Despite an intensive campaign by the Iloilo provincial government, illegal fishing persists in the Visayan Sea deemed as one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Philippines.
Iloilo provincial administrator Dr. Raul Banias, concurrent chief of the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, acknowledged the unabated illegal fishing in the Visayan Sea, renowned for its diverse marine life and designated as a fishing management area.
Banias noted that while the number of super large fishing boats locally known as “hulbot” had decreased, those that remained persisted with their illegal fishing methods.
“We hope and urge them to shift to legal fishing because our enforcement efforts against illegal fishing are relentless. The campaign will continue until we eliminate illegal fishing,” Banias stressed.
He pointed out that arrests have led to a drop in the frequency of illegal fishing compared to previous years. “The situation in the Visayan Sea is like a cat-and-mouse game. When there’s no patrol, illegal fishers are active,” Banias added.
The provincial government plays a significant role in this effort, as maintaining the Bantay Dagat operations is “very expensive,” particularly due to fuel costs and wages. “Thanks to Governor Defensor, we have adequate support in terms of fuel and other resources to sustain our campaign,” Banias said.
He also directed the task force to further mobilize their intelligence assets on the ground to better understand and address the ongoing illegal fishing activities.
On July 9, another super “hulbot” was seized by the task force for illegal fishing in the waters off Carles, Iloilo. This brought the total to nine super “hulbots” apprehended over in the past six months.
Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. has ordered the consistent monitoring and elimination of illegal fishing off Iloilo province, saying the unlawful practice causes massive destruction of marine biodiversity and affects the livelihood of small fishermen.
The provincial government remained committed to supporting legal fishing practices.
Banias emphasized the importance of shifting from illegal to legal fishing, urging those involved to consider the long-term benefits of sustainable practices. The administration continues to provide resources and support to ensure the success of this campaign, aiming for a future where the Visayan Sea thrives both ecologically and economically.
