Most of the world’s best kept treasures are buried underneath the earth. In Cagayan Valley region, one of the richest fishing grounds is found in its rivers particularly in Cagayan province. With tributaries emptying into the mouth of the sea, Namuac River which is shared by the two municipalities of Sanchez Mira and Claveria in the western side and the Buguey Lagoon in the eastern side of the province make these areas endowed with a perfect blend of freshwater and saltwater suitable for the growth of various shellfishes such as oysters.
Majority of the settlers living near the rivers take pleasure from the bounties that these rivers provide. Almost every day, when the tide ebbs shellfish gatherers glean from the tidal flats. Taking bottom dwelling shell fishes and aquatic organisms that can be consumed for food, when in abundance, excess are sold in nearby households.
Of the four species of oysters in the country, two species can be found in Region 02. These are Talabang tsinelas (Crassostrea iredalie) the slipper-shaped oyster and the Kukong kabayo ( Saccostrea malabonesis) or subtrigional oblong oyster, however the latter is being promoted for aquaculture.
Traditionally, oysters are grown through broadcast method where it makes use of stone, empty oyster shells and other media collectors. These are positioned in hard bottom areas where natural population of oyster is known to occur.
It was in 2000 when new farming methods of oyster was introduced in region 02 where the Buguey Brackishwater Technology Outreach Station became the pilot study site and demonstration center for plot hanging and raft -hanging method and broadcast (2.8 hectares) as methods on Shellfish (Oyster) production.
The plot hanging method is an off-bottom type which is suitable in relatively deeper water of at least 2.5 meters deep during the lowest tide. It uses several types and sizes of indigenous materials as collectors such as oyster shells, plastic packaging straps and bamboo.
Lastly, the raft method wherein rafts are constructed using bamboo (2-3 inches in diameter) tied together with monofilament nylon or GI wire and provided with plastic drums as floaters. Different types of hanging collectors are used same as the plot hanging method.
The plot hanging and raft methods are being promoted by the fisheries Bureau since these are proven to be cost-efficient and achieve better yield.
The shellfish production facility maintains 15 units of oyster rafts and a 380 linear meter long plot production area.
Farming of oyster is encouraged in areas where the shellfish thrives because it is cheap since it feeds on natural food present in suitable aquatic environments.
Subsistence aquatic crop
Known as a year-round aquatic species, oysters’ serves as cash crop among households living nearby the Buguey Lagoon and Namuac River. Endowed with muddy benthic floor, the rivers provide food and livelihood to the fishing communities in the area. Many of the women in these communities are involved in collecting shellfishes and marketing them within the neighborhood and in the local market.
Mercy Gabayan, 63, oyster farmer for decades, said that the demand for the shellfish is high during non-off-shore fishing months. Average sales of shucked and cleaned oysters in a day ranges from 300-500 pesos. This amount is enough to sustain basic needs of marginal fisherfolk and enables them to feed their families with simple meal. Out of oyster farming, she was able to send her children to school and in fact, one of her children is now a bachelor’s degree holder.
As of this writing, as part of the fisheries Bureau’s regular program on livelihood assistance, about 913, 500 spats were dispersed to 92 fisherfolk-beneficiaries. (with reports from L. Udani, BBTOS, Buguey)
