MAC certification assessed

INABANGA moves a step closer to getting its ecosystem fisheries management standard certification by the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) because of its collection, fishing and holding standard – a fact that could put the town's aquarium industry in the global map. Mayor Josephine Socorro Jumamoy wants the local ornamental fish collection industry to be world class and therefore globally competitive.

To determine how far along the industry is, a representative of Shizen Migume, Cloyd Oyzon recently assessed the processes here. Shizen Migume is a MAC-accredited organization that conducts validations. On his first day, Oyzon met the Coastal Resource Management Technical Working Group (CRM-TWG) to check if local policies and ordinances concerning the aquarium trade, law enforcement and sustainability plans are within MAC standards.

The following day, he moved to Hambongan islet to assess collectors and the coordinators regarding the viability of the certification. Then he asked collectors to demonstrate the use of a spear gun in catching green mandarin, one of the precious ornamental fish species that can be found only in Bohol. He also checked on the screening and packing methods if it conforms with MAC standards.

The collectors also demonstrated basic collection methods using sabay and barrier nets at the identified collection sites in Bogatusan, Magkalingaw and Babag. Oyzon also looked into the records and documents on the catch and shipment of the ornamental fish. On his last assessment day, the validator interviewed two collector leaders Anjo Ligan and Dante Baguio. While recommending some things for compliance prior to the certification, the local authorities complied with the suggestions. The assessment was also attended by MAC personnel, Hambongan Resources Managers Organization, Sangguninang Bayan members, collectors, coordinators and members of the CRM-TWG.

l