The threat of coral poaching in Tayabas Bay has surfaced after the recent arrest of a fisherman who yielded 11 sacks of assorted corals harvested in this body of water in Quezon province, a local environmental group said. “It seems that aside from unabated illegal fishing and other destructive fishing activities, coral reef poachers also threaten [the marine life of] Tayabas Bay,” said Zeny Bernal, Tanggol Kalikasan Southern Luzon program director. Bernal said Mateo Taneo, 60, a fisherman from Barangay Dalahican here, was arrested by a team of personnel from the police's maritime group and local Bantay Dagat (sea watch) on Oct. 20.

Mallari, D. T. Jr. (2016, October 26). Env't group raises alarm over coral poaching in Tayabas Bay. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A12.