BFAR lays out programs for sustainable fish production amid high fuel prices

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has laid out programs to ensure sustainable fish production despite the challenges from the high prices of fuel, its official said on Tuesday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, BFAR chief information officer Nazzer Briguera said the agency was aiming to make the country self-sufficient when it came to fish supplies.

“Layunin ng ahensya na masiguro natin ang sustinableng produksyon ng pagkain lalo na ngayon po na talagang nakikita natin yung hamon panahon patungkol po sa food production,” he said.

(The goal of the agency is to ensure sustainable production of food especially now that we have challenges in food production.)

Briguera said BFAR had a capacity-building program that included providing bigger boats for small fisherfolk so they can cover more distant areas and catch more fish.

For aquaculture, the bureau also keeps on increasing broodstocks to have more available fingerlings for fish farmers.

Briguera said these programs would ensure there would be enough supply of fish and seafood in the markets.

Earlier, BFAR said that it expected the Marcos administration to prioritize its livelihood program and aquaculture development efforts.

The bureau also hoped that the Marcos administration would invest in aquaculture development and strengthen the capacity of small fisheries. — DVM, GMA News