The F/V DA BFAR 2102 netted an impressive catch of 1.5 tons of various high-value fish species such as yellowfin, skipjack tuna, and blue mackerel scad during its first test-fishing within the Pacific Ocean on May 15-16, 2023

Charged with excitement and anticipation, the F/V DA BFAR 2102 operated by the Northern Samar Pacific Towns Fishermen’s Cooperative (NSPTFC) with the selected trained technical staff of the BFAR Central Office, Eastern Visayas Regional Office, and the Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) Northern Samar commenced its first fishing voyage on March 15, 2023 to evaluate the performance and capabilities of the vessel and assess the skills of its municipal fisherfolk crew members in the actual operations of the said 50 gross ton fishing vessel within commercial waters.

The Cooperative consists of a collective force of fisherfolks coming from the five Pacific Towns of Northern Samar, namely, Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, and Laoang have been trained in the different aspects of the operationalization of the vessel such as its operation and maintenance, capture strategies to efficiently increase fish catch during the fishing expedition, post-harvest techniques to secure their fresh harvests, and marketing know-how to ensure a profitable outcome for the Cooperative and its people.

Upon the vessel’s arrival at the port of Mapanas, Northern Samar at the dawn of March 16, 2023, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mapanas and the BFAR followed the prescribed fish storage practices and sold the bulk of its catch to the residents of the province’ Pacific Towns. A Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita was also conducted to sell over 180 kilos of the catch to the Mapanas’ residents at the same price by which brokers and suppliers purchased them, which ranges from Php60-Php 80 per kilo depending on the fish species. The use of BFAR reefer vans was also maximized to ensure swift and efficient delivery of the said fish catch to nearby coastal towns.

Through the Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program of the Bureau, the F/V DA BFAR 2102’s first test-fishing expedition created multitudes of positive outcomes for the local fishing communities of Northern Samar Pacific Towns. Its increased catch potential and improved efficiency attested to its potential to boost the livelihood of its benefiting fisherfolk communities through upgraded and sustainable fishing practices.

To date, NSPTFC is preparing for its next fishing operation within the Pacific Ocean to consistently provide opportunities to the province’s coastal communities. BFAR 8 Regional Director Dr. Hannibal M. Chavez and LGU Mapanas through Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano also lobbied for the establishment of a cold storage facility and fish port within Mapanas to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority to support the sustainable operation of the F/V DA-BFAR 2102 and expand multiple opportunities for the Eastern Visayas Eastern Seaboard Tuna Industry.

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