ILOILO – Blast or dynamite fishing persists in northern Iloilo, according to Provincial Administrator Raul Banias. But he clarified that the culprits were mostly fisherfolk from other provinces.
Blast fishing is an illegal and environmentally destructive practice involving the use of explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection.
This method, however, not only kills large numbers of fish but also destroys coral reefs which are crucial for marine ecosystems.
Blast fishing is illegal under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.
The Iloilo provincial government is intensifying its campaign against illegal fishing. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. authorized Banias to oversee the operation of the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force.
“Ang bantayan naton dira ang dynamite fishing nga, mostly coming from other provinces. Nag-meeting na ako sa Bantay Dagat, and we will respond to that. Indi naman kita bag-o sinang obra. Sang una we have apprehended several illegal fishers engaged in the dynamite fishing, and we assure our small fisherfolk or marginalized fisherfolk nga indi gid namon pagpabay-an ang lawod,” said Banias.
Despite its illegal status, dynamite fishing has been a persistent problem, but not only in Iloilo. This is due to several factors, including limited resources for enforcement, the vastness of the marine areas, and the poverty in many fishing communities that drives fishermen to use such destructive methods for immediate economic gain.
Banias clarified that the Provincial Bantay Dagat’s operation will not only focus in northern Iloilo but also in other parts of the province.
He said some fisherfolk engage in illegal fishing if they learn that local government units are not monitoring their fishing area.
Banias also said Defensor’s directive was not only limited to illegal fishing but also emphasized the integrated fishery management approach.
“Indi lang kampanya against illegal fishing, but conservation and restoration kag education campaign,” he said, adding that the governor also ordered to look into stock enhancement of crabs, especially in Banate town.
On Nov. 15, Defensor issued Executive Order (EO) No. 393 delegating to the Provincial Administrator’s Office the operation, maintenance and management of the taskforce.
Currently, the operational needs of the taskforce are being undertaken by the Iloilo Provincial Agriculture’s Office headed by Dr. Ildefonso Toledo.
Banias said he held a coordination meeting with Toledo last week for a smooth and effective transition of operations and management of the Bantay Dagat.
“As you see, we are operating in the whole province, although we are based in northern Iloilo. Kag sa pagdugang ni governor sang duha ka floating assets, i-step up naton ang campaign against illegal fishing,” Banias told Panay News.
The provincial government recently purchased two speedboats. The Office of the Governor also procured P2 million worth of fuel for these.
Although the transfer of administrative functions, operations and maintenance is still being settled, Banias assured the provincial government through the taskforce that they are ready to join the campaign against illegal fishing.
The EO stated the Provincial Administrator’s Office shall ensure the operational capability of the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force by:
* facilitating all procurement of fuel, equipment, devices, and vehicles necessary for the operation of the taskforce;
* undertaking the repair and maintenance of all equipment and floating assets of the Bantay Dagat Task Force; and
* perform other tasks that may be delegated by the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force./PN
