UPMSI said Lingayen Gulf, a major fishing ground with extensive mariculture activities that traverses both Pangasinan and La Union provinces, was at risk of suffering “irreversible” damage when the seabed was disturbed. Bolinao-Anda Reef Complex, which supports Lingayen Gulf, is also in danger of being damaged by the project. ADVERTISEMENTIn 2020, a total of 47,435 people were engaged in fisheries and its related activities in Pangasinan and La Union, the research institute said. “Any intense extractive and manipulative activities in Lingayen Gulf could severely affect the fisheries that thrive on ecosystems in the gulf as well as the livelihood of fishing families there,” UPMSI said. The mariculture parks in the gulf also produced 58,273 MT (P6.7 billion) in 2019 for both Pangasinan and La Union.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 18, 2021 23:13 UTC