By Kenneth Marcos 
As the waves gently lap against the mangrove roots, a small, reddish fish darts beneath the water—quietly playing its role in the life of coastal communities. Known to many as maya-maya, this common yet valuable fish is gaining renewed attention through the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)’s FishCon 2025 campaign.
On social media, BFAR recently featured the maya-maya (Lutjanus argentimaculatus), also called the Mangrove Red Snapper, as part of its continuing effort to raise public awareness on Philippine marine species and their importance to food security and livelihoods.
From Mangroves to Deep Waters
Maya-maya is widely known in Filipino kitchens, but not everyone knows the fish’s natural journey from shallow waters to the deep sea.
When still young, maya-maya are commonly found in mangrove forests, rivers, and estuaries near the coast. These areas serve as natural nurseries, where juvenile fish find shelter and food. As they grow, adult maya-maya move toward coral reefs and eventually migrate to deeper ocean areas, often forming groups.
Marine biologists note that the species is nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Their diet includes small fish and crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, making them effective predators in the ecosystem.
Important to Fishing and Aquaculture
Aside from being a staple in wet markets and restaurants, maya-maya is also considered a high-value species in aquaculture. It is now being raised in fish ponds and cages, offering farmers a sustainable income source while helping reduce pressure on wild populations.
According to BFAR, promoting species like maya-maya through public education helps Filipinos understand the importance of protecting marine habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs. These environments are critical not only for biodiversity, but also for the livelihoods of coastal families.
A Star of FishCon 2025
FishCon 2025, also known as MANAMo 2025 (Mga Anyong-Tubig na Nagkakaisang Aksyon para sa Masaganang Pangisdaan), is part of BFAR’s broader campaign under “Pangisdaan sa Bagong Pilipinas.” It aims to educate the public about key fish species, sustainable fishing practices, and the need to preserve marine ecosystems.
As part of the campaign, BFAR runs trivia challenges online, encouraging netizens to guess fish species based on photos and fun facts. For this round, maya-maya was the correct answer—highlighting its role not just in our meals, but in marine conservation efforts.
Protecting Fish, Protecting the Future
Experts remind the public that fish like maya-maya depend on healthy environments to thrive. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction continue to threaten marine life in the Philippines, one of the world’s richest countries in terms of marine biodiversity.
“With climate change and declining fish stocks, it’s more important than ever to care for our waters,” said one BFAR official. “Knowing our fish is the first step to protecting them.”
As FishCon 2025 continues, BFAR invites the public to participate, learn, and advocate for sustainable fishing. Whether you’re a fisherman, a student, or a market vendor, the future of our seas affects us all.
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