The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) said it apprehended on Wednesday a 76-gross ton commercial fishing boat operating within the municipal waters of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental.
Law enforcers from Bfar Region 11 and the Philippine Coast Guard spotted FB Zanrei 7.54 nautical miles off Barangay Surop in Governor Generoso. The fishing boat was manned by the 36 crew onboard.
“The heightened patrols and strengthened monitoring of our seas reflect the government’s strong commitment to curtail illegal fishing in our waters,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said in a statement.
Piñol said the Department of Agriculture (DA) prioritizes the “relentless” campaign for the enforcement of fisheries law against illegal and unsustainable fishing practices.
Republic Act 10654, otherwise known as the amended Philippine Fisheries Code, prohibits commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer area from the shoreline in municipal waters.
The fishing boat was brought to a port in Tibanban, also part of Governor Generoso, for temporary docking. Bfar-11 has already issued a notice of violation to the boat’s owner while preparation of legal documents is ongoing for the filing of an administrative case.
Violators are penalized with a fine of P100,000 for medium-scale commercial fishing and confiscation of catch and gears.
Meanwhile, in an effort to prevent and eliminate illegal fishing in the municipal waters, the DA, through the Bfar, is piloting the search for the most outstanding coastal municipality. The program, Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK), scores conservation and protection of marine environments through community participation.
The Bfar said MMK will culminate with the awarding of winners before the year ends.