what’s inside? 2012 FishCon Week Program of Activities ECOFISH Project Launching 2012 Aqualink Highlights National Winners
Fish on the RED LIST Drawing/ Painting Contest Angry Fish Essay Writing Contest
contents BFAR celebrates 49th Fish Conservation Week
Schedule of Activities
Awardees Fish on the RED LIST Drawing / Painting Contest Winners Angry Fish Essay Writing Contest Winners 2012 Aqualink Highlights ECOFISH Project Launching Codex Committee considers biological methods for marine biotoxin tests BFAR Human Resource Development Program New Fisheries Administrative Orders
The FishCon Week Logo highlights the Philippiine sailfish (Istiophorus orientalis) which is part of the central motiff of the BFAR logo. Highly sought after by game fishers for its elusiveness in oceanic waters, the sailfish swims near the water surface in groups of few fishes and with their tails protruding upward. The fish is characterized by its high, sail-like dorsal fins, thus its name. The fish breeds in Philippine waters but is also found in almost all seas worldwide. However, its population appears to be decreasing in some parts of the country prompting the BFAR in collaboration with the LGUs in Siargao (touted as the sail fish fishing capital of the country) to jumpstart the formulation of the Sailfish Management Plan. The undertaking is being speraheaded by the Capture Fisheries Technology Division. FishCon logo design Joel Emmanuel A. Manalo
ADVISORY BOARD Atty. Asis G. Perez Director
Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios, Jr.
Asst. Director for Administrative Services
EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief: Melannie R. Guerra Writers/Junior Editors: Kaye Kirsteen Mendoza and Kristine May B. Borbon Lay-out and Design: Michelle B. Suva Graphics: Joel A. Manalo and Randy M. dela Cruz Circulation: Glaiza R. Hernandez and Jennifer M. Turallo Photography: J. Manalo, Jovencio C. Rulloda, Jr., Marlo Demoos, M. Suva, R. dela Cruz and Regional Information Officers Regional Advisers/ Regional Directors Lilibeth Signey (OIC) Nestor D. Domenden Jovita P. Ayson Remedios E. Ongtangco Esmeralda Paz D. Manalang Ruben J. Jardin Dennis V. del Soccorro Drusila Esther E. Bayate Andres M. Bojos Juan D. Albaladejo Ahadulla S. Sajili Visa T. Dimerin Fatma M. Idris Ambutong K. Pautong Nerio G. Casil Janice D. Musali Regional Information Officers Paul Joseph Nuval Remely Lachica / Francis Greg Buccat Max Prudencio / Gene Baquiran Lanie Lamyong Merlinna Fontanilla / Richard Escudero Ronaldo Canabe / Kathleen Ann Hilotin Janice Ragur / Joel Abalayan Alma Saavedra Gesselle Frances Zeta / Jimmy Salamida Pilar Ilagan / Divina Ignacio Noel Saldajeno / Clifford Reyes Enrica Patricia Araullo Omar Sabal Jesieca Babatid Farhana Usman The Fish files magazine is published by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and distributed free of charge to interested individuals and institutions associated with fisheries and aquatic resources. You may send contributions to: The Editor, Fish Files Magazine PCA Compound, Elliptical Road, Diliman Quezon City Email: dabfar_iprg@yahoo.com murguerra2002@yahoo.com
EDITOR’s NOTE Celebrating 49 years of resource protection and conservation thru strengthening of partnerships This issue of the BFAR Fish Files puts on center stage the major activities of the bureau in this year’s observance of the Fish Conservation Week or Linggo ng Pangisdaan. The week-long event emphasizes the importance of strengthening partnerships along with the theme “Maunlad na pangisdaan makakamtan sa matatag na baliktan”. At the national office, two major undertakings underpinning the importance of such partnership had been conceptualized. These include the First Fisheries Industry Symposium dubbed as Ugnayan para sa Maunlad na Pangisdaan and the Stakeholders’ Fellowship Night. Both are seen as avenues to rekindle and reinforce the value of working together to ensure that the health of the resources, specially the aquatic habitats, are taken into account in all developmental equations. After all, improving fish productivity is only possible with sustainable resource management. This is also the very goal aimed at in the 5-year BFAR-USAID project dubbed as ECOFISH Project or Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries that will be launched on Oct. 17. The project will be implemented in 8 marine key biodiversity areas throughout the country. Such partnership is further expanded to include also the youth and the educational institutions in awareness-building. Surprisingly, students from the Cordilleras figured very well in the competittions coveting the top prizes for the essay writing and painting contests. Also highlighted in this issue are the interventions currently being undertaken by the BFAR for human resource development, both for the agency and the LGUs. In adddition, highlights of the recently concluded 2012 Agrilink/Foodlink/ Aqualink are also presented with abstracts of paper presentation during the BFAR seminar series provided. There is much more information assembled in this issue that readers could dig in and learn from. Worth noting is that the program of activities for this 49th year of celebration are all captured in this edition for austerity and posterity reasons.
Thrusts and Programs 4 4
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Thrusts and Programs 6 6
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“Ating panatilihin ang kalusugan ng natitira pang yamang-tubig at gumawa ng pamamaraan upang maibalik sa dati ang sigla ng mga nasirang likas na yaman. Sa ganitong paraan masisiguro natin ang tunay na paglago ng ating pangisdaan.� Atty. Asis G. Perez Director, DA-BFAR
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Emcee: Ms. Ada Korina Togonon
8:00-9:00 Registration 9:00-10:00 Opening Program
TIME
TOPIC
10:00-10:15
ECOSYSTEMS APPROACH TO FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Nygiel Armada, Ph.D Tetra Tech
10:16-10:30
INTEGRATED LAKE BASIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Ms. Adelaida Palma BFAR-NIFTC
10:31-12:00
OPEN FORUM
12:01-1:00
DAY 1 October 18, 2012
PRESENTOR
Moderator:
Mr. Sammy A. Malvas
LUNCH
10:44-10:59
INVASIVE AND INTRODUCED ALIEN SPECIES
Benjamin Vallejo, Ph.D UP-MSI
11:00-11:15
FISH FEED MILLERS (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Philip L. Ong President, Santeh Feeds Corp.
11:16-11:31
REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS (RFMOs)
Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios, Jr. Asistant Director for Administrative Services, BFAR
1:01-1:16
TAAL LAKE MANAGEMENT
Gov. Vilma Santos Province of Batangas
1:17-1:32
SEASONAL FISH CLOSURE
Mayor Jose Jono C. Jumamoy Municipality of Inabanga, Bohol
1:33-1:48
OPEN FORUM
Moderator:
Ms. Sandra Arcamo
1:49-2:04
LAW ENFORCEMENT PROTOCOLS
Mr. Relly Garcia LEQRT Officer
2:05-2:20
FISH TRADE UNDER NEW GLOBAL ECONOMIC ORDER
Atty. Annaliza A. Vitug Chief, FRQD
2:21-2:36
OPEN FORUM
Moderator:
Ms. Sandra Arcamo
2:37-2:52
SNACKS
2:53-3:08
ORGANIC AQUACULTURE
Ms. Ma. Luisa Barcia Focal Point Person Organic Aquaculture
3:09-3:24
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AQUASILVICULTURE PROGRAM
Ms. Abigail M. Javier Training Specialist NBATRC
3:25-3:40
MARICULTURE PARK DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Ms. Ma. Ethel G. Llana Scientist II, Scientific Career System Consultant, BFAR-ADOTech
3:41-3:56
MARKET DRIVEN FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Ms. Pilar F. Fontelar, Ph.D. Chief , FIDSD
3:57-4:30 4:31-5:00
OPEN FORUM Closing Remarks
Moderator:
Mr. Nemencio Arevalo
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TIME
PRESENTOR
9:42-9:57
BANGUS (Industry Status Report)
9:58-10:13
TILAPIA (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Rene G. Tayag Founding Chairman/President Tilapia Industry Council
10:14-10:29
TUNA INDUSTRY COUNCIL
TUNA INDUSTRY COUNCIL Engr. Augusto G. Natividad Philippine Tuna Industry Counci
10:30-10:45 10:46-11:16
SNACKS OPEN FORUM
Moderator:
Atty. Benjamin Tabios, Jr.
11:17-11:32
SEAWEEDS (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Andrew C. Wee President Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines
11:33-11:48
PANGASIUS (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Ruel V. Eguia Philippine Pangasius Industry
11:49-12:00
OPEN FORUM
12:01-1:00
DAY 2 October 19, 2012
TOPIC
Moderator:
Atty. Benjamin Tabios, Jr.
LUNCH
1:01-1:16
SHRIMPS (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Roberto A. Gatuslao President, Philshrimp
1:17-1:32
MUD CRABS (Industry Status Report)
Engr. Jose Seward S. Sapalo Country Manager Kingdom Prize Seafood Inc., Philippines
1:33-2:04
TRACEABILITY OF FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS
Engr. Salvador P. Magbanua, Jr. Plant Manager, Big Glory Bay Salmon and Seafood Company Inc
2:05-2:20
OPEN FORUM
Moderator:
Isidro Velayo
2:21-2:36
MUNICIPAL FISHING (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Rafael P. Olivera Assistant Secretary, PAMPANO
2:37-3:00
COMMERCIAL FISHING (Industry Status Report)
Mr. Angel N. Buan Secretary-General Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations
3:01-3:16 3:17-3:32
OPEN FORUM
Moderator:
Isidro Velayo
SNACKS
3:33-3:48
SARDINE and TUNA LARVAL ASSESSMENT
Mr. Rafael Ramiscal NMFDC
3:49-4:04
HATCHERIES
Mr. Ramon M. Macaraig Chief of the Technical Division Processing Unit, Alcantara Group
4:05-4:20
LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES (coastal municipalities)
Mayor Donato D. Marcos National President League of Municipalities of the Philippines
4:21-4:41 4:42-5:00
OPEN FORUM Closing Remarks
Moderator:
Isidro Velayo
General News 10 2218
GAWAD PASASALAMAT Bureau of Customs (BOC) Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon (CGDNELZN) Coast Guard Education and Training Command (CGETC) Local Government Unit of Capalonga, Camarines Norte Negros Prawn Producers Coop. Ocean Adventure (Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium) Philippine Coast Guard Philippine Navy-Naval Special Operations Group (NavSOG) Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau Department of Interior and Local Government Philippine National Police League of Municipalities of the Philippines NGOs For Fisheries Reform USAID-Dept of Energy and Environment Office WorldFish
GAWAD PAGKILALA Alsons Aquaculture Asian Social Institute DA/BFAR MCS 3009 Gingoog Bay Alliance Institute of Social Order Kilusan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Lawa ng Taal (KMMLT) Local Government Unit of Claveria, Cagayan Local Government Unit of Mangudadatu, Maguindanao Local Government Unit of Parang, Maguindanao Local Government Unit of Tangalan, Aklan Macajalar Bay Development Alliance (MBDA) Malabon National High School (MNHS) ECO-MARINO MFARMC LGU-Bacoor National Power Corp. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Marine Biotoxin Testing Center, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Mabini cor. Bilbao Streets, Roxas City, Capiz Provincial Govt of Leyte - Leyte Marine Biotoxins Testing Center LMP Tawi-Tawi Chapter Task Force: Sagip Karagatan of San Fernando City, La Union
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GAWAD PASASALAMAT ABS-CBN CORP. (Channel 2) News and Current Affairs Division GMA Network, Inc. (Channel 7 ) National Broadcasting Network (Channel 4) Net 25 (Ch. 25) Sonshine Media Network International TV 5 News and Public Affairs Division DWIZ 882 Todong Lakas! DWWW 774 The Premiere Station DZAR Sonshine Radio 1026 DZBB 594 Super Radyo DZEC Radyo ng Pamilya 1062 Nationwide DZIQ Radyo Inquirer 990 DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 DZRB Radyo ng Bayan 738 DZRH Nationwide 666 DZRJ 810 The Voice of The Philippines DZXL Radyo Mo Nationwide! 558 Veritas 846 Radyo Totoo Abante Business Mirror Business World Malaya Manila Bulletin Manila Standard Today People’s Journal Philippine Daily Inquirer Remate Sun Star Taliba The Daily Tribune The Manila Times The Philippine Star
Conservation / Protection 128
What is the ECOFISH Project?
1. THE ECOFISH PROJECT. The Ecosystems Improved for
Sustainable Fisheries (ECOFISH) Project is a five year (20122017) partnership project of the DA-BFAR and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
2.
3.
4.
THE FISH Project. ECOFISH follows the highly successful 7-year Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest (FISH) Project (2003-2010) which demonstrated that decline in fisheries resources can be arrested if not reversed, with appropriate management measures. Working in four(4) Project sites-Calamianes Group of Islands, Danajon Bank in Bohol, Surigao del Sur and Tawi-Tawi—the FISH Project showed that effecting changes in exploitation patterns can yield positive biophysical results and that improved fisheries management can happen with proactive local governance and stakeholder engagement. Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBAs). The ECOFISH Project builds and expands on the many effective elements of the FISH Project and including previous FISH Project sites. It covers eight (8) marine key biodiversity areas (MKBAs) in the country,namely: (1) Calamianes Group of Islands; (2) Lingayen Gulf; (3) Ticao Pass-Lagonoy Gulf-San Bernardino Strait; (4) Danajon Reef; (5) South Negros; (6) Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte; (7) Sulu Archipelago and; (8) Verde Island Passage.
Biodiversity Hotspots. These MKBA’s represent all six marine bio-regions of the Philippines and were selected due to their extremely high need for marine biodiversity conservation, being Philippine hotspots that mirror nationwide the issues impacting capture fisheries in the county:
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”Bingwitin ang mailap na ”
Pag-asa
“ Bigyan ng halaga ang likha ng Maykapal. Handog Niya sa sangkatauhan, isang karangalan na madama ang pagmamahal Niya sa lahat.” Tatlong-kapat na bahagi ng ibabaw ng mundo ay nababalot ng katubigan. Siyamnapu’t pitong (97%) porsiyento nito ay tubig-alat, at tatlong porsiyento (3%) ay tubig-tabang. Sa katubigang nakakandong sa mundo, iba-ibang uri ng isda at lamang-dagat ang naninirahan dito. Sa pusod ng karagatan, magpapamangha sa iyo ang makulay na animoý paraiso. Subalit isang katotohanan ang nakakubli sa tinuturing na paraiso sa kailaliman. Sa katunayan, ang Pilipinas ay may 280 na uri ng isdang malayo sa aplaya, at may 65 katutubong uri. Samutsaring mga nilalang na naninirahan sa karagatan ng bansa. Ngunit sa pagdaan ng panahon, may 29 na uri ng isda na sa kasalukuyang nalalagay sa “red list” o yaong mga nanganganib o mas kilala sa katawagang “endangered”. Sa mga uring ito, libu-libo ang mga species na nagbabadyang maubos. Ito ay hudyat na humantong na tayo sa estado ng pagpapabaya. Nakakaalarma... nakakabahala. Nakapangingilabot isiping tayong mga tao ang may kagagawan. Ngunit sa abang sitwasyong ito, may boses na sa ati’y tumatawag. Boses na
puno ng silakbo ng damdamin...boses na puno ng pag-aalala. Bagaman atin itong naririnig, handa ba tayong tugunan ito? Gaano pa ba kalakas na pagtawag ang kinakailangan natin upang mamulat tayo sa ating ulirat at matutong sagipin itong “nalulunod” na mga isda at pigilan ang tuluyan nialng pamamaalam? Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit untiunting nalalagas ang lahi ng mga isda ay dahil sa sukdulang panghuhuli o ang tinatawag na “over fishing”. Taon-taon, napakaraming isda ang naitatalang nahuhuli sa karagatan ng bansa. Madalas, napapabilang dito ang mga nanganganib na mga uri. Dahil sa sobrang pangingisda, nauubos ang populasyon ng mga ito. Dala na rin ng likas na paghahangad ng tao, hindi sila tumitigil o nakukuntento ng karaniwan lamang kundi ang higit o sobra-sobra. Mayroong mga inilabas na kampanya laban sa sobrang pangingisda at ang ating magagawa ay ang pagsuporta rito. May mga kabataang aktibo sa pagtutol sa sobrang panghuhuli at buogn pagmamalaking isiping mayroon pang nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit sa mga isda sa dagat. Sa bughaw na karagatan, nakahimlay na ang makukulay an hilera ng mga korales. Tahanan ito ng dalawampu’t
limang porsyento (25%) ng mga isda sa karagatan, ngunit nagsisilbi sa isang porsyento (1%) lamang sa ibabaw ng mundo. Sangktwaryo... ito ang pinakamahalagang lugar ng buong populasyon ng mga isda. Ngunit dahilan sa sobrang paghahangad ng taoý pati mga lamang dagat ay napagdidiskitahan. Muro ami ang tawag sa pagsira at pagdurog sa mga korales na nagiging sanhi ng unti-unting pagkaubos ng mga isda, at pangambang nanganganib. Silaý pinagdadamutan ng tahanan na tunay nilang kailangan upang lalong dadami at may matitira pa para bukas. Ano nga ba ang kaugnayan nito sa pangangalaga sa mga nanganganib na isda? Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na ang mga korales ang tahanan ng mga isda sa karagatan. Samakatuwid, upang mapanatili ang kanilang dami ay kinakailangan ring pangalagaan ang kanilang tahanan. Ang pangangalaga sa ecosystem ng mga korales sa dagat ay salik upang maging sapat ang kanilang dami at lahi. Napapangalagaan din nito ang balanseng biodiversity sa karagatan, upang masisiguro ang tiyak na pagpaparami ng mga isda. Plastik, bote ng tubig, supot ng pagkain at iba pang basuraý kadalasang matatagpuang lumulutang sa mga dagat
upang malayang magawa ang mga ipinagbabawal? May mga species ng balyena at pating at maging ang mga pagi na hinuhuli upang ibenta at ikalakal. Paano? Ang mga balat ng balyena at pating ay ginagawang mga gamit tulad ng bag, pitaka at iba pa. Ang mga pagi naman at iba pang species ng dolphins ay hinuhuli upang ipreserba para maibenta sa mga museo. At sa ilang milyong pagkakataon, ang dahilan nila sa pagdakip dito ay magkamal ng pera. Umuunlad at nagbabago na nga ang mundo at bihasa na tayo sa mga makabagong pamamaraan, ngunit kailangan bang isabay ang mga isda rito? Hindi maikakailang pera nga sa mga tone-toneladang isdang nahuhuli bawat araw. Ngunit ika nga...lahat ng bawal ay masarap gawin, at ito ang naging batayan ng ibang mangingisda sa mga paraang kanilang isinasagawa. Matagal nang ipinagbabawal ang panghuhuli ng mga nanganganib na isda upang ibenta, ngunti hanggang ngayoý talamak pa rin ito sa buong bansa. Mahirap bang unawain na lahat ng sobra ay masama? Kahit may Coastal Resouce Management o CRM na tinatawag ay tila wala pa ring nangyayari. Ang CRM ay nangangasiwa sa mga tao sa tamang gawain at hakbang sa pangingisda at ang pangangalaga sa mga ito. Ito na nga,susunod na lamang tayo sa batas ay mahirap pang isasagawa? Marahil ay hinihintay na lamang natin na larawan na lang nila ang maging katibayan na silaý nabuhay...na kwento na lamang ang mayroon tayo upang ipabatid sa bagong salinlahi ang tungkol sa isdang ito...na magiging bahagi na lamang sila ng ating kasaysayan. Hindi ba tayo’y mga nilikha ng Diyos? Nilikha tayong may kani-kaniyang tungkulin. Sa atin ipinagkatiwala ang lahat ng nilalang sa mundong ibabaw. Ngunit dala ng ating pagiging manhid at ang pagiging makasarili ay nakakaligtaan nating isabuhay ang tinatawag na “pagkukusa”. Mapalad tayo kung tutuusin dahil hindi makapagsasalita itong mga isdang ating isinasantabi. Ito marahil ang dahilan kung bakit natin sila patuloy na isinasawalangbahala. Hindi kinakailangang marami ang umaksyon. Aanhin mo ang libo-libong tao kung iilan lang naman ang kusa at continuation on page 32
15 15 Trish Mae C. Molinos
na nagiging sanhi ng pagkakaroon ng nakasusulasok na amoy. Bagamat ito’y nasa ibabaw ng karagata’y nagdudulot naman ito ng negatibong epekto sa mga isda sa kailaliman. Ang Water Pollution Control ay batas na itinalaga upang mapahinto ang maling pagtatapon ng basura, at pagdadaloy ng likidong maaring maging dahilan ng tuluyang paglaho ng mga likas-yaman o mga duming nagmumula sa mga pabrika at mga tahanan. Ngunit bialng taong biniyayaan ng Diyos ng talino ihambing sa mga hayop at iba pang nilalang, bakit ba patuloy tayong nagiging mangmang at nagbingi-bingihan sa mga nangyayari sa kanila? Kahit pagbabasa ng mga nakapaskil na “BAWAL MAGTAPON NG BASURA RITO” ay mahirap unawain. Magkaroon naman tayo ng puso sa mga isda. Naturingan pa naman tayong nakakaangat sa kanila, ngunit lumalabas na nagiging baliktad pa ang pangyayari upang sila’y sagipin. Ang mga dilis o Ronquilo’s anchovy, barracudas, pating, balyena, pagi... ito’y ilan lamang sa mga species na nagbabadyang mamaalam sa ating karagatan. Ang madalas ring dahilan ng kanilang pagkonti ay ang mga ilegal na paraan ng pangingisda. Ang paggamit ng dinamita’y isang kongkretong halimbawa. Mula Appari hanggang Jolo, libo-libong mga bangka ang pumapalaot at nanghuhuli sa banye-banyerang isda gamit lamang ang dinamita. Oo nga naman, kung pera lang din naman ang katumbas nito’y bakit hindi? Ngunit ang buhay ng mga nilalang na itoý walang katumbas na halaga. Matagal nang ipinagbabawal ang operasyon ng pangingisda sa distansiyang pitong kilometro mula sa baybayin ngunti tila nakakaligtaan pa rin itong sundin. Kaakibat ntio ang R.A. 8550 o Fisheries Code ng Pilipinas na nagbabawal ng ilegal na paraan ss panghuhuli ng mga isda, pangangasiwa ng tamang laki ng mga lambat at ang pagtatalaga ng mga multa at kaukulang penalidad tuwing nahuhuling gumagamit ng dinamita. Eh, magbabayad ka pa ba kung pwede mo namang maiwasang gawin ito? Ewan ko nga ba kung bakit nagpapakahirap tayo sa pangangalap ng pera, ngunit isinasawalang-bahala natin ang perang nagagasta sa tuwing tayo’y nagmumulta. Magbibingi-bingihan lamang ba tayo
“ Bigyan ng halaga ang likha ng Maykapal. Handog Niya sa sangkatauhan, isang karangalan na madama ang pagmamahal Niya sa lahat.”
General News
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The Fish Song: A Track That Needs To Be Changed Now Playing: Philippine endemic and common fish species are gradually becoming endangered and continuously being threatened of their survival. The Rewind: Filipinos discovered the art of fishing and eventually it became one of their primary livelihoods due to the abundant marine natural resources in the country. The Fast-forward: Fishing will be gone due to the mass extinction of fishes leading to the loss of sea-based lives. Now, what’s with the sudden change of tone in the country’s fishing industry? There must be something that happened in the middle, something happening now. The present is the bridge and chorus that connects the past and the future. And the change is not sudden, instead it is gradual. These slow-paced changes may be the reason why people do not feel the grave transformations now playing. If Filipinos will keep on playing the same song, the ending may not sound as good as the beginning. There’s only one thing left to do: change the track NOW. The Philippine waters are more than just sources of income for the country, they are the Filipinos’ source of life. The Philippines is an archipelago with 7, 107 islands whose exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles (370km)
from its shores. There’s no surprise that over a million Filipinos engage in the fishing business. In 2008, Philippines got 6th place for being one of the top fish producing countries in the world with a production of 4.97 million metric tons of fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants. The country’s marine ecosystem is one of the most diverse with rare and endemic species. Although natural resources are rich, these jewels of the sea do not last for long. Several factors contribute to this wipe out, making fish species vulnerable, threatened and endangered of becoming extinct. Soon, these fishes will be wiped out if authorities, together with the people do not take proper precautions and actions to end the acts that endanger marine species. Surprisingly, familiar fish species usually found in the Filipino table are eventually becoming vulnerable as well. Dilis or bolinao (Stolephorus ronquilloi , English: Ronquillos’ anchovy) is an endemic species to the Philippine waters, specifically known from Binmaley, Manat River and Manila Bay, Cavite. In IUCN’s (International Union for Conservation of
Nature) version 3.1 of the Red List, dilis was categorized as vulnerable due to its small population. Another familiar fish is lapu-lapu (Epinephelus malabaricus, English: Grouper) which is an expensive and valued fish with fast-growing demands in the international market. But according to fish experts, supply of this fish is constantly collapsing. An indication is that 60% of the fish from Palawan, where most of the spawning areas of lapu-lapu can be found, are juveniles. Baby fishes are illegal to catch since doing this do not allow them to reach their full maturity and the reproduction factors they could contribute to their species throughout their lifetime are cut off. But desperate lapu-lapu fishers must have used up all means and in the end turn to capture juveniles. It’s a sign that adult lapu-lapu’s are already badly overexploited. Even though dilis and lapu-lapu are fish species which were reported to be potentially endangered, it’s alarming that still no major conservation measures are implemented by authorities regarding the issue. On the other end, one saving act of the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) was its issuing, in
including endangered and threatened species, thrive. With 27,000 sq. km. of coral reef areas, the Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle, a region between the Pacific and Indian Oceans that homes to 75% species of plants and animals along coral reefs. But these reefs which serve as homes in ocean face threats of being endangered and extinct as well. In addition, illegal coral trades are also rampant within the country. Protecting coral reefs must also be given attention because it is one of the key elements in protecting marine wild life. Aside from direct factors that endangers fish species in the country, other anthropogenic factors indirectly work as well. Poor land-use and watershed management causing sedimentations, sewage discharges, debris and garbage from water transport vehicles, thermal pollution, chemical pollution, and oil spills are all hazardous to the marine environment, bringing harm to its inhabitants. Locally and globally, uncontrollable factors and natural phenomena such as typhoons, El niño, tidal seasons, and climate change contribute to the changes in the ocean circulation, tsunamis, and other meteorological events. These changes affect the shapes the coastal landscapes and ecosystems, thus imposing probable threats on the ocean life forms. El Niño for example, inflicted the Philippines in 2009 and 2010 which brought great catastrophes including fish kills. Extreme water temperatures became intolerable for fishes and eventually caused their deaths. Now that the current problem within the song playing in the Philippine’s fishing industry are identified, the next step is to take action. But who should be responsible for this? Who should act to help protect and conserve the threatened and endangered fish species in the archipelago? The answer is simple: YOU. Doing this is not an act of heroism, but rather an act of surviving. It is your obligation, as a surviving species, to help turn things around for the endangered fishes. It is time to harmonize the corrupted marine ecosystem with a song ending that will satisfy its listeners. Since not all people are knowledgeable of or share any concerns
17 17 Danielle Elisha F. Ching
coordination with NFARMC (National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council), of the Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208 Series of 2001 pursuant to Section 11 and 97 of R.A. No. 8550. This order prohibits the fishing or taking of the species listed in the CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) appendices, including species of shellfishes, scallops, clams, crabs, sea snakes, whales, and dolphins. Those who offend this order may be sentenced to 12-20 years of imprisonment, charged with a fine of Php 120,000, or both. These kinds of orders are just the first steps in conserving threatened and endangered fish species. The problem is not the provision, but rather the implementation. Without strict delivery of the rules, in the end, such an order will become just another useless decoration to the constitution. Authorities must work on a more systematic way of implementation. Some people, although aware of the law and the damage their methods are making, still pursue their unlawful acts, and there’s a reason why. With the commercialization of the Philippine fishing industry, foreign investors and corporations who have the capacity to avail advanced fishing machineries and equipment started exploiting the territorial waters of the country. This threatened the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen who use traditional and low-cost fishing techniques. They are estimated to be 800,000 in number, and competing with the tycoons seems impossible. As a result, some gave up their original jobs while most resolve to alternative fishing methods. These operations include cyanide fishing, deep water trawling, and muro-ami, which are all damaging and dangerous. In order to sustain their means in short terms, these fishermen gamble their own health and welfare. Usual methods used by illegal fishers are destructive. They double the danger they bring endangered fishes by capturing them, and at the same time harming their environment. Cyanide fishing, for example, allows instant capture of fish by dumping cyanide to the target site and stunning the fish for easier catch. It also brings permanent degradation to coral reefs, where most aquatic life forms,
in knowing the rare, threatened, and endangered Philippine fish species, black market trades easily go off the hook. Some fishermen who are not properly informed may be violating the law without knowing it. Wet market vendors who are supplied with rare sea delicacies may not be aware that they are selling endangered fishes. Consumers who buy expensive sea foods from unauthorized stalls and eat rare fishes from restaurants may contribute in the extinction of prized sea jewels together with their prized bill. In the continuation on page 32
Technology in Focus 18 12
The Ocean s Plight ,
There are many fishes in the sea, as the cliché goes, but are there? In a world populated by more than 7 billion people, things-alive or not, are impossible to last long. Today, we face the greatest threat of all time, the global destabilization and impending destruction of the ecosystem. In this age of human, greed, and gluttony, we rarely notice the surrounding environment we stand on. Only looking ahead, never giving a thought of the little communities of life we trample on. Humans, by their activities, have increased the extinction rate of the world’s species by up a thousand times! Every life on earth, plant or animal, is no longer safe. The Philippines, is considered to be the epicentre of the so-called “CoralTriangle”, houses thousands of fish species and coral reefs, but due to poor marine management and disregard of life, is now slowly being destroyed. The Philippines once teemed with ocean life, but now, it gets rarer and rarer for schools of fish to be sighted in our waters. It gets harder for our fishermen to scratch up a living. Little by little, hundreds of fish species go closer to the brink of extinction. According to a website called Ocean Sentry, 90 percent of the sea species at the top position in the marine ecosystem’s food chain or the biggest predators, such as tuna, cod, sword fish and sharks have practically been eliminated or are
in a situation of critical decline. With their disappearance, the balance of the marine ecosystem is left unchecked. As their species vanish, the population of smaller fish such as sardines, pollack, and mackerel escalate. Currently, tons of these small fish are being captured and supplied to fish farms and about 7 out of the 10 biggest fisheries of the world, are barely leaving 20% of these species as food for their predators. Not only are the fish devolving and disappearing, but they are also, though indirectly, starved. But not only are the coastal waters in danger of destruction, but the problem has also reached inland. Freshwater fishes are also struggling to survive. Take for example the “ludong”, a freshwater fish that is endemic to the Cagayan Valley region. Reputably known as the most expensive fish in the Philippines, selling 4,000-5,000 pesos per kilo, it is now on the brink of extinction. Throughout the years, the population of ludong has drastically declined due to unprecedented poaching, making the fish more elusive and expensive. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), no ludong had been caught in 2002 and 2003. BFAR has also reported that its size has decreased from 2.4 kilograms in 1998 to a quarter of a kilo in 2001. Currently, Ludong fishing is banned in Cagayan. The months of December, January, and
February are especially crucial as ludong are expected to migrate upstream after spawning, bringing with them fry that can still propagate its entire population if not caught by illegal poachers. With the mass disappearance and scarcity of hundreds of fish species, bigger predators are forced to compete with each other and against large and industrialized fishing vessels, ending up with them dying. With the destabilization of the marine ecosystem, things go down to a domino effect. The disappearances of these vital species are the cause of the decrease of others, such as seabirds and sea mammals which are vulnerable to their lack of food. Scientists have warned of a severe malnutrition caused by the lack of food for sea predators such as dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions and birds which make them more susceptible to illnesses and leaving them without enough energy to reproduce or they simply die. There are many reasons of the extinction of various fish species. Illegal methods of fishing are the most widespread of them, especially “blast fishing”, the use of dynamite to either stun or kill schools of fish. Not only is this method disastrous to fish and their natural habitat, the coral reefs, but also to the fishermen themselves. There have been numerous reports of deaths from dynamite fishing, but humans keep on doing it. Is
having to consider protected species as they proceed with their construction and operations. A method called “fish farming” has recently risen up, particularly to the Cordilleras. BFAR has said that “Aquaculture”, is viable in Cordillera. More and more Cordilleran entrepreneurs are venturing into fish farming such as the culture of ‘tilapia’, ‘hito’ (mudfish), fresh water prawn, ‘yuyu’ and ‘Pangasius.’ Currently, BFAR has programs to help would be entrepreneurs, such as training, technical assistance and in ensuring the availability of ‘inputs’ (fingerlings) for their fish farm. All Cordillera provinces, BFAR announced, have a provincial fishery officer for any interested individual to approach and show their business proposal and proposed project sites so that it could be evaluated in terms of feasibility. Also, to ensure that fish farmers would have a proper and well equipped venue to sell their products, BFAR is venturing into establishing the “Bagsakan ng Isda sa Barangay” project. Another possible way of prevention is following the law. Not only are you free from trouble and risk of being arrested, but you are also safe from harm. Illegal methods of fishing have more or less resulted in several accidents or worse, deaths. Laws are made to keep balance, and to keep you safe from certain idiocies you enjoy doing. Another great method is planning. Being able to balance human consumption with a species’ rate of reproduction is a hard work indeed. But with simple methods such as letting younger ones go free from the net ensures that the cycle will continue. Building artificial coral reefs also gives fishes places to live and reproduce, again ensuring that the cycle will continue. But one of the most effective way of preventing extinction is being patient and responsible. Patience is a virtue that helps humans by giving them the necessary time to analyse and think things through to arrive on a possible and sensible decision, whether it be negative or positive. Responsibility gives humans the understanding and watchfulness to their surroundings, letting them notice the effects or changes that their presence make. Being patient enough as to wait for certain species to reproduce and continuation on page 32
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Cole Philip B. Salao
it from desperation or are humans really that indifferent, not only to other species, but also to themselves? Overfishing is one other cause for scarcity of some fish species. Overfishing takes place when a certain species of fish is caught at a faster rate than it could reproduce, which results in an unstable ecosystem that involves a massive reorganization of the ocean which could result with unknown consequences in the ocean’s balance of life. Scientists have also estimated that overfishing continuous at such a rate, certain species of fish become extinct by the year 2048. Another major cause of fish extinction is pollution. Every day, tons of wastes are deposited in the ocean waters. From simple garbage thrown by an indifferent tourist to the highly lethal and toxic wastes that industrial buildings are so fond of dumping to different bodies of water. All of these reasons cover up the real cause of the problem- human ignorance and disregard of life. Too busy making own places in the world, humans won’t stop until their hunger for power is satiated. They would do everything to reach their goals, even if it’s the massacre of whole species. But aren’t we making far larger damage on ourselves than on the animals? Every day, tons of polluted fish are hauled and sold to the market and in turn bought and eaten. Humans unwittingly destroy their own selves from what they themselves have caused. There are many ways to prevent the extinction of not only fish species but of others, plant or animal. Mitigation is one of them. Mitigation is the process of trying to replace something that has been lost. When a commercial interest plans to destroy an environment, for example to drain a marsh, build a dam, or build close enough to a water body that its health will be endangered, environmental protection agencies are called in to evaluate the situation and use federal and state law to assist endangered species. Mitigation, as a concept, was written into environmental laws in an effort to provide flexibility in cases where human interests simply had to prevail. Thus, even in worst-case scenarios, the environment might find some small benefit. But mitigation has since become a cheap, convenient way for companies to buy their way out of
“The marine ecosystem is one of the largest food producers in the world. Losing even a quarter of it can cripple the whole world.”
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Cover Story 22 26
Scenes at the BFAR Retail Cluster
Agriculture Secretary Proceso G. Alcala 3rd from L) leads the ribbon cutting to signify the opening of the 2012 Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink Exhibition and Seminars at the World Trade Center from October 4-6, 2012. The BFAR is represented by RD Remedios Ongtangco (1st from L) as Officer-in-Charge.
Randy Toston (BFAR 7) and Adan Diamante (NIFTC) explain recent developments in abalone and sea cucumber farming to former Sen. Magsaysay.
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Scenes at the BFAR Pavillion
BFAR Pavilion visitor, Avin Patrimonio
Sen. Francis Pangilinan with BFAR staff
Former Sen. Ramon Magsaysay Jr. with BFAR personnel
A. Diamante (NIFTC) discusses the threats from alien and invasive fish species to pavilion visitors
ABSTRACT
Conservation / Protection 24 10
Dr. Nelson Lopez (IFAD-BFAR) and Dr. Felix G. Ayson (SEAFDEC-AQD)
Levy Loreto L. Manalac (ASA-IM)
Dr. Adelaida Palma, BFAR-NIFTC)
Aurora P. Afalla (DMMMSU)
IMPROVING MILKFISH PRODUCTION IN BRACKISHWATER PONDS AND IN FISH CAGES BY PROPER FEEDING MANAGEMENT EG DE JESUS-AYSON AND FELIX G. AYSON Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC AQD) Tigbauan, Iloilo Milkfish production in the country continues to increase in the last decade. While the bulk of milkfish production is still coming from brackishwater (BW) ponds, production from the marine environment in fish cages has increased in the past years. The national government’s program (DABFAR) of establishing mariculture parks all over the country is the main reason for the increase in milkfish production in marine waters. The intensification of milkfish aquaculture operations, however, has led to some unexpected outcomes like the occurrence of fish kills in areas where they are heavily farmed. Furthermore, the occurrence of fish kills has become an annual event and seriously threatens the sustainability of the
operations. Seen as one of the major causes of fish kills is excessive feeding that leads to the deterioration of the water quality in the culture areas. In SEAFDEC AQD, we have grown milkfish to marketable size in BW ponds and in sea cages where feeding is done on alternate days. Although it takes a little bit longer to reach the marketable size of 400g-500g when fed on alternate days compared to everyday feeding, total biomass production is comparable in both groups. Because of the 50% reduction in the feed inputs in alternate day feeding, this system gives approximately 30% to 50% savings in production costs in sea cages and BW ponds, respectively. In addition, feeding on alternate days is more environment-friendly because of less wastage of feeds to the surrounding waters.
IMPROVING AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION WITH PROPER HEALTH MANAGEMENT LEVY LORETO L. MANALAC AND LUKAS MANOMAITIS
American Soybean Association International Marketing (ASA-IM) Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in the Philippines. However, although there is a need, and desire, to increase seafood production though aquaculture, the rapid intensification of aquaculture systems has typically led to increased disease in many of those same aquaculture systems. This has been seen both in controlled systems, such as ponds used for fish and shrimp, and for common water body systems, such as reservoirs, lakes and protected marine bays and estuaries. Typically producers will continue to increase production density until disease issues manifest themselves and culture is either stopped with that species (or in that area), or density is reduced to a level of culture that the disease issue is considered “managed” (where economic losses are
not considered a barrier to continued culture). We know already from other livestock industries that a better approach is to have a health management plan instead of constantly trying to treat disease, which is usually a symptom of something being done incorrectly in the production system. A health management plan requires understanding and careful management of the aquaculture value chain, starting from having good broodstock, managing hatcheries correctly, proper nursery and grow out technology and operations, using good quality feeds and having a trained staff. Where available and legal, vaccinations and properly used medication may also be part of an overall health plan. This paper will discuss some of the ways that a comprehensive health management plan may be put into place by looking at critical control points in the aquaculture production value chain.
UPDATES ON PANGASIUS BREEDING AND FARMING ADELAIDA PALMA Center Chief BFAR - National Inland Fisheries Technology Center
Pangasius is a high-value species suitable for aquaculture because of its fast growth, versatile feeding habit, hardiness and good meat quality. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources has set up the Guidelines for the Environmentally Sound Culture of Pangasius under FAO 243 encouraging its culture in land-based fishponds. Pangasius feeds low in the food chain making it highly suitable for organic aquaculture.
A Pangasius Industry Action Plan developed by BFAR and DTI is directed towards import substitution and value chain strategic objectives of 20% annual incremental production increase and import substitution until 2016 through expansion of aquaculture areas, market penetration, development of Philippine Pangasius brand and other value added products.
General News 3G AQUA FEEDS
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PHILLIP L. ONG President, Santeh Feeds Corporation
Aquaculture feeds that are now available maybe considered third generation feeds. Traditionally fish or shrimps were grown using only natural food that grows inside the pond such as algae. Later fish farmers started supplementing the natural food with externally sourced feed consisting of natural foodstuff that are largely unprocessed such as rice bran, tiny mollusks, trash fish and chicken entrails depending on what is being raised. Such natural feedstuff may be considered as the first generation feed. The use of such natural feed especially the trash fish and animal by-products posed problems in storage and delivery. Later it was found out that fish can also be fed dry form of feeds in pellet form. Pelletizing makes all the essential nutrients uniformly available in easy to ingest pellets. It also involves milling of the ingredients very finely in order to improve cohesion during the pelletizing process and thus make the pellet more stable. Milling the ingredients into a fine powder also makes them more digestible to the fish. Digestibility is also improved somewhat with 20% to 40% of the feed material cooked. The pelletized feeds maybe considered the second generation feed. Now, the feed industry has shifted to the third generation of feed through the process of extrusion. In the extrusion process, the moist feed is subjected to pre-conditioning with steam and high pressure before these are forced through dies to form pellets. The extrusion process machines makes possible engineering the feed for different degree of buoyancy from sinking and slow sinking to floating. The act of extrusion generates more heat which results in 75% to 100% of the feed ingredients being cooked instead of only less than 50%. It also reduces the anti growth factors in ingredients from plant origins such as soybean meal. With the high temperature the feed is effectively pasteurized thus removing harmful bacteria that may be present in the feed ingredients. Cooking improves digestibility of the feed. This results in more of the feed being converted to fish or shrimp meat and less being wasted as feces. The development of floating feeds for species which are capable of ingesting feeds that remain on the surface water makes it possible to monitor feed consumption more effectively. Extruded feed may be slightly more expensive per kilogram than ordinary pelletized feed. But the added expense is more than made up the lower FCR making it more cost effective aside from being more environmental-friendly.
Cover Story BIOTECHNOLOGY APPROACHES AS ALTERNATIVE TO
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MEDICATION IN AQUACULTURE APOLINARIO V. YAMBOT, Ph.D. Dean, College of Fisheries Central Luzon State University
High density in low volume aquaculture demands intense and comprehensive management to be profitable or face a risk of economic loss. Medications become a part of the measures in fish health management but posing risks to the environment and to the fish itself in addition to added cost of production especially when drugs are utilized as therapeutics. Alternatives to medications are therefore necessary to protect the environment, the fish and the profit of fishfarmers. The Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Fisheries of the Central Luzon State University is doing several studies focused on high-end researches. Molecular markers for different genes related to disease resistance and growth are being explored
that may contribute to breeding programme. Quantitative gene expression analysis is being carried out to assess the molecular effects of alternatives to medication and other drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms related to disease susceptibility in fish and shrimp are being determined using High Resolution Melting of a real time quantitative PCR. Immune related genes are continuously being screened and evaluated to determine their relevance to selection of individuals for breeding programme. Continuous isolation and molecular identification of bacterial pathogens are also being done for the purpose of developing polyvalent and multivalent vaccines for prevention against bacterial diseases. Other alternatives to medication are available and others are yet to be explored and evaluated.
PRODUCTIVITY BEYOND MEDICATION:
SEAWEED EXTRACTS AS NATURAL IMMUNOSTIMULANTS FOR AQUACULTURE FRANCIS N. BALETA, RFT, Ph.D. Isabela State University Palanan Campus Immunostimulants are chemical compounds that activate the immune system of animals and render them more resistant to infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Immunostimulants may be used prior to situations known to result in stress and impaired general performance of the aquatic organism (e.g. handling, change of temperature and environment, weaning of larvae to artificial feeds) or where there is an increase exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and parasites (e.g., high stocking density). An immunostimulant may also be beneficial for aquatic organisms if it is used prior to, or during, developmental phases where they are particularly susceptible to infectious agents. The most popular immunostimulants are components of bacterial cell wall, like lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or glucans (like the β-1,3 glucan), but synthetic compounds, polysaccharides, such as the complex carbohydrate structures (glycans) from various biological sources including seaweeds, other animal and plant extracts or vitamins can enhance the non-specific immune response of fish.
Several studies were conducted using these immunostimulants, which provides promising results. One of the promising sources of immunostimulants for aquaculture is the seaweeds. Seaweeds are macroscopic marine algae belonging to the Rhodophyceae (red), Phaeophyceae (brown) and Chlorophyceae (green). These are used in many countries as source of food, nutrients, industrial and pharmaceutical applications (including cosmetics and medicinal use), minerals, and as fertilizers. Research results demonstrated that some substances obtained from seaweeds, mainly of polysaccharides, can modify the immune response and increase protection against infectious diseases of commercially important finfish and crustacean for aquaculture. Seaweed extracts as immunostimulants may be administered via immersion (bath), injection, or by incorporating to the diets of the animals. However, efficiency of these natural immunostimulants is dependent upon the dose, time and method of administration, species, and physiological condition of the animal.
BANGUS BONE POWDER ENRICHED CANTON NOODLES AURORA P. AFALLA Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University
Immunostimulants are chemical compounds that activate the immune system of animals and render them more resistant to infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Immunostimulants may be used prior to situations known to result in stress and impaired general performance of the aquatic organism (e.g. handling, change of temperature and environment, weaning of larvae to artificial feeds) or where there is an increase exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and parasites (e.g., high stocking density). An immunostimulant may also be beneficial for aquatic organisms if it is used prior to, or during, developmental phases where they are particularly susceptible to infectious agents. The most popular immunostimulants are components of bacterial cell wall, like lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or glucans (like the β-1,3 glucan), but synthetic compounds, polysaccharides, such as the complex carbohydrate structures (glycans) from various biological sources including seaweeds, other animal and plant extracts or vitamins can enhance the non-specific immune response of fish. Several studies were conducted using these
ORGANIC AQUACULTURE MELCHOR TAYAMEN Center Chief, NFFTC
Growth, survival, and economic value of Organic Aquaculture freshwater species was conducted at BFAR-National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center, CLSU Compound, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija from June to November 2011. A 180-day culture period of extensive organic culture in freshwater pond of tilapia, ulang and catfish was conducted to determine growth performance, percentage survival and economic value, provided with formulated diet (25% fish meal, 75% rice bran D1), duckweed (Lemma spp) and Vermicast as organic fertilizer. Results showed that after 180 days of culture period, tilapia, ulang and catfish gained 180g, 50g and 170g respectively. Average survival rate were 85%, 75%, and 70% for the said three species. Water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH monitored during the culture period are within the desirable range for optimum growth of fish. However, the secchi disc visibility of the water
Francis Baleta, Ph. D. (ISU- Palanan Campus)
27 25
was far from the recommended range during the first and second month of culture, optimum SDV remains stable on the third month onward. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of planktons shows that green algae were dominant among treatments with a mean of 18,000 cell/ml. The cost and return analysis revealed that rate of return for tilapia, ulang and catfish were 54%, 95% and 45% respectively. Feed convertion ratio (FCR) has 1.94kg, 1.90kg, and 1.70kg for tilapia, ulang and catfish. These three species were found negative to organo-chlorines and antibiotic residue after laboratory analysis. This initial findings show potential for organic aquaculture farming technology. Follow-up investigation should be conducted for another fine tuning of technology for fishfarmers’ adoption in the future.
Phillip Ong (Santeh Feeds) recieves Certificate of Appreciation from Dr. N. Lopez. Also in the photo is James Villanueva of IFAD)
Apolinario Yambot, Ph. D. (CLSU)
Melchor M. Tayamen BFAR-NFFTC
ABSTRACT
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A. BFAR Support for LGU Capacity- Building for Fisheries Management and Protection The program is applicable to 3rd to 5th class municipalities and provides LGUs 50% of the salary for a Provincial/Municipal Fisheries Officer for a period of two (2) years. The LGUs are only required to submit a resolution providing a plantilla position for the P/MFO; provided further that the personnel hired is a graduate of a BS Fisheries or other allied courses; and provided further that a MOA will be submitted to the BFAR.
B.
Scholarship Program for BFAR Employees In addition to encouraging qualified regular employees of the Bureau to apply for scholarships from external sources, the BFAR Central Office also sent a total of nine (9) scholars beginning this year to various local colleges and universities.
C.
Mentoring Program This new program allows new entrants an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the programs and services of the bureau through project visitation, hands-on training, providing secretariat functions and the like. Normally, the new entrant accompanies a senior or his/her supervisor in project visits, technical assistance and service as resource speakers, among others.
Codex committee considers biological methods for marine biotoxin tests
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The Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products had considered the mouse bioassay (MBA) method in determining marine biotoxins in bivalve molluscs such as scallops, clams and oysters, among others, in the recently concluded 32nd Session held in Bali, Indonesia.
During the said committee attended by 175 delegates from 55 countries, a consensus was reached to allow flexibility for the inclusion of biological methods such as the mouse bioassay as well as the multi-analogue HPLC methods. These methods will form part of the reference and confirmatory methods for marine biotoxins in the Codex Standard for Raw and Live Bivalve Molluscs. In the draft document prepared by the electronic Working Group led by Canada and the Netherlands for comments by member countries, the MBA had been excluded from the list with the stringent criteria proposed. However, the Philippines, along with US, Japan and Australia pushed for the consideration of the said method indicating among others its efficiency and practicality. The country had been using the MBA for Red Tide monitoring in our coastal waters for the past thirty years. Coupled with proper mitigation measures, the monitoring and regulatory mechanisms followed by the BFAR had resulted in reducing deaths caused by the ingestion of contaminated organisms. Red Tide is caused by the occurrence of harmful algal blooms composed of several species of toxic dinoflagellates which is part of the normal food of shellfishes. The toxins do not cause any harm to the shellfish but are only accumulated in their bodies. However, higher forms of animals including humans could suffer from paralytic shellfish poisoning or even death when contaminated organisms are eaten. The MBA method, besides being simple and easy to conduct is also very much cheaper than the multi-analogue system which utilizes a state-of-the-art machine and chemical The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic requirements stipulated in the latest edition standards that altogether may cost up to P30M Resources urges all processors of fish of the Codex Procedural Manual involves the or more. and fishery products to submit the list of listing of food additives for each commodity Moreover, the Committee agreed that there food additives currently being used in the standard. was no longer need for the continuation of work production of seafood products in order Guerra said that member countries had on criteria for screening methods as concerns for these additives to be considered in the been advised during the recently concluded relating to mouse bioassay had been resolved. Codex standards. 32nd Session of the Committee on Fish and The Philippine delegation to the meeting The Codex standards are international Fishery Products (CCFFP) to prepare the food is composed of Melannie Guerra, chair of the standards set by the Codex Alimentarius additive list per product to ensure its possible Sub-Committee on Fish and Fishery Products Commission (CAC) to ensure food safety and inclusion in relevant Codex documents. of the National Codex Organization and Dr. fair trade practices. However, Guerra stressed that the Ulysses Montojo, focal person on marine The CAC, on the other hand, is the submission of the list of additives should not biotoxins of the National Fisheries Research institutional body consulted by the Food be construed that these will automatically be Development Institute. and Agriculture Organization and the World accepted. There are criteria being followed by In addition to the country position on marine Health Organization on all matters pertaining the Committee for inclusion of specific additives biotoxins, the Philippines had also presented its to the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO which include safety and the technological position in eight other agenda items including Food Standards Programme. justification for its use, among others. the Codex draft documents on Smoked Fish, The listing of food additives, including The SCFFP meets quarterly to elaborate Smoked-Flavoured Fish and Smoked Dried its technological justification is one of the various draft Codex documents circulated to Fish, Scallops, Abalone, Nitrogen Factor in Fish requirements set by the Codex Committee member countries by the secretariat of the and the Inclusion of New Species in Codex on Fish and Fishery Products, currently Codex Alimentarius Commission. The CCFFP, standards, among others. being chaired by Norway, following the on the other hand, conducts its meetings every The Philippines has 17 sub-committees for consensus reached by 55 member countries after 18 months; hence the next committee various commodities and horizontal committees to incorporate a list acceptable food additives meeting will take place on April 2014. which are aligned with the structure of the per specific food standard. Interested manufacturing companies World Health Organization and the Food and In a report to Dir. Asis Perez, the and or other private sectors may log on to Agriculture Organization’s Codex Alimentarius Philippine delegation, led by Melannie the BFAR website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph on Guerra, chair of the Sub-Committee for Fish Commission. Participation to Codex meetings Codex-related matters or to the CAC website: and Fishery Products of the National Codex is governed by the provisions of the Manual of www.codexalimentarius.net. They may also Organization, indicated that unlike in the past Operations of the National Codex Organization email murguerra2002@yahoo.com. for more when only reference to the General Standard jointly led by the Department of Health and the information. for Food Additives would suffice, the current Department of Agriculture.
BFAR urges fish processors to submit list of food additives
FAO 242 Reinstating the ban on the export of elvers
Pursuant to Sections 61.b, 99 and 107 of Republic Act 8550, Fisheries Administrative Order No. 159 series of 1986 is hereby revoked and the ban on the export of elvers is hereby reinstated subject to the following provisions:
Prohibition. It shall be unlawful for any person, association or corporation to export or cause to be exported fry and fingerlings of eel species as defined. Provided, however, that the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to an approved scientific research and upon the recommendation of the Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), may grant a special permit to export eel fry or fingerlings of not more than one (1) kilo live weight for
FAO
Series of 2012
Fisheries Administrative Order
30
scientific and/or educational purposes, subject to such conditions as the Secretary may deem wise to impose.
Penalty Any violation of this Order shall subject the offender to imprisonment of eight (8) years, confiscation of the same or a fine equivalent to double the export value of the same upon the discretion of the court, and revocation of the fishing and/or export accreditation/permit.
FAO 243
Guidelines on the EnvironmentallySound Culture of Pangasius in the Philippines
Pursuant to Section 47 of RA 8550 and Sections 13, 27 and 28 of RA 9147 and in adherence to FAO No. 214 series of 2001 on the Code of Practice for Aquaculture, this policy guideline for environmentally sound design and operation of Pangasius culture in the Philippines, in order to promote the sustainable development of the industry, is hereby promulgated for information and guidance of all concerned.
Risk Assessment The assessment conducted by the Technical Working Group in BFAR of the biological characteristics of Pangasius as to resilience, trophic structure, reproductive guild and physiological tolerance finds Pangasius as a low risk species and a suitable alternative species for freshwater aquaculture. As a safety measure, grow out culture of Pangasius shall only be allowed within the confines of land-based aquaculture such as fishponds in areas, which are not prone to
flooding.
Guidelines Site selection, farm design and construction intended for the breeding and culture of Pangasius shall strictly follow the provisions of FAO No. 214 series of 2001 on the Code of Practice for Aquaculture with particular emphasis on the following practices: a. Water source in the area shall be evaluated as to its quality and quantity;
b. Long term climatology records for the last 5 years shall be acquired to determine the occurrence of floods, storms and calamities in the areas; and c. Alternative to mitigate potential negative environmental and social impacts shall be considered.
Additional requirements The following practices shall assure increased production of good quality and healthy stocks: a. Optimum stocking density of 3-5 pcs/m3 in in ponds and 5-10 pcs/m3 in in cages shall be employed; and b. Stock only healthy fry and fingerlings from BFAR certified hatchery.
Feed Management The following practices shall be adopted to improve efficiency of supplemental feeds and feed management and reduce the amount of waste entering the ponds: a. Feeds shall be selected as to their high utilization rates to reduce nutrient pollution from uneaten feeds and excretory products; b. Feed characteristics shall include balanced levels of amino acid and other nutrients appropriate for the age of the fish, high palatability to stimulate rapid consumption, and high stability to prevent rapid nutrient release; c. The use of extruded feed is recommended; d. Records of daily feed application rates shall be kept to assess feed conversion ratio (FCR); and, e. The used of indigenous feed ingredients and organic feeds shall be encouraged.
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Bio-security Standards for Controlled Hatchery Facility Hatchery and nursery facilities for Pangasius should comply with the minimum bio-security standards by providing physical safeguards in the form of containment ponds for effluent/discharge waters and ensure that all mitigating measures are in place, to prevent accidental release of eggs/fry to the natural inland waterways specifically lakes, bays and river systems.
Hatchery Certification a.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Inland Fisheries Technology Center shall devise a scheme for the Certification of Pangasius hatcheries. The Center in coordination with the BFAR - Regional Offices and the local government and private Pangasius hatcheries to ensure compliance to the biosecurity standards. b. To keep the integrity and quality of fry/fingerlings for commercial production to different farming systems, only recognized broodstock facilities and stock from certified Pangasius hatcheries shall be the source of fry/fingerlings.
Prohibition Cage culture of Pangasius is prohibited in lakes and natural inland waters. The use of Pangasius as open water stocking materials for fisheries enhancement in lakes and natural inland waters is likewise prohibited.
Penalty Violation of Section 8 of this Order shall subject the offender to imprisonment of one (1) month to eight (8) years, and/or a fine of five thousand (P5,000) pesos to five million pesos (P5,000,000) upon the discretion of the court, provided that all stocks, derivatives or byproducts and all paraphernalia,
tools and conveyances used in connection with violation of Section 8 hereof, shall be ipso facto forfeited in favor of the government; Provided, that where the ownership of the aforesaid conveyances belong to third persons who has no participation in or knowledge of the illegal act, the same may be released to said owner; Provided, further, that the fine herein prescribed shall be increased by at least ten percent (10) % every three years pursuant to Section 28 of RA 9147. Violation of any other provisions of this Order shall subject the offender to a fine of not less than five hundred (P500.00) pesos to not more than five thousand (P5,000) pesos or imprisonment from six (6) months to four (4) years, or both such fine and imprisonment depending on the discretion of the court: Provided, That the Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is hereby empowered to impose upon the offender an administrative fine not more than five thousand (P5,000.00) pesos and to confiscate the Pangasius for proper disposition/ documentation of the government.
Pangasius Research and Development Program. The BFAR-National Inland Fisheries Technology Center shall coordinate with the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute to develop a national research and development program in support of the Pangasius Industry. It shall also be establish a comprehensive data base and shall continuously monitor and evaluate the status of the industry for technical, economic, ecological and planning concerns.
The Fish Song . . . end, it’s all a matter of being aware and concerned. A wild scale awareness campaign to help promote the familiarity with endangered fishes may break the problem. This campaign must include printed posters with pictures of the listed fishes for acquaintance and identification. The same posters should also be spread online using social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr so that it can reach billions of target audiences in an instant. Utilization of social media should also be considered in promoting t.v. commercial, radio broadcasts, and newspaper ads. The media fills up the topographical gaps of people in the archipelago by acting as a bridge that informs and educates. Creating a documentary for saving endangered fish species can help urge people and authorities to make a move. One successful campaign was that of Ric O’ Barry’s Dolphin Project which featured the 2009 award-winning film “The Cove.” This documentary fearlessly exposed the slaughtery involved in Japan’s dolphin hunting culture. The film was viewed all over the world, including Philippine schools and barangays. It led to several activist movements such as the “Dolphins Love Freedom” murals which were painted in different parts of the country. This single film was a bomb that made millions of people take action. Potential knowledge about endangered fishes which gives us clues on how to handle them or maybe repopulate them through breeding programs in captivity and natural reserves can be gained through researches and studies. In 2009, 49% of the country’s total fish production came from fish farms. This percentage kept growing every year, proving the significance and efficiency of aquaculture in the production of fishes. If endangered species can be bred the same way tilapias are produced, repopulating them may be able to reduce their threats of extinction. Providing financial assistance to organizations and activist groups who are focused in their campaigns can be achieved through fund raising events. Researches may be supported through profits from fund raisers as well. Through small steps, we can help save the fishes, literally. Fun runs are great fund raisers. They do not only promote awareness to the participants, but also help other projects with the same goal. Protecting and conserving the lives of threatened and endangered marine fauna do not only involve direct measures. Hazardous man-induced activities also need proper attention and redirection. We need to clean up our acts to clean up the trash we left our environment. Global warming and possible life extinction are just side effects of the unbreakable chain we, humans, started. The root cause is our improper waste management and ignorance. Now, we need to end this ecological backlash. Fishermen need to continue on fishing because their lives and survival depends on it. Likewise, fishes need to continue on surviving for human consumption and their own existence. There is a balance of food chain and ecosystem that needs to be undisturbed. Once a component of this system is gone, the whole system turns to chaos. Now, more and more fish species are becoming threatened and endangered of their survival. But nothing’s ever too late. There is still hope to prevent or reverse this alerting fact, and you have the power to do it. What’s playing now will eventually end. And there are two endings to the song—good and bad. Whichever the finale may be, it’s YOUR CHOICE.
Bingwitin . . . buong pusong gumagalaw? Ang tanging kailangan, ay ang sapat na bilang ng mga taong may bukas-loob sa paggawa at yaong may hangarin na sila’y tunay na isalba mula sa tuluyang paglaho. Ang sobrang pangingisda, pagsira sa mga korales, ang kawalan ng disiplina sa segregasyon ng basura, ilegal na paraan sa pangingisda, at panghuhuli upang ikalakal ay ilan sa mga maraming gawain ng tao na nagreresulta sa paglagas ng lahi ng libo-libong uri ng isda sa bansa. Ang DENR at BFAR ay mga sangay ng gobyerno na nangangalaga at sumusulong ng kampanya uapng matigil ang mga gawaing ito. Ngunit ang lahat ng aksyon ay hindi dapat iasa lamang sa kanila. Mayroon tayong mai-aambag sa pagsugpo ng mga gawaing ito at higit sa lahat, mapangalagaan ang mga isda, partikular na ang mga nanganganib. Huwag tayong maging mangmang at maging manhid sa nangyayari sa ating karagatan. Buksan natin ang ating isipan, tenga, at palad sa pagtugon sa pagtawag ng pagsagip. Huwag nating hayaang mabura ang matagal nang kasabihang “Marami pang isda sa dagat.” Huwag tayong maging kampante na mayroon pang natitira, dahil baka dumating ang araw na itong mga natitira ay maglalaho rin. Ako, ikaw, tayong lahat... sa ating paghakbang, gawin nating itong makabuluhan. Hindi pa nahuhuli ang lahat. May pag-asa pa...at ito ang ating bibingwitin.
The Ocean,s . . . responsible enough to know how to correctly manage the cycle is necessary to prevent any more of the extinction of species. The marine ecosystem is one of the largest food producers in the world. Losing even a quarter of it can cripple the whole world. Now that more than half of it is gone and more are on the brink of extinction, what could we do? If we come to an understanding once and for all, that a marine being requires the same necessities and protection of that of a land being, and that the extinction of the marine ecosystems as we know it, including the extinction of our own kind, maybe then, we react faster in favour of their conservation. Are we to continue the cycle of destruction, or are we to save the world?