THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Davao Region has already filed five cases against commercial fishing vessels apprehended due to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
BFAR-Davao Regional Director Fatma Idris said these were the commercial fishers caught fishing mostly off Davao Oriental without permits.
"Karamihan po sa kaso na na-encounter ng mga patrol ay illegal fishing," (Most of the cases encountered by the patrol [teams] are illegal fishing) Idris said. The vessels were unlicensed and the fishing operation unauthorized.
Cases was filed against the suspects for violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code Section 113 or the Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Employing Unlicensed Fisher folk and Crew.
"Ang mga crew nila should be licensed," she said.
Since these fisher folks were not licensed, Bfar-Davao Region submitted a summary report to the Central Office that will be handled by the adjudication committee.
"Dito sa adjudication committee ang offender will offer settlement," she explained.
She cited for instance if the fine reached P100,000, which is the maximum penalty, there would also be consideration depending on the degree of violation whether it is first offense, second or third. But if it is on a first offense, there would be adjustment for at least 30 percent of the amount.
"Yon ang pwede nilang isettle kaya lang po pinag-aaralan din po namin kung gaano kabigat yong offense" (That's the one they can settle but we're still studying it because we still don't know the extent of the offense) she said.
She also clarified that they only apprehend commercial vessels while small boats who violate are the responsibility of local governments.
Under the Fisheries Code, the use of explosives for illegal fishing will be penalized with imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and the forfeiture of the fishing vessel, fishing equipment, and catch.
The move is part of the thrust of BFAR-Davao Region to curb illegal fishing.