The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Luzon (BFAR-3) dispersed some 70,000 bighead carp fingerlings along the Pampanga River in Apalit town, this province on Monday.

BFAR-3 chief Wilfredo Cruz said on Tuesday the move is under the “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL program that aims to repopulate freshwater bodies with fish species such as carp and tilapia.

“This is one of the interventions that could help increase fish supply in the area,” Cruz said in an interview.

He also said the stocking activity would augment the livelihood of the fisherfolk.

“Ito yung direktang suporta sa ating mga marginalized na mangingisda para mayroon silang sustanableng huli (This is a direct support to our marganized fisherfolk to have sustainable catch of fish),” Cruz said.

Meanwhile, he asked the fishers to observe safe, proper, and environment-friendly fishing practices to ensure that the benefits of water resources are maximized.

Cruz said he discussed with the local officials of Apalit some alternative ways of propagating fish along the Pampanga river.

Pampanga River is among the major bodies of freshwater in the country placed under the BASIL program.

Launched in 2017, the BASIL is a five-year project that aims to rehabilitate major inland bodies of water in the country. (PNA)