TACLOBAN CITY – Despite bearing the brunt of tropical cyclones, fishery production in mariculture parks continues to thrive in Eastern Visayas.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-8 reported that the trend in bangus or milkfish production has increased from 400 metric tons in 2016 to 2,000 metric tons as of October.

BFAR attributed the increase to fish cage operators climate-proofing their production systems, which include the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cages and the adaption of a new cropping calendar.

HDPE cages are widely used because of the versatility of their materials, the relative simplicity in the performance of the various farming operations, and the comparatively limited investment capital required.

To avoid great production loss, which usually happens during the last quarter of the year, and having observed slow growth of bangus during the cold months, some operators would minimally stock fingerlings in their cages while most opt to not stock at all.

They resume normal operation in January, allowing the sea to “rest” naturally and recover as sediments are flushed out because of the strong water current in production areas.

In support of mariculture parks' operation and to address fry or fingerlings shortage, legislated hatcheries have been established in strategic areas throughout the region to augment fry production from existing BFAR hatcheries.

Fry are grown in fishponds to five- to seven-inch fingerlings (garungan size), the suitable size for stocking in marine cages.

BFAR also continues its brood stock development program in the region to ensure sustainable fry sufficiency.

The bureau continues to encourage private companies to supply quality and affordable feeds to the mariculture operators.

Development programs on the culture and production of high-value fish species such as groupers, rabbitfish, and lobsters are currently implemented in the six provinces of the region.