W. Visayas highlights aquaculture on World Fisheries Day

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6) joined the global celebration of World Fisheries Day on Nov. 21 to highlight the vital role of the fisheries sector in food security, livelihoods, and marine ecosystem protection.

World Fisheries Day underscores both the achievements and the ongoing challenges in the sector.

DA-BFAR 6 said fisheries continue to provide essential sources of food and income for coastal communities, but the industry still faces issues such as overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, and the growing impacts of climate change.

In Western Visayas, aquaculture remains a key strategy to ease pressure on wild fish stocks.

Data from the third quarter of 2025 show that Region VI recorded 47,785.70 metric tons of aquaculture output, making it the top contributor to the region’s total fisheries production.

To sustain this momentum, DA-BFAR 6 continues to support fisherfolk and local associations through targeted interventions.

The agency is distributing climate-resilient high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages and providing essential aquaculture inputs such as milkfish fingerlings, feeds, plastic crates, chilling tanks, and nipa huts.

These interventions aim to boost local production and help fisherfolk organizations emerge as fish producers in the region.

DA-BFAR 6 said these initiatives reflect its commitment to building a stable, sustainable, and climate-resilient fisheries sector in Western Visayas — one that supports communities while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.