NEW FISHERIES LAW PROVIDES HIGHER PENALTIES AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING

The amended Fisheries Code which imposes stiffer penalties became the focus of the 52nd Fish Conservation Week Celebration.

Director Nestor D. Domenden of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatice Resources in Region 1 said the law seeks to put a stop to unsustainable fishing methods.

He said the law provides for higher penalties for poachers and those involved in commercial fishing who will be caught committing crimes that fall under illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). 

The law imposes a penalty of P5,000 on any person who committed unreported and unregulated fishing in municipal waters.

The penalty could reach up to $2.4 million or its equivalent Philippine peso for poachers who are foreign nationals, corporation or entity.

“Ito ay masakit na parusa ngunit ipapatupad natin ang batas na ito para hindi maubos ang isda sa ating karagatan. Kung hindi natin ito gagawin, malaki ang tiyansa na hindi na natin marekober pa ang ating pangisdaan (This is a painful penalty but we have to implement this law to conserve the fish and the oceans. If we won’t do this, there is a big chance that we will no longer recover our fishery resources)," Domenden said.

The Fish Conservation Week Celebration is spearheaded annually by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) from October 19 to 23. The event was moved to November 2 to 6, however, due to Typhoon Lando.

All activities were in line with the theme, “Pinatatag na Batas Pangisdaan, Hakbang sa Pagkamit ng mas Masaganang Karagatan”.

During the closing ceremony on November 6, prizes were awarded to those who won in various competitions held in the weeklong celebration of the Fish Conservation Week such as pinaka-malaking huling isda (biggest fish caught), quiz bee, cooking challenge and documentary making contest.

Individuals and groups which have exemplary contribution in the fishing industry were also given recognition.

On September 22 this year, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA10654 and the full implementation of the law started October 10. #  Source -  (MCA/ Joanne Namnama P. Dilim/PIA-1 La Union).