In line with the celebration of the 58th National Fish Conservation Week, the faculty and staff members of the Central Luzon State University - College of Fisheries (CLSU-CF) actively participated in stock enhancement activities in three locations in Pampanga namely the Pampanga River and San Vicente Lake in Apalit, and San Francisco River in Minalin last September 15, 2021. The group of CLSU-CF was led by Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Acting Dean with the College’s Department Heads, Dr. Alvin T. Reyes and Dr. Lorenz J. Fajardo, and staff, Mr. Ismael P. Geroza and Mr. Mark Anthony M. Ventura.
This stock enhancement activity was initiated by the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) project of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region III in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Apalit and Minalin, Pampanga, Provincial Fishery Office – Pampanga, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council and concerned fisherfolks.
As part of the protocol, the group of Dr. Velasco analyzed water to evaluate its suitability for fish stocking. An estimate of 177,000 tilapia fingerlings was stocked in the three locations.
This year’s celebration of the Fish Conservation Week was themed “Pangisdaang Likas-kaya, Bunga’y Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita” which underlines the importance of sustainable fisheries management and development in bringing about abundance for fisherfolks whose livelihood depends on the integrity of bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and oceans, and its resources. Stock enhancement is one of the management tools to create fishing opportunities among fisherfolks by supplementing the natural production of a body of water.
This was the second time that CLSU-CF and the BASIL program of DA-BFAR tied up in this kind of activity wherein the first collaboration was held in Paitan Lake and Vaca Reservoir, Nueva Ecija last August 12, 2021.
