Regional Director Jovita P. Ayson of the fisheries bureau said there are 39 species of fish and shellfish identified as endangered endemic and endangered economically important species although there are more species in the region.
“We don’t want these species to be gone in the wind like other species such as native hito (catfish), dalag (mudfish), trumpet snail (locally known as 'agurong' and many others because these are important species on which folks in the region depend for food and livelihood,” she said.
Members of the Regional Fisheries Research and Development Network (RFRDN) have pledged their continuous support in the project “Assessment, Biology and Conservation of Endemic Species in Region 02: Towards Sustainable Management of Endemic Species.”
Evelyn C. Ame, chief of the Fisheries Resources Management Division (FRMD) in-charge of the project, said the network prioritized those species both endangered and economically important and is optimistic that their remaining population will reproduce soon.
“We already formulated management plan that will help preserve and conserve the species,” Ame added.
She likewise acknowledged the support of the member agencies to include state universities in the region, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Cagayan Valley People’s Partner in Economic Development, Philippine Information Agency, and the provincial local government units in the region.
