BFAR: TILAPIA, SHRIMPS IN LA UNION SAFE TO EAT
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC-SP | Photo By: Mark Andrew G. Sanchez, SP | Date: June 30, 2020
Ms. Mea F. Baldonado, Fishing Regulations Officer of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region I (BFAR RO1) enlightens the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of La Union during its 53rd Regular Session on June 30, 2020 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union on the reports on the viruses/diseases found in marine and aquatic resources particularly tilapia and shrimps that allegedly caused the mortality of fishes in the Laguna. According to her, the viruses/diseases found in tilapia and shrimps only affects fishes in post larvae stage (fry/fingerlings) and do not pose any risk on human health and that tilapia and shrimps are safe for human consumption.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Office I, through its Fishing Regulations Officer Ms. Mea F. Baldonado clarified during the 53rd Regular Session of the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union on June 30, 2020 that the viruses/diseases found in tilapia and shrimps only affects fishes in post larvae stage (fry/fingerlings) and do not pose any risk on human health and that tilapia and shrimps are safe for human consumption.
The presence of BFAR was requested during the said session to enlighten the August Body on the reports on the viruses/diseases found in marine and aquatic resources particularly tilapia and shrimps that allegedly caused the mortality of fishes in the Laguna Lake, wherein inputs or data presented could be used in aid of legislation.
According to Ms. Baldonado, the scare was brought by the earlier statement of BFAR on June 22, 2020, warning the public on the viruses found in tilapia and shrimps after many dead fishes were found floating on the waters of Laguna Lake which they later on clarified that there is no outbreak of diseases in tilapia or shrimp and the fish mortality was caused by low dissolved oxygen due to abrupt weather changes.
Meanwhile, Ms. Baldonado explained the various diseases found in tilapia and shrimps and its causes and how to prevent the same. Likewise, she assured that BFAR will continue to institute measures that will ensure fish/fishery products quality and safety through its food safety and diseases prevention programs.
Also during the session, Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Ramon F. Laudencia confirmed the report of the BFAR that there is no outbreak of diseases in tilapia and shrimps particularly in the province of La Union wherein there was no reported cases of the said diseases. He also informed that during their monitoring, only low degree scare was observed in the public markets in the province. He also assured that there is nothing to worry because BFAR issued health certificates on fry and fingerlings being transported in the province.
In this light, Mr. Laudencia solicited the support of the Honorable Members of the Sanggunian through an appropriate legislation on the Provincial Agriculture’s programs and projects in coordination with Department of Agriculture Region I to enhance the productivity or yield of livestock farmers to further improve food security and sustainable livestock industry of the province.
