The Bicol region’s fisheries sector has incurred initial losses of Php 110,021,243.17 due to Tropical Storm Kristine, with 1,620 fisherfolk severely affected, as of this writing.
The aquaculture sector was hardest hit, with damages reaching Php 67.3 million, broken down as follows:
Bangus Grow-out: 104 metric tons – Php 26.6 million
Bangus Fingerlings: 808,000 pieces – Php 3.4 million
Tilapia Grow-out: 82 metric tons – Php 9.4 million
Tilapia Fingerlings: 14.5 million pieces – Php 2 million
Hito Fingerlings: 105,000 pieces – Php 222,000
Seaweeds: 140 metric tons – Php 4.1 million
Shrimp post-larvae: 24.6 million pieces – Php 15.58 million
Additionally, losses in capture fisheries were also substantial, totaling Php 42.7 million. Damage reports include 395 fishing boats, valued at Php 12.7 million, and 754 units of fishing gear, valued at Php 29.8 million.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol is consolidating additional data from Local Government Units (LGUs) to assess the full extent of the impact. Field reports are also being gathered to ascertain the actual damage.
Meanwhile, a request for a rehabilitation and recovery program was initially submitted to the BFAR Central Office, aimed at expediting assistance and restoring livelihoods in the affected areas. Further updates will be provided as assessment efforts continue.
(Source: BFAR Bicol)