A capacity building workshop to support the implementation of the Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP) was co-organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc (SFFAII) on July 12, 2023.
Forty (40) Commercial Tuna Handliners from Gensan attended the workshop. Facilitators Mr. Renie Dumlao Diocon and Mr. Aldrin M. Gultian of the Philippine Fisheries Observer Program of BFAR-MFDC discussed about Biology, Morphology, and Identification of Tuna Species Commonly Caught in Tuna Handline Fishing Vessels. They emphasized that marine species identification is crucial for a wide range of scientific, conservation, management, and societal endeavors for it provides a foundation for understanding, protecting, and sustainably utilizing our marine ecosystems and resources.
The session was comprised of theoretical lectures on facts about fishes and fish taxonomy followed by practical workshop at Gensan Fishport Training Center aimed at teaching the participants to use a step-by-step process of species identification. According to BFAR, many species were misidentified due to lack of knowledge, experience and appropriate identification literature. Several species, especially sharks, present a challenge for identification, especially when they are landed headed and/or finned.
The training proved to be successful which was clearly demonstrated by the active participation of the fishermen during the actual species identification session held at the Gensan Fishport training Center.
By equipping fishermen with the ability to identify marine species is empowering them to become stewards of marine resources. This helps them target specific species while avoiding unintentional bycatch of non-targeted or protected species. Selective fishing reduces waste, minimizes ecological impacts, and enhances the overall efficiency and sustainability of fishing operations.
