DENR-7 Files Charges Against Boat Owner, Crew for Killing Thresher Sharks

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has filed complaints against the owner of a fishing boat, its captain and 12 crew members after killing 19 thresher sharks within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, particularly in Hagnaya, San Remegio town in northern Cebu.

In a statement, DENR-Central Visayas spokesperson Eddie Llamedo said the boat owner and crew of RB Sweet Angel will be charged for violating Republic Act 7586, or the National Integrated Protected Areas Systems (Nipas) Act, and Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 1992.

DENR and provincial anti-illegal fishing task force intercepted 19 thresher sharks last September 21 and filed two cases against fishing boat operator and its 12 fishing boat crew in Negros Occidental.

The fishing boat and its equipment were withheld in Cadiz City police.

Tañon Strait lies between the islands of Negros and Cebu in the Philippines.

The strait, which is about 161 kilometers long, connects the Visayan Sea in the north to the Bohol Sea in the south.

Its width varies from five to 27 kilometers, with the narrowest point in the south.

In the north the strait is closed off by the Don Islands, the largest of which is Bantayan.

The cities of Bais, Negros Oriental and Toledo, Cebu have deepwater port facilities.

The Tañon Strait is known for whale and dolphin‑watching, with tour boats operating from Bais City. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS