The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over four steel-hulled ringnet fishing boats to an organized fisherfolk cooperative in the Ilocos Region yesterday.
BFAR also signed a memorandum of agreement with Damortis Fisherfolks Fishermen Cooperative at the turnover ceremony at the Josefa Slipways Compound in Sual, Pangasinan.
Under the agreement, the cooperative will be given full responsibility to operate and manage the fishing vessel equipped with purse seine fishing gear, hauling machinery and onboard marine safety, communication and navigational aids.
BFAR said the four newly-built steel-hulled ringnet fishing boats are set to sail in the fishing grounds of the West Philippine Sea; Pacific Seaboard; and fishing areas of Zamboanga and Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
BFAR said the Poblacion Fisherfolks Association, Northern Samar Pacific Towns Fishermen’s Cooperative, and Kilusang Pagbabago Siari Chapter Association and Tigbao Seaweed Farmers Association will also receive ringnet fishing boats.
The agency said the agreement is expected to improve the livelihood and efficiency of small-scale fishers and contribute to the attainment of sufficient fish supply and ensure sustainable management of the country’s fishery and aquatic resources.
