China imposes fishing restrictions around Panatag

MANILA, Philippines - Surveillance ships deployed by China in the Panatag Shoal are imposing a 24-kilometer wide ban on fishing in the area, according to some fishermen in Masinloc, Zambales.

“We were warned not to sail within 15 nautical miles from the shoal,” said Mike, one of the men whose fishing boat was recently intercepted and barred by a Chinese surveillance ship from entering Panatag.

Mike’s sister Jen said the Chinese fishing restrictions in and around Panatag have greatly affected their livelihood because of reduced catch.

China has virtually occupied Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal since last year after the Philippine government ordered the withdrawal of its vessels following a tense standoff triggered by the effort to apprehend Chinese poachers in the area.

Citing historical records, China has been claiming almost the entire West Philippine Sea and South China Sea as an integral part of its maritime domain, a claim being questioned not only by the Philippines but also other countries in the region, including Vietnam and Japan.

A U-shaped shoal that serves as entrance to Panatag’s lagoon has been roped off by Chinese vessels.

Panatag, historically known as Bajo de Masinloc, is the traditional fishing ground for fishermen in the town of Masinloc.

Panatag is located some 124 nautical miles from mainland Zambales, well within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The area also served as impact point of joint air exercises by air forces of the Philippines and the US before the closure of Clark Field air base and Subic naval base.