BFAR: Typhoons cause P1.2B fishery damages

BULA, Camarines Sur---The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bicol has reported some P1.2-billion worth of damages in aquaculture and fishery due to strong winds and widespread flooding brought by Typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses.”

Nonie Enolva, BFAR spokesperson, told Bicol Mail that a total of P224,732,000 worth of damages in fishery were registered in Bicol due to Typhoon “Rolly” while around P1-billion damages were lost to the fishery sector due to Typhoon “Ulysess.”

She said “Rolly” affected most fisherfolk in Catanduanes where some P90.2 million worth of damages in fishing gears, boats, fish ponds, and fish cages were recorded, while fish catchers and aqua farmers in Camarines Sur suffered some P34.6 million in damages.

Enolva said that Catanduanes is a rich fishing ground for “galonggong” and “matambaka.” She added that the province’s aquaculture industry also produces crabs, milkfish, and tilapia.

Based from BFAR’s summary of damage and loss assessment report for fisheries, “Rolly” damaged P28.8 million of livelihood in the fisheries of Albay, P3.8 million in Camarines Norte; Camarines Sur, P34.6 million; Masbate, P2.9 million; and in Sorsogon, P14 million.

BFAR will distribute bangus and tilapia fingerlings to the affected fisherfolk as typhoon assistance.

Enolva said BFAR also distributed some 500 sacks of rice while the National Food Authority (NFA) donated 400 sacks to the fisherfolk affected by the typhoons.

She said they will also give 30,000 cans of sardines, tarpaulin rolls, marine plywood, epoxy, and copper nails to the typhoon affected fisherfolk.