To strengthen the country’s fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has enlisted some of its personnel in an intensive law enforcement training program at the National Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center in Pagbilao, Quezon. From an initial number of 76 participants, a total of 62 trainees were able to complete the three-month boot camp which started in October of last year. “The training was meant to capacitate our personnel with enough knowledge and skills that will allow them to ensure proper management and protection of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources,” said Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, adding that an effective law enforcer would contribute greatly to the progress of the local fishing industry and the people whose livelihood depends on it.

Fishery law enforcers ready to combat IUU fishing. (2015, January 18). Philippine Star, p. B-3.