Gov’t cracks down on illegal fishing in Tañon Strait

The government is taking a tougher stance against illegal fishing with the implementation of an improved enforcement plan in Tañon Strait, the country’s biggest marine protected area.

The enforcement plan is one of the components of Tañon Strait’s General Management Plan which provides mechanisms for protecting marine habitats, ensuring sustainable fisheries, and reducing illegal fishing through increased patrolling and apprehension, prosecution of violators, and training of law enforcers.

Local government units (LGUs) and other agencies aim to conduct more sea patrols and file cases against illegal and commercial fishers in Tañon Strait, a protected area between Cebu and Negros.

“Regular patrols and surveillance activities are necessary for the detection and intelligence gathering of violations within the protected area, as part of an enforcement plan,” Tañon Strait Protected Seascape ( TSPS) area superintendent Am Prospero Lendio.

The plan includes regular inspection of fishing vessels along Tañon Strait, a step- by- step strategy for operations and surveillance, and filling of cases against violators.

Tañon Strait is a critical marine habitat and important migratory path for 14 of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines.

It is a rich fishing ground, providing livelihood to thousands of fisherfolk and their families in the 42 coastal cities and municipalities in Cebu and Negros Islands.

“Tañon Strait is a marine biodiversity hotspot. Effective management mechanisms are necessary, along with strong law enforcement, to ensure that it is protected.