The Department of Agriculture (DA) supports the decision of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to reallocate areas of the country’s largest fresh water lake designated for aquaculture.

On Monday, March 25, LLDA published its January resolution modifying the allocation of 9,200 hectares of the 90,000-hectare Laguna de Bay devoted to aquaculture, setting aside 53 percent of the area for small fishermen and 47 percent to private corporations. Prior to the modification, small fishermen were allotted 60 percent of the aquaculture area and 40 percent for private firms.

This effectively reduces the area small fishermen could use for aquaculture by 644 hectares to 4,876 hectares.

“This move by LLDA, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will surely increase the production of fish in Laguna Lake and hopefully maintain the prices of bangus and big head carp, if not lower them a bit,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.

The agri chief said the DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is ready to assist small fishermen who may be adversely affected by the LLDA decision.

Early this year, Sec. Tiu Laurel already ordered BFAR to check the lake’s water quality and measure its capacity.

Laguna Lake produces as much as 90,000 tons of fresh water fish a year and provides livelihood to about 13,000 fishermen, according to the LLDA. It remains a major source of protein for millions of residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Aside from aquaculture, Laguna Lake is also used for navigation, power generation, water supply and recreation. ###