In a move intended to stabilize the supply of juvenile fish for local aquaculture operations, the Bantayan Island Legislated Multi-Species Marine Hatchery (BILMSMH) announced its first harvest of 100,000 bangus (milkfish) fry.

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) 7 reported that the BILMSMH in Barangay Bantigue, Bantayan Island, conducted a harvest, with the newly harvested fry slated for distribution to fish farmers in several barangays, particularly Barangay Baigad.

Bfar 7 said this marks a step for the aquaculture sector on Bantayan Island, promising a more reliable source of quality fish stock for local farmers.

“The initiative not only supports sustainable fisheries but also promotes economic opportunities for the island’s coastal communities,” Bfar 7 said.

Milestone

This initiative is expected to directly support sustainable fisheries practices and foster economic growth within the island’s coastal communities, where aquaculture plays a vital role in livelihoods.

The achievement follows a recent period of successful spawning activity at the hatchery, during which 120,000 eggs were collected.

Joseph Martin Borromeo, agricultural center chief of the Municipality of Bantayan, said the recent spawning activity at the BILMSMH is a milestone as it is among the first legislated hatcheries in the country to ever achieve this feat.

The hatchery, established through Republic Act 10856, now plays a crucial role in enhancing fish production by providing quality feedstocks. With ongoing efforts, it is anticipated to further contribute to the aquaculture production in Bantayan Island and beyond.

Meanwhile, Central Visayas’ aquaculture sector experienced a significant upswing in 2024, according to a report released by Bfar 7.

The data reveals a 33.72 percent increase in aquaculture production, with the sub-sector yielding a total of 23,290.06 metric tons in 2024. While Bfar 7 did not specify the 2023 figure, the agency reported this as a growth compared to the previous year.

Source - https://www.sunstar.com.ph