THE joint operation of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and BFAR Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG) of Region 5 successfully resulted to the apprehension of four fishing bancas conducting actual trawl or “hulbot-hulbot” fishing at the Municipal waters off Balud, Masbate from 12 to 15 April 2024.
According to BFAR FPLEG, said “Trawls” committed violations against the Republic Act 10654 also known as “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”, as follows:
- a) Section 86 – Unauthorized Fishing or Engaging in other Unauthorized Fisheries Activities
- b) Section 93 – Usage of Fine Mesh Nets
- c) Section 113 (a) – Employing Unlicensed Fish workers
- d) Section 119 – Non-Compliance with Vessel Monitoring measures
- e) Section 121 – Unlicensed Gear
- f) Section 128 (in relation to FAO 237 s. 2010) – Other Violations
With the violations stated above, the total amount of administrative penalty for the four apprehended “Trawls” are Php 340,800.00.
Trawl fishing involves dragging massive nets along the ocean floor, causing immense damage to coral reefs, seabeds, and non-targeted marine life. It disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to irreversible harm and depletion of fish stocks. With this, banning trawl fishing helps preserve marine biodiversity and ensures sustainable fishing practices.
