Samar town implements measure to address post-harvest fish losses
Samar map. INQUIRER FILES
TACLOBAN CITY — A municipality that is home to the longest coastline in Samar, covering 181.96 km, is ramping up efforts to combat post-harvest fish losses through a comprehensive five-year development plan amounting to P249.8 million.
The initiative, backed by key stakeholders of the municipality of Daram, Samar, aims to reduce fish spoilage, improve storage facilities, and enhance fisherfolk livelihoods.
Vice Mayor Lucia Astorga stressed the significance of addressing the high rate of post-harvest fish loss, which stands at 40.34 percent, according to a study conducted by the Center for Sustainable Aquaculture and Agri-based Innovations in 2024.
Post-harvest fish loss (PHFL) refers to the measurable reduction in the quantity, quality, or monetary value of fish after they are caught and sold to consumers.
“Our seas have long been the lifeblood of our people yet many of our fisherfolk suffer due to inadequate preservation, lack of proper storage, and limited market access. By working together, we can reduce these losses, increase incomes, and ensure food security,” Astorga said.
Article continues after this advertisement“Reducing post-harvest losses is not just about economics; it’s about securing the future of our coastal communities. Through sustainable solutions, we can uplift the lives of our fisherfolk and create a more resilient fishing industry,” she added.
Article continues after this advertisementA forum conducted last Feb. 13 tackled the issue and gathered representatives from Oceana, an international advocacy organization dedicated to ocean conservation; the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the Department of Trade and Industry, Samar State University, and fisherfolk leaders, among others.
BFAR Regional Director Dominador Maputol affirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting post-harvest infrastructure projects, including the construction of cold storage facilities, fish landing centers, and processing plants.
“We are integrating conservation efforts with livelihood programs to ensure a sustainable fishing industry in Samar,” he said.
Lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana vice president, highlighted the role of sustainable fisheries governance and vessel monitoring systems in ensuring responsible fishing practices.
“Daram can serve as a model for science-based fisheries management. By enhancing fisherfolk training and strengthening policy frameworks, we can create long-term solutions,” Ramos said.
Oceana recommends the following policies to reduce post-harvest fish losses: establish robust fish catch monitoring and reporting systems; ensure accurate data on fish catch; train women and mobile peddlers in postharvest handling and processing to minimize quality loss; and limit catch volumes of species with high PHFL during peak fishing seasons to reduce physical and market force loss.
The group also suggested establishing an organized marketing system to connect fishers and aqua farmers with buyers, enhancing market linkages in the fish distribution chain; and implementing area- and species-specific price regulating mechanisms to control fish prices and ensure fair profits for fishers and aqua farmers, among others.
The municipality’s five-year Comprehensive PHFL reduction plan proposes the establishment of cold storage units, drying facilities, fish processing centers, and skills training programs to curb losses and maximize fish value.
Stakeholders proposed solutions such as seasonal fishing quotas, expansion of market reach, and value-added fish processing to absorb the surplus supply.
The Alliance of Local Governments along Samar Bays and Channels also pledged to collaborate on resolving the issue by improving market coordination and exploring inter-provincial trading partnerships.
READ: Samar town tagged as model for low fish harvest losses
