The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group and the Philippine Coast Guard apprehended three fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities during a joint seaborne operation in Manila Bay last week.
The government enforcement authorities identified the fishing vessels Jamzyric, Joswyne Brookes and 5 Brothers as illegal trawlers plying municipal waters.
The vessels were escorted to El Varadero, Sangley Point in Cavite City for proper documentation and filing of charges.
“Our efforts to prevent and put a stop to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippine waters remain as one of our top priorities along with securing safe and affordable fish commodities for Filipinos and providing assistance to our fisherfolk especially during these challenging times,” said BFAR director Eduardo Gongona.
A quick inventory of the catch revealed around 150 kilograms of hairtail, a specie of snapper, 35 kilograms of slipmouth, and 35 kilograms of lizardfish.
Gongona said his team continues to patrol and monitor not only Manila Bay but many of the country’s fishing grounds against illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“The Bureau, together with concerned agencies, are spending much effort for more compliance and less violations to rules and regulations but we cannot allow IUUF happening under our nose,” Gongona said.