Blast fishing, an environmentally devastating and illegal practice, continues to plague the waters of northern Iloilo. Despite the comprehensive ban under the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the persistence of this destructive method, primarily conducted by fisherfolk from other provinces, highlights a troubling reality. The use of explosives in fishing not only leads to the indiscriminate killing of fish but also inflicts irreversible damage to coral reefs, vital to marine ecosystems. These reefs are not just biodiversity hotspots; they are also crucial for the livelihoods of local communities and the overall health of our oceans.

Blast fishing a persistent menace. (2023, December 5). Panay News, p. 6.