PARTIAL HARVEST OF BFAR-IX PROJECT NORWEGIAN FISHCAGES IN SINDANGAN YIELDS

PHP246,000 WORTH OF MILKFISH

The BFAR-IX Norwegian marine fishcage project in barangay R.G. Macias, Sindangan, Zamboanga
del Norte which was stocked last June 21, 2022, was partially harvested last December 28, 2022, by
members of Sindangan Fisherfolk Association, the beneficiary fisherfolk group of the said project.
The activity was closely monitored and documented by personnel of the BFAR-IX Provincial
Fisheries Office headed by PFO Arcelita A. Andaya, in close coordination with the LGU of Sindangan,
through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, whose representatives were also present during
that day, including the Hon. Richard Su, barangay chairman of R.G. Macias.

The milkfish haul which yields a total of 1.645 metric tons has an estimated value of at least Php
246,750 based on the prevailing market price. With the upcoming completion, or total harvest of
the two (2) Norwegian fishcages which is scheduled on December 30, this conservative estimate is
expected to have a significant increase, based on the historical higher demand of milkfish in January
to February, hence the higher market price, according to the contracted buyer in attendance during
the harvest.

The success of this project not only provided a very sustainable form of livelihood for the project
beneficiaries but as it stands, provides a very viable and profitable means for the Sindanganon
fishers to invest in a fishcage venture in their town.

The drive of the bureau in the promotion of Norwegian fishcage technology that uses High-density
polyethylene (HDPE) composites serve to address several issues at once. First, and most important
is food security, as this technology is highly productive in terms of sheer harvest volume compared
to traditional bamboo fishcage. Second is its sustainability, since it no longer requires indigenous
materials and is highly durable. Norwegian fishcages can also be deployed in areas, such as in
Sindangan, where wave action makes it impossible to operate traditional bamboo fishcages. And
lastly, this technology can be replicated in nearby coastal communities within Sindangan Bay or
beyond.