Illegal fishing ‘rampant’ in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines – This was how Talisay City councilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr. described the illegal fishing activities in the city's waters following complaints from concerned fisherfolks.

Bacaltos, who serves as chairman of the city's Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management committee, attributed the proliferation of illegal fishing activities to the lack of equipment and personnel to man the city's waters.

"Grabe na ka rampant ang illegal fishing ug di masumpo gumikan kay kulang ang mga gamit sa Bantay Dagat," he said.

Innocent fishermen were worried their livelihood would be put in peril as these illegal activities destroy ecology and marine life.

Based on the reports from several small-scale fishermen to the office of Bacaltos, the illegal fishers in the city allegedly use dynamite and fine nets in fishing.

Bacaltos said the Bantay Dagat cannot easily apprehend suspects because of the lack of personnel and speed boats to go after them.

Some of the illegal fishers allegedly use boats that are more equipped and advance, thus they escape even before authorities can apprehend them.

"Mao nga mohangyo ko kang Mayor Johnny De los Reyes nga pun-an og dugang personnel ug pundohan ang Bantay Dagat aron masumpo na ang illegal fishing kay naapektohan ang mga nagtinarong og panagat," Bacaltos said.

Bacaltos also revealed that there are only four personnel currently working for the city's Bantay Dagat in three shifts a day.

"Ang sugyot gud sa taga-BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) nga ang ideal mag-man sa Bantay Dagat at least 30 personnel, tag-10 ka tawo per shifting," he said.

The councilor reminded the fisherfolks of the hefty penalties to be imposed against those who will be caught illegally fishing and violating the provisions of the Fisheries Code.