BFAR: Amended Fisheries Act meant to deter illegal fishing

(Updated 5:18 p.m.) The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday reiterated its position that amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code are meant to protect the industry from illegal practices.

 

"The agency shares the fisherfolk’s interest to make sure that there is continuous fishing and consistent growth in the industry. BFAR, however, believes that this would only be possible if we prevent all forms of activities that jeopardize the sustainability of our marine and aquatic resources," BFAR Director Asis Perez said in a statement.

 

Asis released the statement after hundreds of fishermen from various areas in Luzon conducted a "fish holiday" on Wednesday to protest the implementation of Republic Act 10654 that amended the Philippine Fisheries Code.

 

The fishermen also held a protest action as part of the holiday declaration at the Quirino Grandstand. 

 

 

Among the rules being contested by the fishermen is the provision of the law that bans commercial fishers from fishing and using fish nets and other destructive and active fishing gears within 15 kilometers of municipal waters.

 

Fisher groups have said that the provision virtually bans fishing in the entire Manila Bay because 15 kilometers from the shoreline of each coastal area of surrounding municipalities are overlapping. 

 

The fishermen are also protesting the higher penalties that the amendments are recommending. 

 

For example, those who will fail to secure fishing permit prior to engaging in distant water fishing may be fined P2 million P45 million, depending on size of vessel and value of catch. 

"Doon nga sa dating batas, nahihirapan na sila kasi ang dami-daming nangongotong sa dagat, lalo na ngayon na nandiyan ang napakalaking multa na iyan. Lalo nang magkakaroon ng pang-aabuso sa dagat. Baka makita ka lang, pera na ang nakikita ng mga nag-eenforce ng batas," a fisherman said in a report on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" on Wednesday.

 

However, BFAR stressed that the amendments are meant to benefit the fisheries sector because of the elimination of destructive forms of fishing. 

 

"The amendments to the Fisheries Code are intended to deter, prevent and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The sanctions as stated in the amendments aim to hit only those who are willingly, intentionally and willfully violating the law and never those who abide by it," Asis said.

 

The agency added that it is the government's role to protect the livelihood of the Filipino fisherfolk. However, it is also responsible in ensuring the sustainability and conservation of fishery resources.

 

"The government has always believed in the strength of partnership it has forged with the fisheries sector. This reminds us all that this is a fight against illegal practices that threaten our fishery resources and never should it become a cause for disunity between the government and the fisheries sector. By improving the fishery’s control system, we protect the interests of the whole nation," he added.

"Near shore, nandiyan ang critical habitat. Doon nanggagaling ang mga isda na tinitinda. Kapag nasa malapit ang fishing ground, mas kaonti ang gastos. Nakikita mo ang intensyon na magkamal ng kita at the expense of small fishermen,” Aleroza said. —Keith Richard Mariano and Trisha Macas/ALG, GMA News