𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗼𝗻 (𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟵) — Vying to publish a pioneering freshwater fish guide in Northern Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) conducted an extensive fish profiling in inland bodies of water throughout this province starting last week.

Striding for this project is the Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) regional focal, Mary Rose Bagongon, in cooperation with the Provincial Fisheries Office of Bukidnon (PFO-Bukidnon).

“This effort is the first step to understanding and documenting the region’s aquatic biodiversity,” said Bagongon.

She emphasized that with the help of fisheries experts and biologists from the bureau, local volunteers were assisted in meticulously surveying lakes, rivers, and streams including pet shops and hobbyist homes to collect data on wild and ornamental fish species present.

The team went to Lakes Apo in Valencia, Tutay in Don Carlos, and Pinamaloy in Maramag. Some pet shops and pet fish owners across the mentioned municipalities also opened their doors to the bureau.

Further, the profiling involved capturing, identifying, and cataloging fish species, along with recording vital information about their habitats, population densities, and ecological roles.

“This data is crucial for creating an accurate and detailed Fish Guide, which will serve as an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and local communities,” explained Bagongon.

Once completed, the guide will provide community awareness and an educational reference for students and educators. It will also serve as a conservation tool to help environmentalists and policymakers in their efforts to protect and preserve endangered species and habitats.

In conjunction with the fish profiling activities, the BFAR-10 team took the opportunity to support local aquaculture by dispersing 8,800 pieces of native carp fingerlings to the San Antonio East Fisherfolk Association, beneficiaries of the BASIL program, at Lake Tutay in the municipality of Don Carlos. (𝘾𝙇𝙑𝙞𝙖𝙟𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚//𝘽𝙁𝘼𝙍-10)