The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Western Visayas has begun to take action to safeguard public health from harmful algal blooms (HAB).
Having oysters and mussels among the top aquaculture commodities in Western Visayas, the bureau aims to enforce a critical step to protect fish farmers and the consuming public from HAB.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, HAB occurs when colonies of algae grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds.
Thus, the BFAR held a three-day capability-building training recently in Iloilo City, gathering the Bureau’s personnel from across the region and representatives from provincial agriculture offices to refresh their knowledge and skills in HAB monitoring and management.
Chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division Joel Abalayan cited the need for better communication with the farmers and the general public.
“This is not just BFAR’s job, local government units also have a key role to play,” Abalayan noted, calling for stronger collaboration between local governments and BFAR in responding to HAB threats.
Leni Abagon, laboratory manager of the region’s Fisheries Integrated Laboratory Section, welcomed participants and walked them through the training goals.
Throughout the activity, participants learned the science behind HAB, how to collect and process water samples, and how to identify harmful phytoplankton species.
Experts including Paul Bryan Karlo Cudia, Alvin Awatin, and Resie Hembra from the Central Office, led in-depth discussions on shellfish toxins, sampling protocols, and phytoplankton taxonomy.
The team also introduced the interactive map, where HAB data can be inputted for faster response and monitoring.
Participants likewise went on a field visit to Dumangas, Iloilo, where they collected water samples from a mangrove area and practiced using plankton nets and laboratory tools.
Jessica Esmao, chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division of BFAR Western Visayas, reminded the group of their greater mission.
“Local government units are vital partners in ensuring the safety and quality of our shellfish. Let’s take what we’ve learned and create a ripple effect, one that leads to safer, more sustainable shellfish production in our communities,” she said. (PIA)