A group of fishermen condemn the decline in Aramanga catch, blaming dredging of the Aparri River

A group of fishermen has raised the alarm over the dwindling number of aramang (soft-shell shrimp) that local fishermen can catch in the Aparri River, blaming ongoing dredging for undermining their livelihoods and threatening the river’s ecosystem.

Aramang, the main catch for many small-scale fishermen in the area, is usually found in abundance in the river during peak seasons. However, fishermen say their catch has dropped significantly since dredging work began as part of a government flood mitigation and river restoration project.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 22, the Cagayan Fishermen’s Association (CFA) said dredging activities have disturbed the natural habitat of the aramanga and other aquatic species.

“We also fear that removing sand and silt from the riverbed has made the river less conducive to spawning,” the group said.

Fishermen said recent devastation caused by simultaneous typhoons has further reduced the number of aramangs in the Aparri River.

“Our daily catch of aramanga used to be about 200 kilograms, but now it has come down to three kilograms a day since dredging work has begun on the river. The situation has further deteriorated due to successive typhoons,” the CFA added.

The Aparri River dredging project, which began in 2023, aims to deepen the river bed to prevent flooding in low-lying areas and improve navigation. But critics argue that the environmental impact on the river’s ecosystem has not been adequately addressed.

It would be recalled that local fishermen’s organizations have asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies to investigate the situation and ensure that their livelihoods are not jeopardized.

The DENR has yet to issue a statement regarding the fishermen’s complaints.

Aramanga fishing has long been a source of income for hundreds of families in Aparri and neighboring towns, with shrimp sold locally and exported to other provinces.

Fishers warned that if the decline continues, there could be long-term economic consequences for the region.