Chinese poachers are illegally harvesting giant clams in the waters of Pag-asa Islands, recent patrols by the Philippine Coast Guard discovered. The poachers immediately left the area when approached by the Coast Guard, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported Wednesday. “This act is a blatant violation of Philippine fisheries and wildlife laws, and the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),” NTF-WPS said. The Coast Guard also noted that the Chinese ships currently dispersed at the Pagkakaisa (Union) Banks and Pag-asa Islands are 240 CMM vessels about 60 meters in length each.

Gulle, J. (2021, April 15). Sino poachers target giant clams in Palawan waters. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.