Sual’s 750 fish cages, a boon not a bane
NO FISH KILL, RED TIDE
SUAL—Any town with 750 fish cages spread out in its community waters is vulnerable to occurrence of fish kill or red tide, but not in this town.
This town, which produces some 35 million pieces of bangus (milkfish) in its 750 fish cages, prides itself as the exception because it has not experienced either fish kill or red tide.
Mayor Roberto Arcinue had a different story to tell at the forum in Bolinao town on Tuesday attended by fish cage stakeholders, fishermen, mayors of coastal towns about the time Alaminos City government stopped fish cage operations.
He said what Alaminos considers as a bane to its aquaculture became a boon to this town after it welcomed the fish cages operations.
Under the administration of then Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, fish cage operations were stopped, prompting the operators to relocate to Sual town.
Mr. Arcinue cited the town’s strict monitoring and implementation of the fish cages operations as factors that prevented possible occurrence of fish kill or red tide.
Fish pen operators are required to secure identification plates from the municipal hall before they can begin to operate for easier detection, which are “colorum”, or illegally operating. It is mandated by the town’s fishery ordinance.
Also, no area is overcrowded with fish cages ensuring that the quality of the water remains good and clean.
“The color of our water is blue and you can even swim there and would not get skin disease,” he added.
“So we take good care of our legitimate fish cage operators because our policy is we are investment and business-friendly municipality,” Mr. Arcinue said.
The legitimate operators also paid fees to Environmental Management Bureau for their Environmental Compliance Certificate and are required to strictly observe the municipal ordinance.
Fish pens that do not have the town’s issued plates are immediately dismantled, he added.
If one fish cage employs one person, it means 750 individuals are given employment, the mayor pointed out.
Meanwhile, Mr. Arcinue said Sual is ready to implement the use of floating fish feeds but under close supervision. (Tita Roces)
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