Saving PH's eel species from overexploitation
State researchers are finding a way on how to save the country’s eel species from overexploitation.
The Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) have stepped up efforts to conserve the eel species discovered and extracted from potential eel fishing grounds in Albay, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur.
The BUTC conducted a research on the management and conservation of the eel fishery tributaries along the Lagonoy Gulf, which is considered as potential fishing grounds of eel species. The research project, “The Eel Fishery in Tributaries along Lagonoy Gulf: Implication to Management and Conservation”, was funded by the DOST-PCAARRD.
The research team, led Dr. Plutomeo Nieves, found the presence of three species of eel in in Albay, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur.
These are Anguilla marmorata (Giant mottled eel), Anguilla bicolor pacifica (Indonesian shortfin eel), and Anguilla japonica (Japanese eel). They are generally classified as glass eel.
“The common sizes of glass eels range from 4.1 centimeters (cm) to and weighs from 0.05 g (gram) to 0.21 g,” Nieves’ team said.
"Each species is distinguished through caudal pigmentation or presence of pigmentation on its tails. A. marmorata has an inner caudal pigmentation before reaching the tip of its tail; A. japonica lacks it, while A. bicolor pacifica has caudal pigmentation that extends to the tip of its tail,” they said.
The researchers noted that Lagonoy River in Camarines Sur, Comun/Balza River in Albay, and Bato River in Catanduanes were the three major potential fishing grounds for eel culture.
"A. marmorata and A. bicolor pacifica are the most abundant species in these sites. A. japonica was least in terms of population in the sites mentioned,” they said.
Among the policy recommendations of the BUTC are the following:
-Use of modified fyke net in glass eel collection as well as exploration of other gear types appropriate to the geographical landscape of the collecting sites;
-Proper documentation of the activities of the key players through mandatory stakeholder and fishing gear registration;
-Strict enforcement of the Fisheries Laws-- Republic Act Nos. 8550 and 10654 and the Environmental Laws--RA 9275 or the Clean Water Act of Ecological SWM Act No. 9003 of 2000; and
-A rigorous information, education and communication campaign on eel conservation.
"Eel culture can be beneficial to fishermen, traders, and gatherer being the key players in the supply chain approximate valued at P4 million to P23.3 million, with glass eel and adults alone. The economic potential of eel fishery in the region can be achieved and sustained by creating policies and strategies in managing and conserving the resources,” read the statement issued by the DOST-PCAARRD.