Danao City adopts new method vs. illegal fishing

The Danao City government has adopted a new approach in its fight against illegal fishing by providing livelihood assistance to fishermen, Mayor Ramon "Nito" Durano said yesterday.

Speaking during the program kicking off the city's celebration of the Fish Conservation Week, Durano said the city government is coordinating with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to train fishermen in alternative livelihood.

He admitted that the success of the campaign against illegal fishing would not depend only on the arrest of illegal fishermen but through providing them with alternative livelihood.

Aside from providing support to the fishermen, Durano said the city government would also give assistance to farmers in the mountain barangays through the City Agriculturist's Office.

City agriculturist Mario Gorre expects the illegal fishing practices in the city to be minimized with the alternative livelihood provided to the fishermen.

Gorre encouraged fishermen and farmers to form a cooperative because the city government is releasing assistance through cooperatives.