To assess the socio-economic and ecological impacts of the Panabo City and Sta. Maria Mariculture Parks, the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) on March 5 in Davao del Norte and March 6 in Davao Occidental.

Leading and facilitating the FGDs were Myleen Magistrado and Frederick Muyot, both Senior Science Research Specialists from FFRDC. Magistrado also the project leader, conveyed a message from NFRDI Executive Director Lilian Garcia.

“As we continue to harness the benefits of mariculture, it is vital that we assess its socio-economic and ecological impacts to ensure sustainability and environmental balance,” Dr. Garcia stated.

She further emphasized, “The findings we present today provide valuable insights into how mariculture operations in Panabo City impact both the livelihoods of our communities and the health of our marine environment.”

Peter Erick Cadapan, OIC, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Mariculture Center (BFAR-NMC) welcomed the participants comprising of representatives from BFAR-NMC, BFAR regional and provincial field offices, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) region 11, local government units (LGUs), fish cage operators, and other stakeholders.

The project’s technical staff presented the ecological and socio-economic impacts, along with the cost and return analysis of both mariculture parks. Following the presentation, an open forum was conducted to address stakeholders’ concerns and gather recommendations. The discussion particularly emphasized the negative ecological impacts of the mariculture parks. The insights and recommendations from the forum will serve as a basis for policy formulation, ensuring the sustainable development and management of both mariculture parks. ### (Jaypee Venzon)