Commercial fishers oppose high fines

CEBU, Philippines - The Bisayas Alliance of Fisherfolks and Operators for Reform, Inc. (BAFOR) is requesting the members of Provincial Board (PB) to think over the  proposed “Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ordinance” which carries “very high penalties for violators.”

If this is approved, the group said, they might as well stop fishing.

“Ug kung ugaling ma aprobahan ug matuman kining maong ordinansa among pag tan-aw niini, murag kulang na lang moingon ang atong gobyerno: Pangundang na lang mo og panagat,” said BAFOR, Inc. president Leonida Jusay. (It’s like the government is telling us to stop fishing.)

The group made known its stand through a six-page position paper submitted to PB Member Thadeo Ouano, the proponent.

BAFOR said that the main aim of the proposed measure is to stop commercial fishing operators from fishing. Should this happen, the group said, food security will be affected not just in the province but the entire country.

BAFOR cited the contribution of commercial fishers to the country like employment opportunities in communities and the supply of fifty percent of the fish in Pasil Public Market, among other markets.

The group stated that banning commercial fishing in all the municipal waters within the province’s jurisdiction would deprive them of livelihood. They added that fisherfolks have the right to use fine mesh net as their method of fishing as this is being allowed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, but under the proposed ordinance, the use of such net will be prohibited.

BAFOR added that the prohibition of using active fishing gears under the proposed measure is oppressive for commercial fishers. It further opposed the provision limiting the fishermen’s catch.

“Kini nga probisyon dili makatarunganon ug dili praktikal. Maingnan ba diay nimo ang mga isda nga ayaw mo ug sulod sa pukot,” the position letter reads. (The prohibitions are unfair and impractical. We can’t tell the fish not to go inside our nets.)

Ouano had requested all the fisherfoks and other agencies in the province to air their sentiments on the proposed measure. The proposed ordinance provides stiffer penalties for those who engage in illegal fishing and other related activities. 

The proposed ordinance provides a penalty of P5,000 fine for various illegal fishing activities as well as confiscation of equipment/accessories and of the illegally caught fishes. Violators who fail to pay the penalty have an option to render community service.

The proceeds of administrative fines will be shared: 60 percent for the municipality, component city or barangay that made the apprehension and 40 percent to the Provincial government. A 40-30-30 percent sharing shall be made if apprehension is done with the participation of the barangay, component city/municipality and province, respectively. 

The proposed ordinance also seeks to ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of marine and aquatic resources in the province as well as to protect the rights of the fisherfolks and their families as well as the general public. 

If this measure is approved, no municipal fishing boats shall be allowed to fish without securing a registration and displaying the assigned color for the municipality or city.     - (THE FREEMAN)