Fisher group says illegal fishing almost all gone

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Federation of Fisherfolk Association Cebu Inc. has reported eliminating about 60 percent of illegal fishing operations in Cebu Province, particularly in the north.

This was the claim of Esteban Jayson, the newly elected president of the association who took oath at the Provincial Capitol last Wednesday along with 14 other new officers.

“Daghan na kaayo ‘ming na-eliminate na mga operations. Mutabang g’yud mi mag-protect sa kadagatan kay kami ra man sad ang affected kung madaot ‘ni,” Jayson said in an interview.

To help the provincial government in its fight against illegal fishing, Jayson said they serve as law enforcers and deputized fish wardens under the Agriculture’s Office in their respective municipalities.

In Carmen town, where he is currently living and fishing, Jayson said they conduct seaborne patrol.

The association has arrested illegal fishermen from the towns of Carmen, Danao, Tabogon as well as Bogo City, and all the way up to the North.

They also help Team Eskina, the province task force handling market denial for illegally caught fish and other marine resources, in apprehending illegal fish haulers.

As the new president, Jayson he will prioritize information dissemination on marine conservation.

The association, which was created by the Capitol in 1997, now has at least 6,000 fishermen members all over Cebu.

Jayson and the other newly-elected officers took oath before Provincial Agriculturist Necias Vicoy.  (FREEMAN)