THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that they are looking at attaining a 100% fish sufficiency for the Philippines by the end of the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., by 2028.

According to the BFAR statement, the Philippines conducted a fish sufficiency level of 92.5%, excluding imports and exports, in 2022.

BFAR said that this is a 100% sufficiency level target that can come up by 2028 was included in BFAR’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2028.

According to the BFAR, there is a plan for a comprehensive roadmap that would detail the bureau’s goals for the development, improvement, management, and conservation of the Philippines’ fishery and aquatic resources within the next five years.

To meet this, the BFAR noted that they will  enhance production in the fisheries sector through increased productivity and reduced post-harvest losses of fish and fishery products.

Among those identified include a new fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, fishing gears, and paraphernalia; establishment of mariculture parks; reassessment and maintenance of existing mariculture parks; and development and recommendation of supplemental guidelines for the operation and management of legislated hatcheries.