BFAR seaweed nurseries to boost year-round production

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI City --- At least five seaweed nurseries have been set up in Bicol to boost year-round production and give additional income to the fisher-folk, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 5 (BFAR-5) said lastweek.

In an interview, Nonie Enolva, BFAR-5 spokesperson, said the seaweed nurseries also aim to help ensure constant seedlings for those who want to try farming and production of dried and fresh supplies.

SEAWEED CULTURE An undated photo shows a seaweed farmer in Bicol Region. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 5 (BFAR-5) set up five seaweed nurseries in the region that aim to boost year-round production and give additional income to the fisher-folk. (Photo courtesy of BFAR-5)

“Seaweed farming or seaweed culture serves as one alternative option for our fisher folks when they can’t catch enough fish, it’s another source of income since after 45-60 days they can harvest since the command of seaweed price is good and ranges P20.00 per kilo for fresh and P40 to P90 per kilo for dried,” Enolva said.

“The one-hectare nursery will ensure readily available seaweed seedlings that will provide an opportunity to those who want to venture into seaweed farming or to expand their existing seaweed farms,” she added.

Enolva said BFAR-Bicol provides seaweed farm implements for those who want to go on seaweed farming for as long as they are duly listed in the farmers' registration system.

The seaweed nurseries set up in Bicol are in the towns of Garchitorena and Siruma in Camarines Sur, two barangays in Rapu-Rapu in Albay and in Mobo, Masbate.

Enolva said aside from source of income, seaweeds and sea-grasses also help as thermal regulators of ocean temperatures.

“Areas with seaweed and sea-grasses also serve as nursery ground of small fishes, while it is being used to regulate ocean temperature, that's why we discourage removing it from sea-beds,” she said. (PNA)