Manila, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala is keen on the idea of creating a Department of Fisheries, saying that archipelagic nations actually have ministries of fisheries and other countries concerned with protecting pelagic fishes have also strengthened offices charged with managing marine resources. Lawyer Rodolfo Paz, general manager of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), stressed such a department may well be a better steward of the country’s waters.
Alcala and Paz noted that overfishing had become a bane to the country’s aquatic resources and said capture fisheries may eventually lose steam while aquaculture and inland fisheries become more manageable sectors. (Marvyn N. Benaning)