The government is eyeing the closure of Manila Bay from fishing operations after 2015 and to intensify the promotion of alternative livelihood of fisherfolks and their families who have been dependent on fishing at the scenic bay.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources revealed this plan in its compliance to a Supreme Court order on government agencies to submit updates on compliance of its ruling in December last year that upheld the cleanup of Manila Bay.

"Seasonal closure of Manila Bay from fishing activities will need the conduct of the required scientific study on the biology of species endemic to the Bay. Should the need arise, the total closure of Manila Bay from fishing operations will be resorted to,” BFAR Assistant Director for Administrative Services Atty. Benjamin Tabios Jr. told the High Court. Tabios said the partial closure would be implemented from 2012 to 2015 while the full closure of the bay to fishing operation will be considered in 2015.

The BFAR official said the closure is aimed at “reducing further the depletion of marine and aquatic resources in Manila Bay” for the purpose of rehabilitating the bay through sustainable development. In preparation for this long-term plan, the BFAR said it would start introducing alternative livelihood to the families along Manila Bay that are dependent on fishing in the bay.  It said that education and information drive would also be conducted.

Illegal fishing

Further, Tabios said their agency would focus on combating illegal fishing operations in the bay in the next three years.
He said BFAR would continue to strictly implement fisheries laws and apprehend illegal fishing activities in the bay.  The agency has also decided to stop licensing new commercial fishing vessels in Navotas and Malabon as well as in Cavite, Bulacan and Bataan.

“BFAR will also strengthen its law enforcement initiatives within Manila Bay by updating its training modules for law enforcement agents and conduct new training activities within the year”, the six page compliance stated.  But the agency hinted that its jurisdiction to Manila Bay under section 65 of RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code) is limited to the 25 square kilometers area tat is beyond the 15-kilometer municipal water which falls under the jurisdiction of the LGU.  The bay covers about 1,935 sq. kilometers.

“The only time that BEAR conducts patrol in municipal waters is when the municipality seeks BFAR's assistance,” said Tabios.

It can be recalled that the court has already ordered in July six Cabinet members and other government executives to explain why they should not be cited in contempt for supposedly ignoring its order directing their agencies to submit updates of compliance of its ruling in December last year.

In an order, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya and Education Secretary Jesli Laps were given 10 days to comment on the motion filed by concerned residents of Manila Bay on August 24.

The heads of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority and Marine Police were also covered by the Order.

Contempt order

The CRMB sought issuance of contempt order against respondents and urge the Court to send “a strong message” that it is serious in enforcing its ruling to cleanup the bay.