With oysters and mussels among the top aquaculture commodities in Western Visayas, ensuring their safety from harmful algal blooms (HAB) is critical to protect the fishers and safeguard public health, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the region said.
To proactively address this concern, a three-day capability-building training was held recently in Iloilo City, which gathered BFAR’s personnel from across the region and representatives from provincial agriculture offices to refresh their knowledge and skills in HAB monitoring and management.
In Western Visayas, there are several HAB monitoring sites, including in the coastal waters of Bacolod City, E.B. Magalona, Talisay City, Silay City, Hinigaran, and Victorias City in Negros Occidental; Balasan, Tarong in Bancal Bay, Carles, Gigantes Island Carles, Concepcion, Dumangas, Estancia, and Borongon, San Dionisio in Iloilo;
Pontevedra, Panay, Pilar, Roxas City, President Roxas, Sapian Bay, Ivisan, and Sapian in Capiz; Tigbao River (Makato), Navitas River (Numancia) Palay River (Batan), Mambuquiao, Camanci, Altavas, Batan, and New Washington in Batan Bay, Aklan, the BFAR6 said.
Joel Abalayan, chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, in his message, cited a recent HAB incident in Capiz and pointed out the need for better communication with farmers and the public.
“This is not just BFAR’s job, LGUs also have a key role to play,” Abalayan added as he called for stronger collaboration between local governments and DA-BFAR in responding to HAB threats.
Training participants learned the science behind HAB, how to collect and process water samples, and how to identify harmful phytoplankton species.
Experts, including Paul Bryan Karlo Cudia, Alvin Awatin, and Resie Hembra from the central office led the in-depth discussions on shellfish toxins, sampling protocols, and phytoplankton taxonomy. The team also introduced an interactive map, where HAB data can be inputted for faster response and monitoring. ||
