The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched a new fisheries industry development plan that will promote the sustainable management and development of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.
BFAR said the government, in partnership with fisheries sector stakeholders, has successfully inked a new Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan (CNFIDP) covering the years 2021 to 2025.
The five-year CNFIDP will serve as a guide to both policymakers and program implementers “toward the sustainable management and development of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.”
The attached agency of the Department of Agriculture said in a statement that the new development plan was the result of extensive consultations with hundreds of stakeholders and industry players from four major fisheries subsectors: aquaculture, marketing, post-harvest and capture fisheries.
“The main thrust of this development framework for the fisheries sector is anchored on the key strategies that the DA wants to establish and strengthen, with emphasis on large-scale production, commercialization and consolidation,” Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said in his message during the launch last February 22.
“This endeavor shall serve as an impetus in improving the productivity of the fisheries sector, while empowering stakeholders, especially fisherfolk, towards food security, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness.”
BFAR said capture fisheries stakeholders are targeing to increase the production of commercial fisheries by 4 percent while municipal fishers have set their sights on hiking their output by 5 percent under the CNFIDP.
“This is to be achieved through the implementation of effective management interventions as part of the key strategies and action plans outlined in the CNFIDP,” it said.
“The aquaculture sector has curbed its targets for tilapia, shrimp and seaweed, meanwhile, the target for bangus has increased to 6 percent. The targets for shellfish and mangrove crab, however, have been increased by 2.5 times and five times respectively, as both aquaculture commodities have exceeded the targets set in the CNFIDP 2016-2020.”
Under the CNFIDP, the fisheries industry also seeks a 10-percent reduction in post-harvest losses within five years and an 80-percent compliance with hygiene and sanitation standards of all fish processing establishments nationwide.
“Lastly, the trade and marketing subsector agreed to prioritize interventions, such as market linking, capability development and improving access to credit, which are recognized to be advantageous in weakening, if not, eliminating challenges in the subsector,” BFAR said.
The CNFIDP was initially developed for the period of 2006 to 2025, providing a clear and comprehensive framework for promoting the optimal development and long-term sustainability of the benefits the country gains from its fisheries sector, according to BFAR.