BFAR XI apprehended two fishing boats engaged in illegal fishing within the municipal waters of Davao Occidental.

The operations took place on June 3 in Malita and June 28 in Don Marcelino, following the series of seaborne patrol operations by the BFAR XI’s Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group.

The seized fish catch totaling 530 kilos were distributed to the following institutions: Malita Women’s and Children’s Wellness Center in Davao Occidental, Municipal Social Welfare Development Office in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, and Davao Veil Geriatric Home Care in Davao City.

The first fishing boat was charged with multiple violations, including Fishing Without License or Permit (Section 86 (a.1) of RA 10654, Use of Fine Mesh Net (Section 93), Employing Unlicensed Fish Worker (Section 113), and Use of Unlicensed Gear. The second fishing boat faced charges for fishing within municipal waters using a ring net (contravening Section 86 (a.2) of Republic Act 10654), use of active gear, fishing during the closed season (Section 95, Section 100), and employing 18 unlicensed fish workers (Section 113).

The apprehended boats were unable to provide proper documentation to support their legitimacy in carrying out fishing activities.

BFAR XI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities within the region to the local authorities, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to protect marine resources.

𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑦 𝐴. 𝐶𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙, 𝑁. 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑐𝑎