Navotas fishermen set 2-day fish holiday 

Most fishermen from Navotas Fish Port have set a two-day fish holiday as part of their continuing protest against Republic Act 10654 or the amended Fisheries Code of the Philippines, which imposes stricter rules against illegal fishing including the ban against bigger vessels on municipal waters.

 

The Fisheries Code imposes a larger fine of P100,000 to P150,000 for small fishing vessels, and up to P1 million for medium-scale vessels who violate the amended rules.

 

According to reports by GMA News' Maki Pulido on Balitanghali and Athena Imperial on Unang Balita on Wednesday, the Navotas Fish Traders Association sent out a memorandum calling on all traders, voyagers, and retail buyers to support the fish holiday and oppose the implementation of R.A. 10654, which they consider as a death sentence to various fishermen and their livelihood.

 

On the other hand, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stressed that the amended code aims to protect the fish population as well as other aquatic resources, especially species on the brink of extinction.

 

Fish traders from the Navotas Fish Port are expected to assemble at 1 p.m. Wednesday to hold a rally dubbed as “Welgang Dagat.”

 

As of Wednesday morning, most of Navotas Fish Port 3, 4, and 5 were closed down, with only sellers of fresh-water fish products present in most open stalls, while Navotas Fish Port 2 remains unaffected by the protest.

 

Retail sellers in various markets are forced to increase the prices of some fish products, especially those coming from salt waters, to about 20 percent of the original price because of the scarcity of supply. — Bianca Rose Dabu/RSJ, GMA News