Imported fish could gut local fishers, DA warned

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In a public briefing, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said he had signed the certificates of necessity to import (CNI) 60,000 MT of small pelagic fish.

STAR / File

 

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday warned that a government decision to import 60,000 metric tons of fish could "kill" the livelihoods of local fishers while fisherfolk group Pamalakaya said that importation will not address low production in the sector.  

 

Agriculture Secretary William Dar has signed the certificates of necessity to import 60,000 MT of small pelagic fish this quarter to address an expected shortfall of around 119,000 MT of fish in the first three months of the year.

 

Pamalakaya (Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas) said it opposed importation, which they said will place a burden on local fisherfolk. 

 

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/01/19/2154961/imported-fish-could-gut-local-fishers-da-warned

 

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