Councilor sees need for Mandaue fish code

CEBU, Philippines -  Mandaue City Councilor Jimmy Lumapas put forward a proposed ordinance establishing a local fishery code after reports that fishermen from other areas, many using high-tech fishing gear, are encroaching on the seawaters of Mandaue City and leaving local fishermen with fewer catch.

At a public hearing yesterday, the need to delineate the territorial waters of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Consolacion and to lower the registration fee of boats for small fishermen were raised.

During the hearing, fishermen asked the councilors to spare small fishermen like them from high registration fees. Under the proposed ordinance, fishermen must pay P5,000 to register each fishing vessel, P1,000 for a pump boat, and P100 for a rowboat.

“Karon, lisud na gani mokita og P300 sa usa ka pangisdaan,” a fisherman said.

Lumapas said the council will consider the sentiments of the fishermen to refine the ordinance, which will be deliberated on third and final reading next week.

There are about 200 fishermen in Mandaue, according to the City Agriculturist’s Office.

Lumapas, chairman of the council committee on agriculture, said the city has a very limited fishing ground. Out of the 27 barangays in the city only eight have a fishing ground.

The ordinance also seeks to establish an anti-illegal fishing task force.

Lumapas said the City Agriculturist’s Office has set aside P900,000 for the purchase of a pump boat and a rubber boat for the task force.

The ordinance aims to protect rare, threatened and endangered species, as well as regulate the operation of fish pens and other structures where fish and other marine products are cultured.   (FREEMAN)