Over 1M metric tons of fish transported by DA offices amid COVID-19 crisis

The Department of Agriculture's regional field offices moved over a million tons of  of fish and other aquaculture products across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a virtual press conference, Agriculture assistance secretary Noel Reyes said the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources transported a total 1,069,434 metric tons if such products over the past few months.

The BFAR has also issued 65,493 local transport permits with a total volume of 165,740 MT of fishery products from March 14 to June 26.

The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, meanwhile, has unloaded a total of 191,299 MT of fish since March 23.

BFAR national assistant director Nestor Domenden also said the agency was able to distribute 75 million fingerlings to 8,850 fish farmers or fishpond and cage operators amid the health crisis.

Meanwhile, a total of 229,092 kilograms of seaweed propagules were provided for 1,412 seaweed farmers.

Domenden also said 202 techno-demo projects were delivered to 295 members of fisheries associations, while 2,014 fishing gears were distributed among 1,284 municipal fisherfolk. -NB, GMA News