BFAR holds commercial fishing boat operating in municipal waters

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources apprehended Wednesday 36 crew members on board a commercial fishing boat operating inside the municipal waters of Governor Generoso town in the Davao Gulf area.

Operatives from BFAR Region 11 and the Philippine Coast Guard spotted F/B Zanrei around 6 a.m., some eight nautical miles off Brgy Surop.

Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol said that the apprehension was a result of the relentless campaign against illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. 

“The heightened patrols and strengthened monitoring of our seas reflect the government’s strong commitment to curtail illegal fishing in our waters,” Piñol said.

The BFAR said the fishing vessel was brought to the port of Tibanban for temporary docking. 

A notice of violation was then issued to the boat's owner while preparation of documents is ongoing for filing of an administrative case.

If proven guilty, violators will be meted a P100,000 fine for violation of Republic Act 10654, or the Philippine Fisheries Code, for medium-scale commercial fishing and confiscation of catch and gears.

Under the law, commercial fishing vessels are prohibited to operate within 15 kilometers (8.1 nautical miles) from the shoreline of municipal waters. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/LBG, GMA News