Several dredging vessels that have reportedly run aground in the waters off Aparri, Cagayan, are reportedly affecting the livelihood of local fishermen.

The vessels, visible from the pier of Barangay Punta, were reportedly used for dredging operations in the fishing grounds of the local fishermen.

While dredging operations have ceased, the presence of these vessels continues to disrupt the livelihoods of fishermen like Rashep Valencia, who also serves as the president of Aparri Fisherfolk.

Valencia believes that the dwindling catch was caused by the presence of the dredging vessels.

“Kapag nandoon sila — doon kasi kami nangingisda — hindi kami makapwesto doon kasi nasisira ang lambat namin… sana umalis sila rito kasi sagabal sila,” he said.

Jokray Raquinio, Vice President of the Aparri Fisherfolk, said some crew members aboard the vessels are reportedly Chinese, which made communicating with them difficult. 

“Chinese ang crew ng barko na nag-ooperate sa dredging kasi hindi nakakaintindi ng tagalog o english ang sinasabi namin, talagang Chinese ang crew… apektado kami kasi lumalayo ang isda,” Raquinio said.

The local government previously halted dredging operations in 2022 due to document issues and failed to conduct public consultations before commencing the dredging.

Mayor Bryan Dale Chan appealed to the national government to remove the dredging vessels from the area.

“Kasama ko ang mga fisherfolks na against diyan sa operation. Alam natin na may mataas na posisyon sa gobyerno diyan, kaya ‘yan ang mahirap,” Chan said.