BFAR continues war vs. illegal fishers

CEBU, Philippines - As the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) celebrate the 48th Fisheries Conservation Week, they confiscated at least 18 boxes of fish believed to have been caught through illegal means.

BFAR-7 Assistant Regional Director Allan Poquita said that BFAR and the Bantay Dagat-Cebu City Commission’s seizure of the boxes of fish, sends a strong message that the government would continue to wage a sustained war against illegal fishing.

The 18 boxes of fish worth P50,000 were seized from the Pasil Market in Cebu City yesterday dawn.

The 48th Fisheries Conservation Week is celebrated from October 16 to 22 with the theme “Karagatan Pagyamanin, Isda Paramihin, Buong Mundo Pasiglahin.”

The annual weeklong observance is celebrated every third week of October by virtue of Proclamation No. 176 by former President Diosdado Macapagal on October 21, 1963.

Poquita said that their office has revitalized its program against illegal fishing and continue to provide training in law enforcement aside from conducting patrol operations especially in the northern part of Cebu where most illegal fishing activities occur.

BFAR-Regional Director Andres Bojos said the celebration of the Fisheries Conservation Week is part of their earnest campaign towards development, management, conservation and protection of our fisheries and aquatic resources to ensure their sustainability.

Bojos said the campaign will also strengthen the linkages and cooperation of all agencies and others stakeholders involved in the development of the fisheries sector.

He added that the annual celebration is significant as it places emphasis on the importance of fishery and aquatic products to the country’s economy and the wise management of coastal and marine environment to sustain biodiversity and improve quality of life for the local communities.

Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force confiscated 14 boxes that contained blasted fish worth P28, 000 aboard a truck that came from northern Cebu.

The cargo truck was allowed to proceed to Cebu City and no arrest was made since the other boxes contained fish that were not illegally caught.

The seizure was made based on a tip as a BFAR-7 examiner randomly checked the contents of the boxes which resulted to the confiscation of the 14 boxes but cleared the remaining 35 boxes. (FREEMAN)