Marine conservation groups push for laws protecting sharks

Marine conservation groups on Monday urged for the passage of laws that would safeguard sharks and rays, Cedric Castillo reported on “24 Oras”.

“Over fishing is a big thing. Illegal fishing. ‘Yung unintended catch or hindi sadyang paghuli ng mga pating and of course habitat destruction,” said Save the Philippine Seas Executive Director and Chief Mermaid Anna Oposa amid the country’s celebration of Shark Conservation Week.

(Overfishing is a big thing. Illegal fishing. Even the unintended catching of sharks and of course habitat destruction.)

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), out of 1,000 species of sharks in the world about 200 species can be found in the Philippine waters.

In rallying for their safety, the agency echoed the advocates’ remarks and appealed to the public to also take part in protecting the marine animals “even in little ways” such as refusing to buy and eat sharks.

“Ang lahat ng bagay sa atin kalikasan ay magkakaugnay...kapag may isang uri ng isda na may banta na mawala, ibig sabihin nito nagkakaroon din ng banta sa ibang isda sa karagatan,” said BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera.

(Everything in nature is interconnected. If one species of fish is endangered that means the other species are also at risk.)

The Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for Fisheries Reform said some local government units are now imposing measures for conserving marine wildlife.

“Sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga mangingisda, nakita namin, natutunan namin na naiintindihan nila ang pangangailangan na i-maintain ang ecosystem health. Kailangan wag nilang sagarin ang pangisdaan,” said NGOs for Fisheries Reform Executive Director Mayette Rodriguez.

(During our coordination with the fisherfolks, we learned that they know and understand the need to maintain the health of our ecosystem. Overfishing should be avoided.) -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News