DA Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. – Photo courtesy of Department of Agriculture/Facebook.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is moving to expand aquaculture through the establishment of large hatchery facilities aimed at strengthening fish production and reducing pressure on marine resources.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the planned sites would be located in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Quezon, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Pangasinan.
He noted that declining fish stocks have become a concern, adding that reduced fishing activity is needed to allow marine ecosystems to recover.
Laurel said the initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to promote aquaculture as a sustainable food source.
Each facility is expected to span about 40 hectares and will include laboratories, breeding areas, and other infrastructure for raising species such as shrimp, catfish, milkfish, carp, and tilapia.
The hatcheries are designed to produce fingerlings that will be distributed to farmers and fisherfolk to encourage fish farming and lessen dependence on wild catch.
Laurel said the project is targeted for completion by 2027, with each facility estimated to cost around Php 50 million, excluding land expenses.
The department is currently identifying funding sources to begin construction of the first site within the year.
