‘Baloko’ overharvesting in Sorsogon probed
LEGAZPI CITY—The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol is investigating the declining supply of pen shell, locally known as “baloko,” in Sorsogon Bay amid concerns that overharvesting may be threatening the sustainability of the resource.
Francisco Dollesin, provincial fisheries officer of BFAR-Sorsogon, said the agency is validating the current status of baloko stocks in the waters of Sorsogon City and the towns of Juban and Casiguran, the only areas in the province where the shellfish is harvested.
“One of the possible reasons for the decline is overharvesting due to the use of air compressors, which allow divers to collect more baloko compared to traditional free diving,” Dollesin told the Inquirer in a phone interview.
BFAR Regional Director Ariel Pioquinto said an assessment would be conducted in the area to determine the extent of the problem and identify appropriate interventions.
He said the growing popularity of baloko as a culinary tourism product may have contributed to increased demand.
