An environmental group has raised an alarm over the resurgence of illegal commercial fishing in Tayabas Bay, a known haven of endangered species. The local communities and environmentalists have successfully launched protest to stop illegal fishing in the bay because it not only threatens the survival of endangered species but also the livelihood of marginalized fishermen, who have just begun to reap the bounties provided by fish sanctuaries.
Glenn Forbes, coastal and marine program officer of Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), informed that the illegal commercial fishing is increasing day by day in Tayabas Bay with its destructive fishing activities that imperil the bright prospect of the bay as an emerging safe refuge of threatened marine species.
According to the Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550) no commercial fishing vessel is allowed to operate within 15 kilometers of municipal waters. But this has been ignored and illegal commercial fishery continued to operate inside the restricted fishing areas. Forbes said that reports of illegal commercial fishing have been found in areas like Lucena, Pagbilao and Padre Burgos and so the authority has decided to launch the operation.
Forbes immured that the Tayabas Bay now has 22 fish sanctuaries in several strategic spots which are rich spawning grounds for different marine species. The local fishermen have asked the government to conduct anti-illegal fishing operations in the bay to ensure save and healthy fishing for the locals.
