Panguil Bay cleared of illegal fishing structures

MANILA, Philippines – Panguil Bay, a rich fishing ground in Mindanao, has been cleared of sanggab or filter nets, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said yesterday.

Sanggab is a stationary fishing gear made of fine screen and conical bags to capture fish. Its use has reduced fish and shellfish harvest in the bay.

Panguil Bay, which sprawls across Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental, hosts various indigenous species such as tiger prawn, shrimp, mud crab and windowpane oyster.

The BFAR said the removal of the illegal fishing structures was done in support of the Panguil Bay Development Council.

Fishermen affected by the dismantling of sanggab were provided assistance to allow them to transition to a more sustainable livelihood.

The BFAR has been implementing conservation measures in the country’s key fishing grounds to protect domestic supply and prices and honor the government’s international commitments.