A giant aquaculture firm is seeking 300 hectares of coastal area in Northern Samar to support its production of farm-raised seafood.

The Northern Samar provincial government reported on Thursday that Nortberto Chingcuanco, Fisher Farms Inc. vice president of corporate planning, led a site assessment and stakeholders meeting with fishermen from the coastal towns of San Jose, Palapag, and Laoang from Oct. 7 to 9.

“Fisher Farms expressed their intention to set up sea fish cages in Northern Samar to support their exports of high-quality seafood to the US, Canada, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe,” Jhon Allen Berbon, Northern Samar provincial economic development and investment promotions office, said in a phone interview.

To date, the aquaculture firm has the largest number of sea fish cages in the country, and the majority of its business is driven by its milkfish products.

Fisher Farms grows most of its milkfish in the seawaters of Pangasinan. It is then made into deli, breaded, smoked, marinated, ready to heat, and unseasoned milkfish. The company also offers raw, breaded shrimp, and cooked shrimp.

“The firm actively engaged with fishermen, sharing insights and strategies to elevate sustainable practices. They also facilitated a connection for a local resident of Palapag with a businessman interested in sourcing crabs, demonstrating commitment to local empowerment,” Berbon said.

The official said the Board of Investments, through Investment Assistance Service rector Ernesto Delos Reyes, has been instrumental in linking the provincial government with Fisher Farms Inc. (PNA)