Lake Fisheries
The
lake's most dominant use is on fisheries. It is estimated that
the lake yielded 37,000 to 47,000 MT (metric tons) of fish in
1997 to 2000 - both from the fishpes and open fisheries.
Crustaceans and mollusks declined in yield from 1,927 to 574 MT
and from 101,101 to 85,363 MT respectively, during the same
period. With the introduction of the fishpen culture technology
in 1970, the boom in lake fishery production also led to social
conflicts in the region. Large-scale fishpens have threatened
the economic conditions of fishermen dependent upon open water
fishery. To address the issue, a revised Lake Fishery Zoning and
Management Plan was implemented in 1996.
Transport Route
LLDA
set navigational routes for lake travelers and users to avoid
conflicts with fish cultivators, fishpen owners, and free-range
fishermen. More than 5,000 motorized and non-motorized
watercraft operate as a means of transportation for lakeshore
communities. In addition, there are 23 barges plying the lake to
transport an average of 75,640 barrels of oil and oil products
to various supply depots daily.
Board Resolution no. 66 of 1998
Approved the navigational routes for the ferry system in
the Laguna de Bay.
|
Primary Lane -
a 500 meter wide route going to Los Baños, and Pagsanjan,
Laguna |
|
Secondary Lane -
a 400 meter wide route provides access to other
municipalities around the lake including Talim Island
|
|
Tertiary Lane
-
a 200 meter wide route which lead to the existing
landing areas in the municipalities. |
Flood Water Reservoir
The lake
also serves as a reservoir for floodwater to save Metro Manila
from flooding. The Manggahan Floodway was constructed to divert
floodwaters from Marikina River into the lake. The Napindan
control station regulates the outflow of excess lake waters and
minimizes the inflow of saline water and pollution from the
Pasig River.
Power Generation
Laguna
de Bay is also used for power generation; three power plants are
located in the region. A pump storage hydroelectric power
station is operated in Kalayaan, Laguna. Water is pumped up to
the Caliraya Reservoir to generate about 300 megawatts of
electricity. Efforts are underway to increase this capacity to
600 megawatts.
Recreation
Laguna
de Bay is also known for recreational activities. Although
classified only for non-contact recreation such as fishing,
boating and sailing, the lake is used for swimming in some
communities. Lakeshore resorts near Mt. Makiling extract hot
spring waters for health spa and beauty treatment. LLDA also
ventures on eco-tourism projects through the
LISCOP
Component 1 Project with 6 eco-enhancement projects in Rizal and
Laguna Provinces namely:
A. Daranak Falls Eco-Tourism Project
B. Panguil Eco-Park (Ambon-ambon Falls)
C. Pakil Eco-Tourism
D. Majayjay Eco-Tourism Project (Taytay Falls)
E. Cavinti Eco-Tourism Project (Magdapio Falls)
F. Siniloan Eco-Tourism Project (Buruwisan Falls)
