Three fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities were apprehended during a joint seaborne operation by the BFAR Central Office – Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila Bay on March 17, 2021.

The operators and crew of fishing vessels FBca JAMZYRIC, FBca JOSWYNE BROOKES and FBca 5 BROTHERS, which were caught using trawl fishing gear inside municipal waters, 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 in the 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,” DA-BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said.

Upon inventory of catch, around 150 kg of hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) with an estimated value of Php 5,000.00, 35 kg of slipmouth (Leiognathus spp.) with an estimated value of Php. 4,000.00, and 35 kg of lizardfish (Saurida spp.) were found onboard.

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,” Director Gongona said.

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Reference:
BFAR – Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG)