DENR starts demolishing Laguna Lake fishpens

First posted 00:39am (Mla time) Sept 03, 2006
By Delfin Mallari Jr.Inquirer

http://specials.inq7.net/theenvironmentreport/index.php?ver=1&index=1&story_id=18666

Editor's Note: Published on Page A13 of the September 3, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

LUCENA CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources started demolishing illegal fishpens in the 90,000-hectare Laguna Lake Friday in response to the clamor of small fishermen and legitimate fishpen operators who had been long complaining of poor fish catch.
Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes supervised the demolition to ensure that it was properly carried out, as part of the government’s campaign to promote a better and healthier environment.

“Fishpen areas in Laguna Lake have far exceeded the allowable limit. This is bad for everyone. It must be rationalized and utilized according to plans and best practices,” Reyes said.
He said the illegal fishpens and fish cages had to be demolished to ensure the sustainability of the lake.

Based on the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA)-Fishery Zoning and Management Plan, a total of 10,000 ha have been earmarked for development into fishpens and another 5,000 ha for fish cages.

The DENR said the area covered by fishpens had reached 12,418.2 ha, or an excess of 2,418.2 ha.

The area covered by fish cages, on the other hand, only has a total size of 1,849 ha, with 3,151 ha still available for development, the DENR said.

Reyes vowed to go after the “big fish” by first demolishing fishpens that cover big areas, are outside of fishpen belts and are not covered by permits from the LLDA.

He explained that the demolition should be conducted on a phase-by-phase basis to allow the owners of illegal fishpens and fish cages to voluntarily demolish their structures.

“We will not accept any resistance. No force will be needed if the illegal structures will be self-demolished,” he said, adding that the LLDA had already given the fishpen and fish cage owners sufficient lead time to dismantle their structures three months ago.

Retired Gen. Mariano Filart, president of the Federation of Fishpen and Fish Cage Operators Associations of Laguna Lake, recalled that several years ago three pieces of tilapia weighing not less than a kilogram could be cultured and harvested within three months with the fishes feeding solely on natural food found in the lake.

“Today, it takes a year to produce six pieces of tilapia, which will weigh one kilogram,” Filart said.