TACLOBAN CITY, PHILIPPINES — Marking the 63rd Fish Conservation Week, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 8 (BFAR 8) recorded major production milestones, yielding 926,000 pieces of bangus fry and an eight-ton harvest of fresh seaweeds across Eastern Visayas.
Aquaculture Production and Bangus Fry Distribution
The region's hatchery infrastructure moved within striking distance of its 1 million annual bangus fry production target:
Key Hatchery Facilities: Production was driven by the Laoang Multi-Species Hatchery (LMSH), the Legislated Hatchery in Brgy. Geratag, San Jose, Northern Samar, and the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) in Eastern Samar.
Stocking and Distribution: Produced fry were stocked at the Jiabong Aquaculture Production and Technology Center (JAPTC) and distributed to regional fisherfolk associations and Grow Now, Pay Later (GNPL) beneficiaries to support mariculture park operations.
Sustainable Seaweed Harvest and Community Impact
A parallel harvest in Leyte highlighted the connection between sustainable aquaculture practices and coastal economic growth:
Yield and Sales: The Dawahon Agripreneur Fishermens Cooperative in Dawahon Island, Bato, Leyte, harvested 8 tons of fresh seaweeds on September 15, 2026, generating ₱280,000 in direct sales to neighboring farmers at ₱35 per kilo.
Eco-Friendly Farming: The cooperative utilized natural raw abaca fiber instead of traditional plastic soft ties for its seaweed cultivation lines.
Regional Commitment: BFAR 8 OIC Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol emphasized that these accomplishments reinforce the agency's commitment to marine conservation, productive waters, and sustainable coastal livelihoods across Eastern Visayas.
