Environmental groups push for management framework on Benham Rise

Environmental groups over the weekend pushed for the adoption of a management framework over Benham Rise, the country's newest resource-rich territory off the country's eastern seaboard.

According to UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal, there must be a management framework for Benham Rise, which was only confirmed by the United Nations as part of the Philippine territory on April 12, 2012.

This was echoed by World Wildlife Fund - Philippine fisheries expert Jose Ingles, who noted that there is huge potential for the preservation of ecosystems in the area to protect valuable fish species such as the highly-prized Pacific Bluefin tuna.

"This can be our contribution to the global economy," he said in a statement.

To recall, the government has been beefing up its resources to exercise control over the area, keeping in line with its National Payao Program in Benham Bank from 2013 to 2015.

"We have to proclaim to the world that this area is ours," Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Asis Perez said, noting that the area is "a hot spot for poachers, especially long-liners from neighboring countries."

Virtually larger than Luzon, Benham Rise is a 13-million hectare area under the region, off the provinces of Aurora and Isabela. Its shallowest part is dubbed as the Benham Bank, with a depth of at least 50 meters.

Filipino marine science experts and divers in May also dove into the shallow waters, and found what they estimated to be a 120-percent coral cover.

For his part, Oceana Philippine campaign manager Danny Ocampo said that there must be more efforts to explore the area further.

"Before we exploit our marine resources, we should explore and find out what is there to lose," Ocampo said.

To recall, more than 50 species of fish, as well as a thick cover of tiered plate corals were found by marine scientists during the first oceanographic exploration of the area in 2014.

BFAR's Perez earlier urged the government to increase its presence and jurisdiction over the area to be able to tap the maximum potential for abundant fishery production.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/562535/news/nation/gov-t-urged-to-increase-its-presence-in-benham-rise

"Without the government's support, the small and medium-scale fishermen will be afraid to explore the area," Perez said. — APG, GMA News?