The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (CAR) spearheaded by Chief AquaculturistPino M. Wakit in coordination with the Provincial and Municipal Local Government Units seeded eels along fish sanctuaries of Agno and Amburayan rivers in Itogon, Bokod, and Kapangan, Benguet recently.
This is part of the regular programs of the bureau to increase stocks available in rivers and communal bodies of water (CBWs). This is also a way of providing livelihood and ensuring food security to communities near bodies of water.
Eel is sought after species as food, however, interview with fisherfolk reveal that their catch is declining.
BFAR-CAR’s data through the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) show that many fisherfolk in said areas catch eel in the rivers for food and cash.
Eels are catadromous, spending most of their life in freshwater environments, then travel to the ocean as adults to reproduce. During their journey, they will have travelled through various jurisdictions and management authorities making them vulnerable to overfishing and mortality due to toxins and contaminants. In other areas, their migration paths are cut and their habitats are disturbed and destroyed preventing them to go upstream to grow.
To sustain the availability of eel in CBWs, 50, 000 glass eels were stocked in a fish sanctuary located in lower Agno River where they are protected from fishing and contaminants. Also, 100, 000 glass eels were stocked along the Upper Agno and Amburayan rivers in Bokod, and Kapangan, Benguet respectively.
Mr. Wakit, calls for local officials to be consistent in protecting not only the fish sanctuaries but the whole water bodies in Benguet.
In response, Itogon Mayor Victorio T. Palangdan assured protection and conservation of Agno River. Agricultural Technologist Paz Chalipo also said that in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council and the barangay local government unit, regular monitoring will also be conducted to ensure that no fishing will be done in the area.
