Bantay Dagat seizes prohibited fishing nets

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission (CCBDC) has once again confiscated banned liba liba nets despite repeated warnings against their use, with the latest seizure carried out over the weekend during a routine patrol in the city’s waters.

The Bantay Dagat’s patrol team recovered the abandoned nets after fishermen fled upon spotting the authorities.

This follows an earlier operation on April 14, when a joint patrol with the Philippine Coast Guard intercepted another group engaged in the same illegal practice, forcing them to abandon their gear as they escaped.

The liba liba, or Danish seine, is prohibited nationwide under Republic Act 10654 and Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246 because of its destructive impact on marine habitats.

Its weighted scarelines scrape the seabed, damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds while accelerating fish depletion.

Violators may face prison terms and heavy fines, yet enforcement remains a challenge in coastal communities where patrol resources are limited and livelihoods are fragile.

The Coast Guard’s collaboration with the CCBDC is part of a broader national campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Joint patrols, inspections, and intelligence sharing strengthen local enforcement units that often rely on borrowed boats and volunteers.

In Cebu City, these efforts are reinforced by land based monitoring, such as the June 6 joint checkpoint at the Pasil Fish Market, which inspected transport permits and fishery cargo documentation to ensure compliance with fisheries laws.

Community engagement has also been seen in the city’s approach.

Earlier this month, the CCBDC joined a coastal clean up drive in Pasil led by Mayor Nestor Archival, alongside fisherfolk communities, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers actively clearing shorelines.

The city government, thru its Bantay Dagat Commission, aims to defend biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods. (CEBU NEWS)