Marine research center mulled in 4th district

CEBU, Philippines - In line with Capitol’s declaration of an all-out war against illegal fishing in Cebu Province, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon is eyeing the creation of a marine research center in the fourth district.

Salimbangon said the center would support efforts in preserving marine and aquatic resources. The project will be implemented with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Salimbangon said BFAR Administrator Malcolm Sarmiento Jr. initially committed P3 million for the project.

Salimbangon is chairman of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources. His biggest advocacy being the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged aquatic resources in the entire fourth district of Cebu.

The establishment of the research center is also aimed at setting up more marine sanctuaries to bring back the abundance of marine resources, which, in turn, will provide better income to the smalltime fisher folks who depend on the sea for their daily sustenance.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s all-out war against illegal fishing is primarily focused on areas in northern Cebu, hinting that some local government officials may be tolerating or encouraging it.

Last October 29, she created the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force, which will focus on curbing illegal commercial fishing, which is rampant even near tourist destinations such as the Malapascua Island of Daanbantayan town.

The task force, composed of representatives from different law enforcement agencies, will take an active role in coordinating all efforts in enforcing anti-illegal fishing laws especially in the northern part of Cebu where illegal commercial fishing is rampant.

Garcia called on all law enforcement agencies to take part in protecting marine resources and in return the provincial government will totally support all efforts by these agencies not just to curb but to eradicate all forms of illegal fishing in the province.

Salimbangon said he supports the fight against illegal fishing in the northern part of the province.

Days after the declaration, at least two illegal fishing operators already have been arrested by authorities in Carcar and Argao, all in southern Cebu.

Prior to Garcia’s declaration of “all our war” against illegal fishing, Salimbangon has pushed for the investigation of the reported rampant illegal fishing in the northern part of Cebu and other areas in the Visayan Sea.

He said hearings will be conducted in areas reported to be practicing illegal fishing to look into the root cause of the problem.  (FREEMAN)