Press Release
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
October 23, 2012

Partnership and collaborative efforts, this year's theme for the 49th Fish Conservation Week

This year’s 49th Fish Conservation Week centers on the theme “Maunlad na Pangisdaan Makakamtan sa Matatag na Balikatan” (Steadfast Partnership Towards Sustainable Fisheries). Spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, this nationwide observance highlights a series of activities geared towards renewing and strengthening inter-agency partnership and intensifying awareness on the need to conserve and protect fisheries and aquatic resources.

Fisheries Director Atty. Asis Perez said that the celebration brings to the fore models of successes achieved by fisherfolks, local leaders and other members of the society who had in one way or the other proved that there is hope in protecting the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.  

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto graced the opening day on October 15 who, in her speech, gladly thanked BFAR for partnering with the Batangas community in its Taal Lake Management program. “Ako po ay nagagalak sa pagpapahalagang ibinibigay ng BFAR sa programa ng Batangas hinggil sa Taal Lake Management that’s why nandirito po ako sa inyo ngayon para magpasalamat sa inyong lahat,” said Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto in her speech.

Also featured during the opening program were the following: launching of a book on Fishpond Lease Agreement and awarding of the national winners of the recently concluded Angry Fish Essay Writing and Fish on the Red List Drawing/Painting contests at the BFAR Central Office in Quezon City. 

Meanwhile, a two-day symposium was held during the last two days of the 49th Fish Conservation Week. Perez said that the first day of the symposium showcased the bureau’s programs on resource management, fisheries regulations and law enforcement as well as sustainable livelihood programs. The second day provided the industry sector an opportunity to present its current status and recommend areas of collaboration and/or partnership to promote sustainable fisheries.

The 2-day symposium was capped with the holding of a Stakeholder’s Fellowship Night for recognizing and commending the efforts of various institutional partners. The honorees consisted of private sectors, LGUs, law enforcers, government agencies, NGOs, academic/research institutions and media outfits nominated by the BFAR regional offices, technical divisions and other offices as well.
  
A week-long Aqua Trade Fair and Exhibit showcased a variety of seafood products at discounted prices. The exhibit also featured live species of fishes and other aquatic animals especially those being protected like elvers and endemic/indigenous species. Knife fish and janitor fish, both alien and invasive species, were also put on display. Food fishes that are being promoted for organic fish farming and aquasilvi such as siganid, bangus and crabs were put in aquaria as well as high-value maliputo, lobster, abalone and sea cucumber. A BFAR Info-Tech Kiosk was put up where experts provided technical assistance, advises and/or clarifications to issues and concerns regarding fish farming, fish health and certification, environment-friendly fishing technologies, training programs and other services of the agency. A display of the 48 top winning art works from the 16 regions was also showcased together with the top three winning essays of High School students.

Other undertakings conducted in the 16 regions of the country include dispersal of fish fingerlings in communal waters, mangrove enhancement, coastal clean-up, distribution of fishing gears, post-harvest equipment, law enforcement training, technical trainings and a lot more.

Honorable Vilma Santos-Recto Accepting the Gawad Pasasalamat Award Governor Vilma Santos-Recto happily accepted the Gawad Pasasalamat Award from BFAR Director Asis G. Perez and DA Asec for Fisheries Salvador C. Salacup in appreciation of her presence as the guest speaker for the opening program of the 2012 Fish Con Week.	49th Fish Con Week Celebration Opening Program. Director Asis G. Perez and Guest Speaker Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto sharing their thoughts on the latter's success in leading the Taal Lake Management which resulted in zero fish kill this year. Photo was taken during the opening program of the 49th Fish Con Week Celebration.