Philippines: Status of implementation of the resolution and plan of action on aquaculture.

The aquaculture sector in the Philippines has remarkably grown in the last decade. It is now a prominent sector contributing significantly to the country s overall fisheries production. In 2008, aquaculture posted the highest production growth at 48.5% (2.4 million mt), followed by the municipal fisheries sector with 26.8% (1.3 million mt), and the commercial fisheries sector with 24.7% increase (1.2 million mt). Sustainable management of the sector is a primary concern because the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recognizes that this tremendous growth in aquaculture production must be balanced with ecological considerations. This report outlines the major steps BFAR, as the agency mandated to protect aquatic resources and practice sustainable aquaculture in the Philippines, has taken towards the achievement of the objectives/themes outlined in a plan of action for aquaculture set during the 2001 ASEAN-SEAFDEC Fisheries millennium conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The country has gained significant strides in promoting environment-friendly aquaculture, especially with the promotion of the mariculture park projects. In line with this theme, policies to promote sustainable aquaculture and strategies to ensure healthy and wholesome aquaculture were formulated. Research, development and extension activities are in progress towards ensuring sustainable aquaculture and achieving the other commitments, as outlined in the Resolution and plan of action for the aquaculture sector in the Philippines which was proposed during the 2001 Bangkok conference of senior officials of ASEAN member countries.