The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) recently completed the construction of nine multi-species hatcheries and aquaculture facilities.

Twenty-one more are under construction and expected to be completed by the first half of 2022, according to a DA-BFAR report on Friday.

There are 37 multi-species hatcheries and aquaculture facilities that must be put up nationwide under 22 Republic Acts passed during the 16th, 17th and 18th Congresses.

A budget of PHP635 million has been allocated for the hatcheries.

The nine facilities are multi-species marine hatcheries in Perez, Quezon and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, both inaugurated in December 2021; and seven mangrove crab seed banks, nurseries and grow-out production farms in Baras, Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, San Andres, Caramoran, and Pandan in Catanduanes.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar previously said the construction of the hatcheries is among the priority thrusts of the government on food security.

DA-BFAR’s Legislated Hatcheries Program also works continuously to meet requirements for aquaculture seed stocks and reduce dependence from imported fry.

Further, it aims to increase the variety of cultivable species, promote species diversification, and provide venue for fisheries extension services.

Of the 21 legislated hatcheries under construction, three are mangrove crab seed banks, nurseries, and grow-out production farms in Catanduanes; nine are multi-species marine hatcheries in Quezon, Albay, Cebu, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur; two are multi-species freshwater hatcheries in Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Norte (with research center); and one multi-species marine nursery in Sultan Kudarat.

There are also seven Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training, Development and Product Centers being constructed in Eastern Visayas. (PNA)