FEBRUARY 7, 2023, PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR – The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga formally distributed six (6) units of 27-footer, dugout-type motorboats worth PHP.5 million, to boost its fight against electrofishing in the province.
AgSurnon “bantay danao” fisherfolks received the fiber-reinforced plastic patrol boats which will be deployed in the municipalities encompassing the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary particularly in Bunawan, Loreto, San Francisco, Talacogon, and Rosario.
In her message, Regional Director Omnia B. Olama acknowledged the significant role of the “bantay danao” in ensuring the protection of the inland waters in Agusan del Sur.
RD Olama also stressed that if electrofishing continues to proliferate, this would harm fish population and would affect the reproductive ability of freshwater fishes and generally poses threat to the entire ecosystem of Agusan Marsh.
Provincial Fishery Officer Bimbo C. Lagare thanked the local partners for the realization of the said intervention.
“We hope that this assistance will help the law enforcement activities here in the province,” PFO Lagare added.
Provincial Agriculturist Armando Valiente also expressed his optimism that the intensified patrol operations will contribute to improved fish catch and production in the province.
“On behalf of the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, we are thankful for the constant support and strong partnership and collaboration of BFAR in the implementation of fishery projects in the province,” the provincial agriculturist added.
The ceremonial turn-over was also witnessed by Chief Aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing, together with the representatives from the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office, PENRO, and the municipal agriculturists.
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Photo credit: DA-BFAR Regional Fisheries Information Unit
