Illegally-caught fish confiscated

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force has confiscated up to P40,000 worth of illegally-caught fish from a cargo truck bound for Pasil Market in Cebu City Friday dawn.

Lyndon Ruiz, task force head, said they intercepted the truck with Plate Number GXF 121 loaded with at least 16 tubs of fish in Jubay, Liloan while it was traveling on its way to Cebu City from Medellin.

Ruiz said traces of dynamite explosives had been detected in eight of the tubs, prompting them to confiscate the containers, which are now in the custody of the Cebu provincial government.

Despite the efforts to make the province free from illegal-fishing, poverty has been the common reason why several fishermen would resort to dynamite fishing.

Ruiz said if the illegal fishing in the province continues unabated, there will be lack of supply that would result to hike in fish prices.

In order to combat illegal fishing, the task force is implementing a combination of enforcement and livelihood for all stakeholders.

Illegal fishing operators are regarded as stakeholders to natural resources. But to raise awareness, there will be information campaign for them to be educated on the disadvantages of illegal fishing.

The provincial government and the task force will soon start equipping local government units with the necessary resources, including the training of barangay personnel to combat illegal fishing. (FREEMAN)