Commercial fishers join anti-illegal fishing drive

CEBU, Philippines - Two groups of commercial fishing operators in Cebu have jointly issued a manifesto of support to the anti-illegal fishing campaign of the Province of Cebu.

These are the Bisayas Alliance of Fisherfolks and Operators for Reforms, Inc. (BAFOR) represented by Leonida Jusay and the Northern Cebu Commercial Fishing Operators Association (NOCCOFOA) represented by Cynthia Rentuza.

The groups claim to have 38 registered and legitimate commercial fishing operators having 88 fishing vessels. They also have 3,000 men with more than 10,000 dependents contributing considerably to the fish supply of Cebu.

The groups pledge to monitor illegal fishing activities like dynamite, cyanide and other methods of illegal fishing and report incidents of transport of illegally caught marine resources to concerned authorities for proper enforcement of fisheries laws.

Accompanying their commitment was their request to the Provincial Government to provide local funding to increase the number of fish examiners in every city and municipality.

They shall also endeavour that unlicensed fishing vessels operating within Cebu shall secure proper documentations and licensing with the Maritime Industry Authority and to become members of their associations.

The groups also pledged to actively participate in the integrated coastal resources management program of the LGUs and ensure the protection of endangered flora and fauna species.

The groups are grateful to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force for considering their request to allow them to operate within the 10.1-kilometer area of the municipal waters subject to the conditions of the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

However, Garcia did not give any commitment yet to the group and instead challenged them to abide with what they have committed in support to the campaign pending actions of the local government units.

The law provides that commercial fishing is allowed within the municipal waters if concerned LGU enacts ordinance for the purpose upon the recommendation of their respective Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC). — Gregg M. Rubio/JPM (THE FREEMAN)