The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has given formal recognition to four outstanding fish conservation advocates this year for their significant contribution and dedication to protect and conserve the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources.

In the recently concluded 45th Fish Conservation Week here in Quezon City, the BFAR paid tribute to the four recipients of the first Gawad Sagip-Dagat award namely: Dr. Jose Ma. Lorenzo “Lory” Tan of the World Wildlife Fund-Philippines; Dr. Romeo G. Trono of the Conservation International-Philippines; and environmental lawyers Antonio Oposa, Jr. and Asis Perez.

Dr. Lory Tan has been a major partner of the bureau in many conservation projects as well as in the development of mariculture areas in the country. Among his most recent collaboration is in the release operation of the 17-foot long butanding trapped at the PNOC port in Mabini, Batangas last August and in the release of 350 pieces live mameng or Napoleon wrasse in the waters of Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Tan is currently the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the WWF-Philippines.

Dr. Romeo B. Trono, on the other hand, is a staunch defender of marine biodiversity and its habitats. He is known for his works in the conservation of marine turtles or pawikan and the whale sharks or butanding. He was also instrumental in providing scuba divers from Donsol who helped the BFAR divers in releasing the dugong trapped in Batangas port. Dr. Trono is currently the Country Executive Director of CI-Philippines.

Atty. Asis Perez has been volunteering his time and efforts to help improve the plight of the small fisherfolk, especially in the CALABARZON region, BFAR director Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr. narrated.

As head of an NGO, the Tanggol Kalikasan, Perez had been cited in the formulation of a Unified Fishery Ordinance in Tayabas Bay and the Unified Rules and Regulations for Taal, among others. He had also been an active partner in the conduct of paralegal trainings for deputized fish warden, as well as, in active law enforcement with the organization of a Bantay Dagat group called Task Force Karagatan. Perez is currently a member of the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council, an advisory and recommendatory body to the DA-BFAR.

The fourth awardee, Atty. Antonio Oposa is known for his efforts along with the late Elpidio de la Victoria to stop illegal fishing in the Visayan Sea. Through a network of volunteers called the Visayan Sea Squadron, they launched community-run sea patrols, led raids on producers of explosives and on commercial fishermen. Oposa is also an awardee of a UN Environment Programme Global Roll of Honor for Contributions to International Environmental Law.
BFAR is currently working on providing Oposa’s group with an MCS patrol vessel to strengthen their law enforcement activities. The said boat will be operated and maintained by the local government of Sagay.
Director Sarmiento said that the bureau recognizes that much of the developments in the fisheries sector, in addition to the prime position a small country have made in global fisheries production, are basically a product of concerted efforts and commitment of many individuals and institutions.

He said the Gawad Sagip-Dagat plaque of recognition will be an annual feature of the fish conservation week celebration to recognize individuals and organizations whose accomplishments have significantly contributed in ensuring the stability and sustainability of the fisheries and aquatic resources.

The BFAR hopes that under this scheme, more and more Filipinos would realize the importance of protecting and conserving this finite resource that provides food, livelihoods and incomes to millions of Filipinos.

Also given citations during the closing program are: BFAR-RO 2 for Seal of Frontline Service Excellence and officers and crew of the Philippine Coast Guard manning the following DA-BFAR MCS patrol vessels: DMPV 3004 led by LTJG Rejard V. Marfe and formerly by LCDR Joseph M. Coyme; DMPV 3006 led by Capt. Ferdinand Velasco; and DMPV 3008 led by CDR Artemio M. Abo. (BFAR Press Office)