by Amor Ledon T. Bajarla

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) has intensified its campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through a market and landing denial operation in Cagayan de Oro City and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, LDN.

BFAR-10 continues to intensify its law enforcement activities as it acknowledges the detrimental effects of IUU fishing, including fish stock depletion, marine ecosystem threats, and challenges to law-abiding fishers’ livelihoods.

The BFAR-10 Team led by Richard Claunan and Cheryl Magante, Fishing Regulations Officers (FRO) from the Enforcement Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operation Center (ERMCSOC), together with the local government units (LGUs) concerned, conducted inspections of fish landing sites and markets to enforce fisheries laws and prevent the sale of illegally caught marine species.

This joint effort underscores the strong partnership and collaboration between BFAR-10 and the LGUs in safeguarding marine resources and promoting responsible fishing practices in their respective jurisdictions.

In addition to the enforcement activities, the team also conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on Republic Act 10654, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code. IEC materials were distributed to empower the community with the essential knowledge to safeguard marine resources and sustain their livelihoods.

FRO Magante emphasized the significance of community involvement in achieving sustainable fisheries management. “Dako ang among pasalamat sa suporta sa lokal nga panggamhanan ug mga stakeholders. Kini nga kalihokan dili lamang aron maprotektahan ang mga balaodnon nga mananagat apan usab aron mapadayon ang sustenableng pagdumala sa atong kadagatan. Ang pagpakabana ug kooperasyon sa tanan maoy yawe sa kalampusan niini nga kampanya.”

[We sincerely appreciate the unwavering support of the local government and the stakeholders. This activity protects law-abiding fishers while promoting the sustainable management of marine resources. Collective awareness and cooperation from all stakeholders are keys to the success of the campaign.]

Meanwhile, FRO Claunan stressed, “This initiative seeks to eliminate market demand for illegal fisheries products by targeting points of sale and disrupting the illicit supply chain. By doing so, the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group of BFAR-10, plans to remove IUU-caught fishes from the market and safeguard endangered species from exploitation.”

With the strengthened partnership with the LGUs, fisherfolk organizations, and other stakeholders, BFAR-10 will continue to implement resource sustainability programs such as habitat restoration projects, fishery management area plans, and community-based monitoring systems to complement enforcement efforts.