The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard have strengthened their monitoring of fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea.
BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona said in a Laging Handa press briefing Monday (April 27) that they are monitoring the area to ensure that Filipino fisherfolk will not be mistreated in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Gongona said the two agencies started their maritime exercises on Saturday (April 24) in the WPS using eight government ships.
“Sinusuportahan po namin ang efforts ng government especially doon sa WPS, kaya ang BFAR ay sumasama po sa mga ginagawang activities doon.”
The BFAR also assured that it is committed to closely monitor possible illegal fishing activities in the area.
“Ang significant effort ng BFAR, pati ang ibang ahensya na kasama po roon, ay para pangalagaan ang mga fishermen doon, fishing vessels, environment, at to prevent illegal unreported, unregulated fishing, and [violation of] fishery laws.”
Based on the data given by the bureau, the estimated production of WPS for 2020 is 324,312 metric tons, equivalent to 7.36% of the supply of fish in the Philippines.
“Kung ako ang tatanungin, kailangan po natin i-let ang ating mga fisherman, encourage them na lumabas at mangisda doon sa WPS, kasi kailangan nating makuha ‘yung dapat nating mahuli na isda doon, hinihikayat naming sila na huwag matakot doon.”
Report from Kenneth Paciente/NGS-jlo
