the well-being of the fisher folk beneficiaries.
Kunting said that a total of 109 sets of fry collecting gears and paraphernalia will be distributed in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
“To fulfill the rising demand for bangus, it is important to increase fry output,” Kunting said.
He added that one viable strategy is to optimize the collection of bangus fry using proper gear and the efficient distribution of necessary equipment to fisher folk that can have a substantial impact on their productivity. (SunStar Zamboanga)