BACKGROUND
The Philippine aquaculture sub-sector is vital to the country’s food sufficiency and driver of rural economy. Filipinos consume fish grown from aquaculture operations at a rate of 9.5 to 10.0 kg, which is equivalent to 26 to 27 % of the annual per capita fisheries consumption of 36.0 kg. Milkfish and tilapia being the primary aquaculture food fish grown in ranked consistently as the cheapest source of animal protein for Filipinos in recent years. The entire aquaculture production is valued at Php. 93.34 Billion at current price, with its 2.348.161 metric tons output (Phil. Fisheries Profile 2015).
In this regard, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recognizes the critical need for a more sustainable production and management practices in the sector as it adjusts to the growing domestic and export demand.
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BFAR has also committed to craft necessary guidelines, rules and regulations, and launch the required support systems for the efficient implementation of relevant aquaculture provisions, including but not limited to the development of incentive/disincentive system, demarcated fishery rights, registration and mapping of fish hatcheries, fish ponds and other aquaculture facilities. In support of the above strategies, this project would help in the development and implementation of interventions that would considerably address the lack of systematic data on available aquaculture areas for production that hamper planners and decision makers from developing intuitive financial and investment mechanisms to boost the sector’s growth and promote sustainable management practices. Specifically, it would develop and pilot an online mapping and registration system for aquaculture resources, and develop business plans and regulations for the selected pilot areas. It is envisioned that the information that would be consolidated in the system will help identify and inform the development, implementation and advocacy of practices that are more appropriate for smallholder aquaculture farmers and small to medium industries. It would also help develop more appropriate and effective business plans and regulations that would take advantage physical and socio-economic suitability of aquaculture production areas. The above interventions proposed aligns very well with the goals of Regional Blue Growth Initiative, specifically in that attainment of sustainable management of natural resources through improved governance, ecosystem approaches, participatory processes and actions to improve implementation at local levels.
WHAT THE PROJECT DOES
This project would develop and pilot an online mapping and registration system for aquaculture resources, and develop business plans and regulations for the selected pilot areas. It is envisioned that the information that would be consolidated in the system will help identify and inform the development, implementation and advocacy of practices that are more appropriate for smallholder aquaculture farmers and small to medium industries. It would also help develop more appropriate and effective business plans and regulations that would take advantage physical and socio-economic suitability of aquaculture production areas.
The project contributes to making agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable by the identification, assessment and dissemination of innovative practices for sustainable agricultural production (including traditional practices that improve sustainability, such as those listed as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) and by facilitating their adoption by stakeholders.
The project contributes to the following priority areas of the Philippines' 2012-2018 Country Programming Framework:
- Output 1: ICT based aquaculture resources data inventory and mapping system developed and piloted.
- Output 2: Business plan for aquaculture zonal development for selected high potential areas prepared.