TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 2 (DA-BFAR2), in coordination with the BFAR Central Office, conducted a Regional Orientation on the Guidelines on the Culture of Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in the Philippines on January 29, 2026, at the BFAR2 MIS Hall.

The orientation aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the BFAR Administrative Circular (BAC) No. 001, Series of 2025, define the roles of regional offices, and discuss ways to effectively implement the guidelines in Region 2.

In his opening message, Regional Director Angel B. Encarnacion emphasized the need for proper management of Australian Redclaw Crayfish culture.

“The goal of this orientation is to ensure the responsible management of ARC production while preventing potential environmental risks and adverse effects arising from its growth and distribution,” he said.

During the initial session, the DA-BFAR2 ARC Technical Working Group (TWG), along with personnel from concerned units, convened to identify targets and set timelines for the dissemination of the guidelines to farmers, hobbyists, and prospective growers of ARC in the region.

In the latter part of the program, Mr. Arnulfo E. Taberna, Jr., Chief of the Freshwater Aquaculture Section of the Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the BFAR Central Office, discussed the key provisions of the circular and clarified important points of the guidelines.

His discussion was followed by an open forum where participants raised concerns and shared questions on the implementation of the policy in the region.

With the increasing number of ARC farmers and hobbyists in Region 2, the orientation further strengthened coordination within the agency to support proper implementation of the guidelines within the region. (Sophia Gudao, FILS)