Lapu-Lapu drafts shark ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - The  Lapu-Lapu City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council submitted a resolution requesting a total prohibition of any activity that involves the usage of shark meat.

The resolution seeks to prohibit the hunting, taking, transporting, selling, exporting/importing, purchasing and processing of shark meat within the city of Lapu-Lapu, including its island and coastal barangays.

Orlando Leyson, CFARMC chairman, appealed for an appropriate action as the council sees the importance of marine conservation and protection of underwater species.

The proposed prohibition also includes the conservation of manta rays, apart from hunting down illegal activities that involve shark meat.

According to the draft ordinance, the city aims for the safeguard of the aquatic life against illegal activities such as catching of exotic marine animals like shark, turtles, whales and dolphins.

Business establishments such as restaurants, canteens, carenderias and other similar food stores are not allowed to offer or cater any food infused with shark meat products most likely the dolphins, whales and turtles.

The draft further said the law prohibits the use of shark oils, meat and other products that contributes to the decrease of sea creatures, as well as using them as aesthetic products like oils, lotion and cream.

As for the penalties, according to the ordinance, a person who violates the rules will be given a penalty imprisonment of one to six months or a penalty of P5,000.

The same applies to the business group in which the manager, supervisor or person-in-charge will be penalized imprisonment and a fine of P5,000. The establishment found breaking the proposed law is subject to revocation of its business or mayor’s permit.

The resolution submitted also invited the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact a statutory law that will prohibit depletion of marine species.

Earlier, 5,000 kilos of shark meat cargoed inside a 20-footer truck were intercepted by the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force bout to be transported to the port area from Sitio Dapdap in Barangay Soong.

The confiscated meat arrived in Cebu last July 31 and was supposed to be exported to Hong Kong last August 30, reports said.

In another development, Mayor Paz Radaza already structured a cease-and-desist order against the Shell Haven Fashion International in Sitio Kasanta, Barangay Mactan last Tuesday afternoon. The complaint came from establishment’s neighboring houses whose residents reported of the foul smell wafting all over their place.

Prior to the order, a petition was made last August and passed by the barangay captain to the City Hall due to the unpleasant smell of dried shark fins under the sun inside the compound. (FREEMAN)