CHAPTER 13  FISHERIES

Introduction

 

   The region has ten major fishing grounds, namely: Albay Gulf, Lamon Bay, San Miguel Bay, Ragay Gulf, Lagonoy Gulf, Maqueda Channel, Asid Gulf, Ticao Pass, Burias Pass and Sorsogon Bay. With 94 coastal municipalities and 1,067 coastal barangays, Bicol region is fortunate to have been blessed with bountiful fishery resources to complement the self-reliance and industry of the Bicolanos. There are vast swampland areas that could be tapped for fish culture. The development of potential fishery areas and establishment of support facilities for expansion of the fishing industry to make the region a net fish exporter have yet to be implemented.

 

Situational Analysis

 

   In 2005, among the fishery sectors, commercial and aquaculture exceeded their targets by 4.05 percent and 36.30 percent, respectively. Municipal fishing on the other hand contributed 86.58 percent against its target. For 2006, commercial and municipal fishing registered a performance of 87.1 percent and 81.6 percent respectively. On the other hand, aquaculture exceeded its targets by 46 percent. In 2006, fishery production increased by 4.42 percent compared to the 2005 level. In the development of agribusiness lands from 2005 to 2006, a total of 327 hectares were developed regionwide generating 4,354 jobs. Majority of the developed areas were devoted to tilapia, milkfish and seaweeds culture.

 

   The fishery products being exported to other parts of the country were crabs and shrimps.

 

   The identified development challenges for the fishery sector are:

1. Increase in production and productivity.

2. Development of new potential fishery areas, establishment of support facilities and making the region a net exporter of fish and other marine products.

Objectives

1. To increase production and productivity in fishery with special focus on aquaculture.

2. To establish fish sanctuaries.

3. To generate jobs.

Strategies

1. Modern technologies on fish-farming and fish-catching shall be adopted.

2. Infrastructure support shall be provided to improve the processing, marketing and distribution systems.

3. Additional fish ports, ice plants and cold storage facilities shall be constructed in strategic fishing areas.

4. Strict implementation of fishery laws shall be observed.

5. Fishery research activities shall be intensified.

6. The fishery sector shall be supported by both public and private sectors.

7. Establishment of fish sanctuaries.

8. Creation of Integrated Coastal Management Council along Lagonoy Gulf.

Programs/Projects

1. Fingerling Production/Disposal

2. Sea Farming/Mariculture Development

3. Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources (SUMACORE) East Coast of Albay – The project aims to alleviate poverty in the areas of intervention through the sustainable management of coastal resources. Strengthen the capacity of local partners (provincial/municipal governments and fisherfolk associations) for the planning and sustainable management of their coastal resources.

4. Maintenance of Hatcheries of Bangus, Tilapia and other species

5. Establishment of Fishery Related Post-Harvest Facilities