Department of Agriculture (DA)- BFAR 11 Officer-in-charge (OIC) Regional Director, Relly B. Garcia bared that the agency will intensify its campaign against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in Davao Region.
“We will enforce strict regulations to protect and uphold the integrity of our fisheries resources, the violators will face the full force of the law,” Garcia said.
IUU Fishing remains a persistent threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
According to a report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Philippine BFAR, the country is losing P62 billion ($1.2 billion) annually to IUU fishing.
In recent operations, the Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (FIQU) and Enforcement Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) destroyed seized 3,950 kilograms of assorted frozen tuna cuts, last February 13, 2024, after laboratory tests revealed them to be unfit for human consumption. These products were found to violate Sec. 61 and 67, Rule 67.1 (Safety and Quality Standard) and Fisheries Administrative Order No. 195 (Importation or Exportation of Fish or Fishery Species) outlined in R.A. 8550, as amended by RA No. 10654.
Additionally, 27 boxes of frozen Xiphias gladius commonly known as Dugho were confiscated for misdeclaration violating R.A 10654. The confiscated products were distributed to various charitable institutions, after it has been tested safe and fit for human consumption by the Regional Fisheries Integrated Laboratory.
In an interview, Dir. Garcia said that a series of seaborne and land-based patrols, regular inspections of fishing vessels, cold-storage facilities, and other institutions are in place as part of the ramp-up efforts to combat IUUF.
BFAR, earlier arrested three fishing vessels in separate operations conducted in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, for violations of RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654. Violations included operating without a license, employing unlicensed crew members, using unlicensed gear, and operating active gear in municipal waters. The vessels were apprehended along the coastal waters of Barangays Baciawan and San Agustin.
As part of its social responsibility, BFAR 11 distributed confiscated fish catch to Sta. Maria Medical Clinic and Magtabog General Hospital.
BFAR 11 in coordination with local government units and other enforcement agencies, remains committed to enforcing maritime laws and regulations to safeguard marine resources and protect the fishing industry. (PR/BFAR)
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