IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — The Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) sees a decline in sardine production as an aftermath of Tropical Storm “Vinta” that recently hit the region.
This apprehension was shared by BFAR Assistant Regional Director Al-Zath Kunting during the 2020 Roadmap Shark Utilization Round Table discussion on Thursday in Zamboanga City citing the main source of of food of the fish has been destroyed by flood and landslide brought about by the onslaught of the storm.
Kunting said the massive flood that hit the coastal towns of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Gutalac in Zamboanga del Norte has destroyed the breeding area of fish and habitat.
Data gathered by BFAR showed that the coast of the four towns including Baliguian municipality, an adjacent town of Siocon, are the main source of fish locally known as “tamban.”
Tamban (Herring) is the main raw fish for sardine-making here in Region 9.
There are 12 canning factories based in Zamboanga City and seven bottled-sardine producers in Dipolog City.
Region 9, aside from being the main source of sardine, is also the main producer of Spanish sardines in the country. (Dennis Baguio/PNA)
