PIA Press Release
Sunday, January 29, 2012 Prawn hatchery launched, first stocking done in SamarBy Ninfa Iluminda B. QuiranteCATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 29 (PIA) – A prawn hatchery housed at Sea Frannz, Tenedero Compound in Barangay Maginoo, Calbayog City was launched last week. According to a press release filed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources –Regional Training Center (BFAR-RTC) the participants gathered as early as three in the morning to witness the preparation of the prawn fries to be ‘stocked’ in the fishponds in Sta Margarita and Calbayog City. “Harvesting and packing should be done while it is still cool so that mortality is lessened,” said John Meniano, an agriculturist. As the sun slowly shone, the party left for Sta. Margarita for the first ‘stocking’- this means that some prawn fries will be freed in the fishpond, the first beneficiary was Mr Salvador Cruz who owns a fishpond in Salukiki, Sta Margarita. Cruz is also the President of the United Fishpond Operators of Sta Margarita. These fishponds are distributed in a 2500 hectare site. Dr, Norberto Berida of BFAR-RTC then turned over the ‘prawn fries ‘ to Cruz and his members. Cruz gladly accepted the ‘first stock’ from the Sea Frannz Hatchery owned by the Tenedero family and funded by BFAR-Regional Office 08. “The hatchery will not only boost the prawn industry in the country but will also ensure a sustainable livelihood and income for the hundreds of fishpond operators in Samar,” Cruz said in his acceptance speech. Mayors Alfredo Serrano of Sta Margarita, Emily Olaje of Tarangnan and Ruben Pulma of Pagsanghan took part in the ceremonial ‘stocking’ of the fishpond of Mr Cruz. (PIA 8-Samar) | 
