SC bans “hulbot-hulbot” and “buli-buli” fishing

CEBU, Philippines -  The Supreme Court has ruled to enforce the ban of Danish Seine locally known as “hulbot-hulbot” and Modified Danish Seine locally known as “buli-buli” mode of fishing in Philippine waters.

Environmental lawyer and advocate Antonio Oposa Jr. lauded the SC ruling, recounting how he and fellow environmentalists in Cebu worked with the government in abolishing the hulbot-hulbot fishing method.

Administrative Order  No. 246 of the Bureau of Fisheries has sought for a nationwide ban of hulbot-hulbot and buli-buli fishing.

In a resolution dated July 7, the high court issued a Temporary Restraining Order  against a court order issued by the Malabon Regional Trial Court prohibiting DA- BFAR from implementing FAO 246.

Danish Seine and its modified form are active fishing gears often used in commercial fishing.

It is consist of a conical net with a pair of wings, the ends of  which are connected to a rope embedded with buri, plastic strips, sinkers or other similar materials to serve as scaring or herding device hauled through a mechanical winch or by  manpower.

It was found out, however, that the use of hulbot-hulbot contributes to the destruction of marine habitats and other fishery resources which violates section 92 of Republic Act 8550, also known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines, which reiterates the prohibition of the use of any fishing gears that destroy and damage coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other fishery marine life habitats.

NGOs active in fisheries reforms expressed hope that the SC’s order will result in the enforcement of the ban on the use of Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine.

Meanwhile, BFAR national director Asis G. Perez in a statement is pleased with the support the agency is getting from all sectors.

He said BFAR is putting its best efforts to promote and implement sustainable and environmentally sound fishing practices. —/JMO (FREEMAN)