The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 2 installed a P1-million circular high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cage that is part of the agency's aim to redefine aquaculture development in rural areas.

The fisheries bureau said the HDPE fish cage project at Barangay Bessang in Allacapan, Cagayan province, was the third unit awarded to the local government that will be operated and managed by the Bessang Small Water Irrigation System Association (Bswisa).

BFAR awarded the first two units of HDPE fish cages to the Napuaran Farmers Association in August 2023.

According to the DA, the BFAR will provide input assistance such as 12,000 pieces of fingerlings for initial stocking, feeds, technical assistance, and capability training on the operation and management of the HDPE fish cages.

Likewise, members of the Bswisa will also be oriented on financial literacy after the training.

According to the BFAR, the introduction of circular HDPE fish cages in lakes and small water impounding projects in 2023 has "transformed aquaculture in rural areas, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for fish farming."

It said these cages are designed for durability, flexibility and ease of maintenance, making them ideal for challenging rural environments, especially in areas frequently visited by typhoons like the Cagayan Valley.

"The HDPE cages, which were made from recyclable materials, promote eco-friendly practices, and their design minimizes the impact on surrounding aquatic ecosystems by reducing feed waste and debris," BFAR said.

It added that these cages are lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to transport and install in remote areas and suitable for a variety of water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs and rivers commonly found in rural regions.

Meanwhile, the Bessang Small Water Impounding Project, with a water area of 7 hectares, has access to the national highway, making it a feasible site for the fish cage project.

"It will cater to the fish requirement of the municipality and neighboring town of Ballesteros and, at the same time, will provide a lucrative income for the association members," BFAR said.

The HDPE fish cage has an initial stock of 12,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings and is expected to yield 2.4 metric tons of marketable size of tilapia, which can be sold at a farm gate price of P110 a kilo after four months of culture.

To date, there are 572 registered fisherfolk in the municipality operating 107,756 hectares of fishponds.

Source - https://www.manilatimes.net