DENR 7 Files Criminal Cases Against 54 Persons for Illegal Fishing at Tañon Strait

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 7 has filed a criminal case against 54 persons and apprehended four fishing boats for violation of Section 20 of Republic Act Number 7586 known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

A joint seaborne operation conducted by the DENR with operatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) caught commercial fishing vessels illegally fishing in the waters within the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape (TSPS) area.

Tañon strait is the narrow body of water separating the islands of Cebu and Negros.

DENR 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo directed the protected area superintendent of TSPS and some protected area rangers to conduct a regular monitoring, patrol, and surveillance operation within the entire stretch of TSPS against illegal fishing activities.

Montejo said more operations will be conducted in various illegal fishing hotspots especially within the marine protected areas in the region.

The four fishing boats (FB) which are under the custody of TSPS in Badian, Cebu are FBs San Vicente Ferrer, Sto. Niño, Blue Heaven and Adianne.

The TSPS, which lies between the islands of Negros and Cebu and covers 521,018 hectares and borders 677 kilometers, is among the country’s top 10 major fishing grounds where about 26,000 fishers operate.

It has also been regarded as an important migration corridor for whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals, making it a preferred destination for whale-watchers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

The TSPS was declared a protected seascape by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1234 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos last May 27, 1998 in recognition of its extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins, whales and other marine species.

Montejo said he will tap the expertise and competence of the different nature conservation groups like Oceana, local government units and other stakeholders to help in the enforcement and prosecution of the erring persons. (PNA) LAP/EB/PR/SSC