Anti Illegal Fishing Efforts in Region 7 Strengthened

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Visayas (BFAR)-7 collaborated with a non-government organization called the Anti-Crime and Community Emergency Response Team (ACCERT) to intensify the campaign against illegal fishing in the region.

BFAR-7 Regional Director Dr. Allan Poquita and ACCERT President Dr. Miguel Ortiz signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the BFAR-7 Regional Office in Cebu.

Volunteers from ACCERT will serve as multipliers to implement the fishery law against fishermen who wish to perform all kinds of illegal fishing.

Poquita said that if they work thoroughly and effectively, they will address the issue especially that BFAE-7’s mandate is to enchance program strategies against all forms of illegal fishing.

Part of BFAR’s mandate is the prohibition of fishing in Municipal waters, which many fisherfolks are still violating.

Commercial fishing boat operators have also been warned about their illegal activities. BFAR said that if they ignore the agency’s mandates they will have to face charges including Republic Act 10654 or “An Act to Prevent, Deter, Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing,” which amended RA 8550 or “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. (MLC)