Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 8 M C S - E R M C S O C

Apprehensions during the joint seaborne operation of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 8 Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy (PN) on February 7 and 8, 2024.

FPLEG 8 and PCG catch two CFVs using Hulbot-hulbot in Samar Sea

With its continuous effort to deter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities in the region, Fishery Protection Law Enforcement Group 8 and the Philippine Coast Guard (DA-BFAR MCS 1101) apprehended two (2) small-scale commercial fishing vessels red-handedly using Modified Danish Seine (hulbot-hulbot) within Samar Sea on January 11, 2024.

Illegal fishing gears were seized from these vessels, and both CFVs are impounded at the FPLEG 8 Carigara Substation for proper disposition and custodial safekeeping. One of the CFVs' crews operating within Tarangnan was released after the investigation by the apprehending team. However, the other alleged transgressors operating the CFV caught within Daram Island disembarked and abandoned it; hence, no crew were identified. The owner of the said abandoned CFV is asked to surrender to the BFAR 8 FPLEG stations.

If proven guilty, both alleged offenders may face a penalty as high as Php2M for violating FAO 246-1 (Banning of Operation of Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine in Philippine Waters) and other sections of the amended Fisheries Code of the Philippines. Meanwhile, the owner of the abandoned CFV will be facing an additional administrative fine ranging from Php1M to Php2M for violating Section 115 (Obstruction to Fishery Law Enforcement Officer).

To date, FPLEG 8 is preparing the necessary documents for filing appropriate charges against the alleged transgressors. BFAR 8 will also deploy additional floating assets in Samar Sea to significantly deter IUUF in this hotspot area.

The use of hulbot-hulbot has been banned in the Philippines because of its destructive effect on marine habitats. Its tom weights and heavily weighted scarelines contribute to the destruction of marine habitats as well as fishery resources, destroying coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other fishery marine life habitats, which take many years to recuperate.

| DA-BFAR Rolls Out Immediate Interventions to Fishing Communities Affected by the Oil Spill in Oriental Mindoro

Following the oil spill incident due to the sinking of MT Princess Empress that occurred last February 28, 2023 in the coastal waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) provides livelihood assistance to the affected fisherfolk.

During his visit in the province yesterday, DA-BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto committed the initial allotment of Php 4,000,000 which will be used to implement immediate and alternative livelihood assistance for fisherfolk engaged in capture fishing while the provincial government enforces fishing ban in the affected areas.

Using the said initial amount, the DA-BFAR will provide livelihood assistance through the provision of post-harvest training and equipment, particularly ten (10) units of smokehouses for fish processing. The raw materials for fish processing will be sourced from Occidental Mindoro and other nearby areas not affected by the oil spill.

In addition, the DA-BFAR in partnership with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) will operationalize KADIWA OPLAN ISDA, an existing project which supports fisherfolk by providing market linkages. Fisheries cooperatives from Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro will be linked for fish trade, while the DA-BFAR provides logistical support such as utilization of re**er vans.

“The DA-BFAR is determined to help our affected fisherfolk cope with the loss of income due to the fishing ban resulting from the oil spill. We are implementing these immediate livelihood interventions which will be coursed through the provincial agriculture office of Oriental Mindoro for a centralized and strategic distribution to our fisherfolk beneficiaries,” BFAR Director Escoto said.

Aside from livelihood interventions, the DA-BFAR is also extending technical assistance to the provincial local government unit by conducting laboratory testing of water and fish samples gathered from the affected areas. The result of the tests will be used in determining and recommending areas that are safe for fishing activities.

To date, about 11,000 fisherfolk families in the municipalities of Naujan and Pola including its neighbouring areas are affected by the oil spill according to local government reports.