Concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs) will conduct more sea patrols and file cases against illegal and commercial fishers in Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected area between Cebu and Negros. Tañon Strait is a critical marine habitat and important migratory path for 14 of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines. It is a rich fishing ground, providing livelihood to thousands of fisherfolk and their families in the 42 coastal cities and municipalities in Cebu and Negros Islands. The enforcement plan is one of the components of Tañon Strait’s General Management Plan (GMP), which provides mechanisms for protecting marine habitats, ensuring sustainable fisheries, and reducing illegal fishing through increased patrolling and apprehension, prosecution of violators, and training of law enforcers, Ramos said.

Gov’t, LGUs take tougher stance against Tañon Strait illegal fishers. (2017, January 26). Manila Bulletin, p. B-8.