Environmental impacts of integrated fisheries development in the Bicol river basin, the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract This article is based on a study conducted from March 15 to August 15, 1983 at the proposed Naga‐Calabanga Integrated Fisheries Development Project in the Bicol region, the Philippines. Baseline studies were conducted on all environmental parameters and impact predictions were made. The Bicol River, the main source of water supply for the proposed fishery estate was found to be polluted in terms of total solids; BOD, phenol, cyanide and bacteria, but these would not be a limiting criteria for fish production since milkfish have a wide tolerance for physical, chemical and biological conditions. The project area was marginal with respect to agricultural activity. Conversion of the site to the proposed fishery project would cause some localized adverse ecological impacts but the net impact would be beneficial and enhance estuarine environment. Some adverse impacts include barriers to migratory fish such as mullet, arid catfish and shrimps, deterioration of water quality downstream, probable increase...