THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas (BFAR-7) belied allegations that it has been lax in the enforcement of fishery laws in Tañon Strait, the country’s largest protected seascape. BFAR- Region 7 Information Officer Alma R. Saavedra said a joint seaborne patrol operation with the Philippine Coast Guard resulted in the apprehension of at least eight illegal fishing vessels in the last three weeks. Fisherfolk leaders from towns surrounding Tañon Strait earlier said that government agencies, including BFAR, has failed to address the illegal commercial fishing operations within the protected seascape. Ms. Saavedra said of the eight apprehensions, two commercial fishing vessels were caught in the waters off the southern Cebu towns of Malabuyoc and Ginatilan, four in Malabuyoc, and one each in Bien Unido, Bohol and Ginatilan. The operators and fishermen of the vessels were apprehended for unauthorized fishing, and for using unlicensed fishing gear, among others. BFAR also collected P240,586 in settlement penalties. The law prohibits commercial fishing in marine protected areas. — The Freeman

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