MANILA - The Laguna Lake Development Authority is set to dismantle thousands of hectares of huge fish pens, usually owned by big companies, in Laguna de Bay.

Starting Thursday, July 29, the LLDA is reducing the maximum size of fish pens from 50 hectares to 25 hectares in a bid to make the Laguna de Bay more sustainable for fishermen.

LLDA data show there are about 13,000 to 14,000 hectares of fish pens all over Laguna de Bay. But studies say fish pens in the lake should cover a total of 9,200 hectares only.

Today, some companies voluntarily dismantled a total of 313 hectares of fish pens in Laguna de Bay. The LLDA is expecting others to follow, as they expect to hit the 9,200-hectare target this year.

Mr. Efipanio Reyes, president of the Federation of Fish Pen and Fish Cage Operators of Laguna de Bay, said the reduction means low fish production but will be rewarding in the long run.

Laguna de Bay is the source of 36% of fish supply in Metro Manila,--report from Kevin Manalo, ABS-CBN News