Turtles threaten multi-million fish industry in Pampanga

MACABEBE -  Invasive species of turtle are currently  threatening the multi-million fish industry in  Pampanga and neighbouring provinces.

 

This came as fishpond owners from the towns of Macabebe, Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, Minalin, and Apalit sought the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the proliferation of turtles in their respective locality.

 

They  likened the turtle menace to the “golden kuhol” that wreaked havoc in rice farms during the 80s.

 

Maximo Dichoso, executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon , in a statement,  said his office received complaints from fishpond owners and operators about the turtle preying on local fish species, bangus and tilapia fingerlings.

 

“The Chinese softshell turtle has been classified as an invasive alien species (IAS) introduced in the country in the 90’s,” he explained.

 

With this, a team of biologists and conservation experts had been formed to conduct a six-month study to determine the impact of the softshell turtle on the environment and the local fishing industry of the affected provinces.

 

“We want to determine the rate of reproduction of this turtle species and come up with a regional policy on the allowable quota for its collection either for food or export,” Dichoso explained.

 

Environment authorities, on the other hand, said that there is a need to regulate turtles collection and trade to avoid unnecessary competition among individuals issued with Wildlife Special Use Permit, and to ensure a sustainable turtle population without affecting the local fish industry.

 

In Pampanga alone, three individuals have been issued permits to collect a combined 36,820 heads of live turtles this year, or about 30,700 kilos of turtle meat. Last year, 349,170 heads of live turtles, or 236,250 kilos of turtle meat were also harvested.