Three fishing vessels allegedly engaged in illegal fishing activities were apprehended during a joint seaborne operation by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office-Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila Bay on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
A news statement issued by BFAR said the operators and crew of fishing vessels FBca JAMZYRIC, FBca JOSWYNE BROOKES and FBca 5 BROTHERS, which were allegedly caught using trawl fishing gear inside municipal waters, allegedly violated Section 86 (Unauthorized Fishing) and Section 95 (Use of Active Gears in Municipal Waters, Bays, and Other Fishery Management Areas) of the Republic Act (RA) 8550, as amended by RA 10654. The fishing vessels were then escorted to El Varadero, Sangley Point, Cavite City for proper documentation and filing of administrative charges.
“Our efforts to prevent and put a stop to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing [IUUF] in Philippine waters remain as one of our top priorities along with securing safe and affordable fish commodities for Filipinos and providing assistance to our fisherfolk especially during these challenging times,” Department of Agriculture-BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said.
Upon inventory of catch, around 150 kilograms of hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) with an estimated value of P5,000, 35 kg of slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.) with an estimated value of P4,000 and 35 kg of lizardfish (Saurida spp.) were found on board.
DA-BFAR’s fishery law enforcement teams continue to patrol and monitor not only Manila Bay but many of the country’s fishing grounds against IUU fishing. DA-BFAR urges the public to be watchful and report any illegal fishing activities to the nearest BFAR Regional Office or local government unit.
“The Bureau together with concerned agencies are spending much effort for more compliance and less violations to rules and regulations but we cannot allow IUUF happening under our nose,” Gongona said.