ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) -- The Isabela City Agriculture’s Office has received 17,000 milkfish fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for its sustainable aquaculture project.

The fingerlings, each measuring approximately 2 inches, will be raised in Isabela City Agriculture’s innovative Norwegian Fish Cage project, which was installed last November 2023 through a collaboration with BFAR regional office.

The early acquisition of fingerlings serves a strategic purpose as it allows the young fish to develop into "garungan," a term denoting milkfish reaching a marketable size of 5-7 inches. This ensures that they will be ready for the official turnover and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, guaranteeing a smooth transition and project launch.

Eugene B. Strong, supervising officer of Isabela City Agriculture’s Office, and Leah Mae B. Tejamo, aquaculturist, represented Isabela City during the broodstock activity, collaborating with Robert Aporado from BFAR regional office. Their combined expertise will guide the proper rearing and growth of the fingerlings within the Norwegian Fish Cage.

As the fingerlings grow into marketable “garungan” they will be transferred to the Norwegian Fish Cages for further growth and development. The project will also provide training and technical assistance to local fishermen and farmers to promote sustainable aquaculture practices and ensure the long-term success of the project.

The Isabela City Agriculture’s innovative milkfish project is a testament to the city's commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. It is a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Isabela City and its people. (RVC/EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan with reports and photos from Isabela City Agriculture’s Office)