TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Cagayan Valley formulated a comprehensive plan to conserve the Ludong (Pacific Salmon), following the approval of a project proposal on Monday.
The PHP26-million project will build on the initial accomplishments made by the bureau under “Oplan Sagip Ludong” in 2010.
Dr. Evelyn Ame, BFAR’s national focal person on Ludong, said the project had three components, namely, socio-cultural, biological and environmental studies; establishment of a breeding facility and breeding in captivity; and sanctuary establishment, regulatory and livelihood.
Under the first component, the bureau will conduct resource and socio-economic profiling, and assessment of fishing technologies along Ludong fishing communities; biophysical assessment of its selected niches; larval survey of the fish; and its taxonomic identification and Ludong-like species.
Ame said the studies should enable the bureau to have more comprehensive information for the conservation of the species, as well as enable the agency to implement resource mobilization and livelihood opportunities to increase the income of fisherfolk along Ludong areas.
Under the second component, the bureau will establish a Ludong facility in Claveria town, this province for its artificial breeding. This sub-activity will complement related initiatives being done by the Isabela State University in Roxas, Isabela.
Under the last component, the bureau will recommend to local government units the establishment of Ludong sanctuaries.
The bureau will also conduct fishery law enforcement training for river wardens. The wardens will be tasked to safeguard the sanctuaries and assist the agency in the enforcement of fishery regulations.
Ludong, also known as the President’s Fish (Cestreaus sp.), is a rare and indigenous fish that thrives in the headwaters of Cagayan River and some river systems in the Ilocos region.
Known as the Philippines’ most expensive fish, its price has reached almost PHP6,000 per kg. in recent years.
“With this funding, we are inching closer to our goal to close the life cycle of Ludong and thus ensure its sustainability. We trust our researchers, scientists and collaborators to make this happen,” said Dr. Milagros C. Morales, BFAR’s regional director in Cagayan Valley. (PNA)
