The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI (BFAR XI) conducted a routine inspection of Davao-registered commercial fishing vessels docked at PICCOP Port, Pier 2 in Bislig City from December 9-10, 2025.

BFAR XI’s Fisheries Regulatory and Licensing Section inspected four (4) commercial fishing vessels undergoing renewal of their Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear License to Operate. The team reviewed vessel documents, gear specifications, and logsheet submissions to ensure full compliance with national fisheries regulations.

The activity forms part of the agency’s ongoing effort to uphold the provisions of Republic Act 10654 “An Act to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF)” and its implementing directives, including Fisheries Administrative Orders (FAO) 198 series of 2018 and 266 series of 2020, which set the licensing, reporting, and monitoring standards for commercial fishing operations.

As part of the inspection, the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Unit facilitated the installation and verification of monitoring equipment, completing one (1) new VMS unit installation and one (1) VMS inspection. Proper VMS setup is essential to enhance real-time vessel tracking, promote transparency, and strengthen enforcement measures against IUUF.

Additionally, BFAR XI’s Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) conducted an investigation involving two (2) vessels for possible violations under Section 120 of RA 10654, which pertains to unauthorized fishing activities.

The bureau underscored that regular vessel inspections are crucial in promoting safe and responsible fishing, enhancing monitoring and enforcement efforts, and ensuring that commercial operators adhere to established fisheries management policies.

𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘍𝘔𝘙𝘌𝘋-𝘍𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯