NEW ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

LINGAYEN–Following his initial call for a moratorium on fish farming along the Caquiputan Channel, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. decided on a more drastic action by ordering the immediate implementation of a “No Fishpen Policy” in Pangasinan.

Apparently dismayed and frustrated by the unabated recurrence of fishkill in the province that severely affected the aqua-agri products of Pangasinan, Espino said he decided on the policy to ensure that no fishkill of the same magnitude that hit Bolinao and Anda will again occur in the province.

Fish farms in the municipalities of Bolinao and Anda, which are separated by the Caquiputan Channel, suffered losses estimated at about P300 million and the entire aquaculture industry in other parts of the province, such as Alaminos and Dagupan also bore the brunt of decreased sales.

“The occurrence of fish kill is a serious matter that deserves serious attention,” the governor said.

“Since Pangasinan accounts for at least 45% of the total fish landings in the Navotas fish market, the local fish farming industry affects not only the local food supply, but also the food supply in Metro Manila,” he added.

Espino made the call for a ‘No Fishpen Policy’ during a consultation meeting with the major aquaculture stakeholders in Pangasinan last June 10.

The ‘No Fishpen Policy’ is covered under the law, specifically by two Administrative Orders issued by the Burea of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

CLEAN-UP

Espino stressed that the provincial government recognizes the value of the mariculture industry in the province, “but we must obey regulations with considerations about our ecology, environment, tourism, viability and sustainability.”

Present at the consultation meeting were Mayor Alfonso Celeste of Bolinao, Mayor Aldrin Cerdan of Anda, Dr. Malou McGlone, director of UP-Marine Science Institute; Nestor Domenden, BFAR regional executive director; the municipal agriculturist of Sual, and Dr. Westly Rosario, director of the Dagupan-based National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC) an agency under BFAR.

The provincial government, through Task Force Kalikasan, has been implementing a massive river clean-up operation in Pangasinan’s rivers, which includes the removal of illegal fish farming structures.

However, the task force had not cleared the rivers in Western Pangasinan where Caquiputan Channel is located when the fishkill occurred.

Espino also proposed that long-term solutions be drafted, including adaption methods for climate change and the strict regulation of fish farming activities at sustainable levels. (With report from PIO)

RIVERS CLEARED

LINGAYEN–A total of 160-kilometers of waterways around the province have so far been cleared of illegal fishing structures since about a year ago when Task Force Kalikasan started its river clean-up program.

Among the rivers that have been covered are those in Binmaley, Lingayen, Bugallon, Labrador, San Fabian and San Carlos City.

Task Force Kalikasan, a unit of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), reported its accomplishment so far on June 16 as it prepares for another round of the clean-up work.

Next in line is the Caquiputan Channel, located between the island town of Anda and Bolinao, which was the site of a recent major fishkill.

Task Force Kalikasan Deputy Commander Tommy Cabigas, who is also barangay chairman of Macarang in Dasol, urged his fellow barangay kapitans to work hand-in-hand with the provincial by being the leaders in protecting their community’s rivers.

Meanwhile, the PDRRMC also reported on its other programs, which include mangrove tree planting along the coastal areas, upland tree planting and environmental advocacy programs such as the holding of youth camps and concerts.

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