GRADUAL PHASE-OUT

BOLINAO–A gradual phase out of all the aquaculture structures along the Caquipotan Channel, scene of a massive fishkill in the early part of June, will be in effect for a period of two years starting this year.

This was agreed upon during an aquaculture dialogue called here on Thursday by Governor Amado Espino Jr. and attended by Mayor Alfonso Celeste of Bolinao, Mayor Aldrin Cerdan of Anda, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Nestor Domenden.

During the dialogue, aquaculture operators, through the two mayors, put forward their request to Espino for a two-year gradual dismantling of all fishing structures along the Caquipotan Channel instead of an immediate one-time dismantling.

Espino and Domenden, whose office is implementing a strict no fish pen policy along all the rivers and waterways in Pangasinan, agreed to the two-year gradual phase out.

Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco said the determination of Espino to clear the Caquipotan of all fishing structures and restore its lost eco-system has not changed and is still continuing.

Espino said as soon as all the fish cages are removed from the Caquipotan Channel, he will deploy the province’s dredging machines to deepen the waterway and restore its original depth.

Soon after, the provincial government will introduce fertilization or bio-remediation in the area to restore its lost eco-system and bring back fish to it.

 NO FISH PENS

The governor stressed that all the fish pens must now be removed in accordance with the “no fish pen policy” since these structures block the flow of water that cause pollution and eventually fishkill.

Domenden echoed this when he told newsmen during a KBP forum in Dagupan on Thursday that even if there is a gradual phase out, the “no fish pen policy” of the BFAR is still in force.

The structures that will be covered by the two-year dismantling include fish cages, which are considered more environment-friendly as these are not grounded at the waterbed.

Espino and Domenden earlier agreed to relocate the fish cages in the Caquipotan Channel to Sual where a 200-hectare mariculture farm was earlier set side with the help of BFAR.

Zeny Ugaban, a supervisor at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), said the demolition of fish cages had in fact started in the two towns, adding that based on the report of Celeste and Cerdan, there are now just a few remaining fish pens in their respective sides of the Caquipotan Channel.

BFAR earlier allocated P1.5 million to implement its “no fish pen” policy for one year.

The municipal government of Bolinao set aside another P800,000 to be used for the  demolition of  fish pens on its side of the channel.

The governor directed OPAG and other agencies to conduct an inventory of the present structures at the Caquipotan Channel.

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