BFAR-7: Fishery laws enforced for Tañon Strait

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas belied allegations that it failed to enforce fishery laws in Tañon Strait, the country’s largest protected seascape.

In fact, BFAR- Region 7 Information Officer Alma Saavedra said, a joint seaborne patrol operation with the Philippine Coast Guard resulted in the apprehension of at least seven illegal fishing vessels in the last three weeks.

Saavedra made the statement following the claims of fisherfolk leaders from the towns surrounding Tañon Strait that the government agencies, including BFAR, failed to address the illegal commercial fishing operations within the protected seascape.

Of the seven apprehensions, two commercial fishing vessels were caught in the waters off the southern Cebu towns of Malabuyoc and Ginatilan, which are facing the Tañon Strait.

There were also four fishing vessels apprehended in Malabuyoc and one each in Bien Unido, Bohol and Ginatilan.

The operators and fishermen of the vessels were apprehended for unauthorized fishing, and for using unlicensed fishing gear, among others.

BFAR also collected P240,586 in settlement penalties from the owners of the commercial vessels. But for the apprehension in Ginatilan, the settlement is still ongoing.

Commercial fishing is prohibited in marine protected areas as stipulated under the existing fishery laws.

Saavedra said the regional office is further intensifying its efforts in curbing illegal and unregulated fishing not only in Tañon Strait but also in the entire waters off the region.

"The new BFAR-7 OIC regional director Nilo Katada has called on his men under the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) to intensify their operations and fully implement the fishery laws," she said.

"Under the helm of our new BFAR-7 head Dr. Nilo Katada, several efforts have been made against illegal fishing activities as the law provides the protection of our marine resources, and livelihood for our fishermen and of course, food for our people," she added.

Katada assumed as BFAR-7 director on July 15.

Katada used to work at the fishery law enforcement unit of BFAR Central Office. He also finished studies related to fisheries, according to Saavedra. — KBQ (FREEMAN)