MANTICAO, Misamis Oriental (Sept. 20) — With an inspiring display of environmental stewardship, the coastal community of Punta Silum in Manticao town celebrated the 60th Fish Conservation Week in a collaborative effort with community members, local government officials, and environmental advocates for a coastal clean-up and an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, today.

MANTICAO, Misamis Oriental (Sept. 20) — With an inspiring display of environmental stewardship, the coastal community of Punta Silum in Manticao town celebrated the 60th Fish Conservation Week in a collaborative effort with community members, local government officials, and environmental advocates for a coastal clean-up and an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, today.

 
As a hotspot for illegal fishing before, this year’s milestone celebration, Punta Silum residents and stakeholders embraced ‘changes for a sustainable fishing future’.
 
The day commenced with a coastal clean-up, where community members armed with gloves, trash bags, and unwavering enthusiasm worked together to rid the shoreline of debris and plastic waste. The clean-up was not only a practical demonstration of their dedication to coastal preservation but also an opportunity to educate participants about the adverse effects of marine pollution.
 
Following the coastal clean-up, an IEC campaign was conducted by the technical staff from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10) to disseminate information about sustainable fishing practices, marine biodiversity conservation, and the importance of responsible coastal management.
 
Subject experts and resource speakers shared their knowledge and insights with the community. Topics included Fine Mesh Net Fishing in Municipal Waters, Consequences of Illegal Fishing Activities, and science-based updates of existing fisheries stocks in the region.
 
Punta Silum’s coastal community sets an inspiring example of grassroots environmental action. Their coastal clean-up and IEC campaign serve as a testament to the power of community engagement in nurturing coastal ecosystems. (CLViajante//BFAR-10)