FISH IN TANK. A fiberglass tank set up by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Tacloban City. BFAR is promoting intensive tilapia production in tanks in a bid to boost fish production even in urban areas. (Photo courtesy of BFAR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is promoting intensive tilapia production in tanks in a bid to boost fish production even in urban setting.
Key officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and BFAR led on Wednesday the launching of the technology at the DA regional office compound here to make fresh aquatic products widely available.
“Intensive tilapia culture in pond and tank is sure to not only produce enough food supply for Eastern Visayas, but it also expects to bring a livelihood that will promise a bright future for our fisherfolk,” BFAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said during the event.
The project, which uses fiberglass tanks, is expected to produce 30 pieces of tilapia fish per square meter as compared to the five to seven pieces per square meter production in regular tilapia culture in ponds. Each tank can harvest around 200 kilograms of tilapia in a four-month breeding season.
This technology uses a submersible pump as life support to the fingerlings. It also allows the integration of aquaponics technology in growing vegetables using sustainable water systems.
Angel Enriquez, DA Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director, said the technology complements their thrust for the adoption of non-conventional food production system in urban areas to ensure continued food supply in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The project not only allows the harvesting of tilapia but also enables the production of backyard vegetables during the breeding period,” Enriquez said.
Albaladejo said they have been pushing for intensive tilapia culture since the region’s fish sufficiency is only 68 percent. Some of the region’s produce have been shipped to areas outside Eastern Visayas.
BFAR earlier set up tanks for demonstration at provincial fishery offices in Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Biliran.
The launching is part of the 2020 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration. The event pays tribute to those engaged in food production for their efforts to ensure food security. (PNA)
