InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reinstated the ban on the export of elvers or young eel in a bid to halt the rapid decline in the population of species.
Dr. Jovita Ayson, DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director for Region 2, said the ban was recommended made by its regional office in Cagayan.
“If we don’t impose the ban then there is a high chance that eel will be like Ludong,” Ayson said, referring to another high-priced but dwindling indigenous species that the BFAR is trying hard to revive.
Ayson said the “gathering frenzy,” which encompassed almost all coastal towns of Cagayan, is a result of the sharp rise in the buying price of live elvers.
From P2,500 last year, the buying price suddenly went up to between P17,000 and P28,000 in the first quarter of this year.
Elvers - locally known as dalara - are gathered in riverbanks in estuarine areas and the seashore through the use of set nets (tanggar) and push nets (dus dus). The fry are shipped to Manila for export to other Asian countries.
The said eel is a delicacy in Japanese cuisine and is also preferred by the Chinese and Koreans who believe that its blood is a source of “strength” for men.
Ayson said BFAR will work with the local government units on the preparation of local legislation needed to manage and protect not only eel but other indigenous species.
The ban on the export of elvers is embodied under Fisheries Administrative Order No. 242, which was signed by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on April 10.
The ban carries a penalty of eight years imprisonment, confiscation of catch or a fine equivalent to double the export value of the same, and revocation of fishing or export permit.
InterAksyon.com means BUSINESS
BUSINESS NEWS
