BFAR intensifies fight for marine life

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 has strengthened its campaign against the illegal trade of threatened and endangered aquatic species.

BFAR-7 Senior Fishing Regulation Officer and Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Section Officer-in-charge Randolph Corrales that Central Visayas remains a critical area for conservation action.

This is because of the region’s strategic location and the presence of active ports and an international airport that are often used as transit points for exporting endangered aquatic species to other areas.

Corrales reminded that the transport, collection, harvesting, possession, or sale of species listed in the Fisheries Administrative Order 208 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix I is strictly forbidden.

Citing the order, he said three species of gastropods and coconut crabs are classified as threatened species or that their population is in a steady decline.

On the other hand, endangered species include more than 22 types of whales and dolphins, clams such as taklobo, and various sea snakes.

It is the country’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) that conducts stock assessments to evaluate the current population of threatened and endangered species.

Corrales said the collection ( and possession) and sale of taklobo shells, including fossilized specimens are also strictly prohibited.

“Among kaso nga among nasinati karon naay mga pipila ka mga nangolekta og shell sa taklobo. Gibawal og pagpanguha bisan ang iyang bagal,” he said.

Aside from taklobo, BFAR-7 also encountered dried seahorses being transported internationally, due to its high demand.

He said that with the bureau's role in monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement efforts have already been implemented by putting substations and personnel at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and major seaports across the region.

“Kung makit-an ang individuals nga naa gyud siyay possession sa maong endangered aquatic species, mag-issue og notice of violation,” Corrales said.

Violators face severe penalties, including fines ranging from P500,000 to P5 million and imprisonment of 12 to 20 years.

Corrales said BFAR-7 coordinate its efforts with the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, other law enforcement agencies.

The fisherfolk are also urged to avoid catching or harming endangered aquatic species so as not to contribute to their dwindling numbers and likewise avoid prosecution. — (FREEMAN)