FROM FISHERS TO FARMERS

FROM FISHERS TO FARMERS Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on our marine life, posing an immediate and significant threat to our food security. Every year, vast amounts of plastic waste find their way into our oceans, endangering fish stocks and reducing the availability of seafood. What remains of our marine life is now increasingly contaminated with microplastics, raising concerns about human health and wellness. How safe is our seafood consumption today? Climate change is further compounding the problem. Rising sea temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns have made it increasingly difficult for small-scale fishermen to venture into the open seas. These fisherfolk, often reliant on traditional methods, lack the large-scale fishing boats that could better withstand rough conditions. Meanwhile, the dwindling fish catch has led to fierce competition between small-scale fishers and large commercial operators. How much longer can we sustainably depend on wild fish stocks? Fortunately, there is hope. Recent figures indicate that nearly half of our seafood is now produced through aquaculture. This means that we are already shifting towards a more controlled and sustainable form of seafood production. However, the question remains: are we doing enough to ensure our food security for the future? It is time to take decisive action by significantly increasing our aquaculture production. The government must actively adopt and promote advanced aquaculture technologies such as the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS). This system allows for efficient fish farming in enclosed environments, reducing dependence on the open seas. Additionally, aquaponics—where fish and vegetables are grown together in a symbiotic system—should be widely supported and implemented. Could these innovations help us transition from overfishing to sustainable seafood production? Another viable solution is vertical farming in multistory buildings. By integrating RAS and aquaponics within urban spaces, we can produce fresh seafood and vegetables in a sustainable manner while utilizing minimal land and water resources. Additionally, we should consider reviving commercial fishponds in swamplands, but only if strict environmental laws are followed, including the preservation of mangrove forests. Beyond technology, we must also ensure that our initiatives are inclusive. Indigenous communities, coastal residents, and even highland populations should be empowered to participate in seafood production. The government should provide training and financial support to small-scale fish producers, neighborhood associations, and cooperatives to encourage widespread adoption of aquaculture. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2022, there were approximately 2.3 million fisherfolk in the Philippines, with 1.1 million engaged in capture fishing. However, with ocean warming, melting polar caps, and rising sea levels on the horizon, we must act now before traditional fishing becomes unsustainable. Increasing aquaculture production is not just an option—it is a necessity for ensuring food security in the years to come. The transition from reliance on capture fishing to aquaculture is inevitable. But the real question is: will we act swiftly enough to safeguard our future? It is time to embrace aquaculture, invest in innovative solutions, and secure our nation's food supply for generations to come. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-11-2025