SAN QUINTIN, Abra – A new fisheries quarantine checkpoint was established here in Villa Mercedes to aid in the monitoring and control of fish and fishery products entering the province.
This followed after the conduct of a consultative meeting with fish dealers, concerned local government units, and other stakeholders last week.
BFAR Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey said effective April 1, all fish dealers entering Abra shall comply with necessary documentary requirements such as the local transport permit.
With the volume of incoming fish and fishery products in the province, BFAR recorded 1,888.98 metric tons of fresh, dried, and processed fishery products in 2022, which adds to the total volume of fish production in the province which is 700.28 MT to meet the Abra’s total fish requirement of 5,275.92 MT.
“This is something relevant for the bureau to strengthen our monitoring initiatives as far as entry of fish and fishery products is concerned since the establishment of a quarantine station is intended for food safety and traceability purposes. It ensures only fishery products which are properly documented, not illegally caught, and safe for human consumption reach the Cordillera,” Signey said.
Through the quarantine station, BFAR will impose strict compliance for the fish dealers to secure their respective local transport permits as required under Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 233. The LTP is a permit for domestic movement authorizing an individual to bring, carry, or ship aquatic wildlife, by-products or derivatives acquired from legal sources from the point of origin to the final destination within the country.
A day before inaugurating the quarantine station, a consultative meeting on regulations of domestic/local movement of fish and fishery products was conducted to orient fish dealers, local government units and other stakeholders.
Dennis de Vera of BFAR central office discussed topics relevant to the domestic movement of fish and fishery/aquatic products as well as relevant guidelines in relation to the trade of regulated species and imported fish in all public markets.
Nelda dela Cruz, owner of Power of God Fish Dealer, said they will comply with the directive as they consider such intervention will deny entry of undocumented fish products to the province. – Press release
April 24, 2024
