MIMAROPA

ENRO tightens watch against harvesting of brown sea grass

Thursday 21st of June 2012

ALCANTARA, Romblon June 21 (PIA) -- The Coastal Resources Management/Fishery Division under the Provincial Government- Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in coordination with the local government of Alcantara, Romblon has tightened its watch against massive harvesting of sargassum locally known as “lapo-lapo’’ in the municipality to maintain the balance on marine ecosystem in the municipality.

Last May 31, ENRO Personnel led by Supervising Aquaculturist/Prov’l. Fishery Coordinator Otelio G. Cangson and Aquaculturist II Espirita G. Sarmiento with Municipal Agriculturist Mario Galisanao had monitored about a hundred sacks of dried Sargassum in Barangay Bonlao, Alcantara.

At present, MLGU-Alcantara has no local ordinance regulating the use, collection or harvest of “lapo-lapo.” However, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or R.A 8550 and other national laws protect this species from total exploitation.

Meanwhile, Supervising Aquaculturist Cangson said that gathering or harvesting of “lapo-lapo” must be controlled, otherwise the balance on marine ecosystem and other living organisms will be adversely affected.

Based on experts, Sargassum basically provides essential refuge and safe breeding areas for fish. It harbors over 100 species of fish and fungi as well as over 145 species of marine invertebrates. All these organisms occupy an important role or position in the food chain. Massive harvesting of this species will cause its loss in the near future if not regulated.

Furthermore, research concludes that it is also used as an effective heavy metal bio sorption like Mercury contamination in coastal waters or even removal of uranium from water in nuclear facilities.

Municipal Agriculturist Mario Galisanao stressed that he will look seriously into this concern and initiate a study or recommend on the adoption of the local ordinance regulating the harvest/collection of this particular seaweed species.

He added that “lapo-lapo,’’ a type of seaweed (brown sea grass) abundantly found along the coast of Barangays Lawan, Bonlao and Tugdan, Alcantara has served as a valuable resource to some fisher folk and buyers.

Fisher folks say that fresh “lapo-lapo” can be sold at about P 2.50 per kilo. Buyers dry it and ship it to Metro Manila or Iloilo Province to sell it for a bigger price.

The dried “lapo-lapo” is used as raw material in the formulation of fertilizer, feeds, medicine, as a source of algin, insect repellents and others.(Contributed by: Engr. Raymund G. Inocencio, EMS II-ENRO/TBO/DM/PIA-IVB/Romblon)