DENR 7 Exec Urges New Leaders to Protect Tañon Strait

An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged the new set of leaders in local government units (LGUs) to support efforts to conserve the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS).

Prospero Am Lendio, Protected Area Superintendent of DENR 7, said threats such as illegal and commercial fishing persist, damaging fish habitats in the TSPS, the country’s largest marine protected area.

Lendio said these illegal activities have adversely affected the livelihoods of artisanal fisherfolk around the TSPS which celebrated its 18th anniversary as a protected area last May 27.

“We hope that our new set of leaders will be supportive of our conservation efforts. The protection of Tañon Strait also lies in the hands of our leaders in the local government units. They must make the protection of our natural resources in Tañon Strait a priority,” Lendio said.

Tañon Strait is the playground of 14 of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines.

It is also an important fishing ground, supporting the livelihood of coastal dwellers in 42 cities and municipalities of the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

Lendio said the Protected Area Office (PAO) office is conducting more seaborne patrols in Tañon Strait to address threats such as unlawful fishing, and establishment of polluting industries that are harmful to the ocean.

“These commercial fishers steal what the sea has allocated for our municipal fisherfolk. With these enforcement measures, we are sending a clear message that they are not allowed in Tañon Strait,” he said.

DENR 7 Director Isabelo Montejo also cited the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the area.

“Tañon Strait is very diverse, and it’s important that we protect it. With our partners, I can see that Tañon Strait is properly managed and we have finally achieved our dream to have TSPS as one vital area that is really protected, including our resident cetaceans,” he said. (PNA) SCS/EB/PR/SSC