SANGAY, Camarines Sur --- Aside from its existing municipal ordinances to protect its fish sanctuary, Sangay Mayor Evelyn B. Fuentebella(left photo) endeavors to put more teeth in the implementation of protective measures to ensure that the municipality’s sea water is safe from any untoward acts of man or guarded against any form of abuses.
Fuentebella specifically intends to strengthen its campaign against illegal fishing specifically within the 142.64 hectare declared as Marine Reserved and Fish Sanctuary area under the town’s jurisdiction.
In line with this campaign, the local government unit of Sangay increased the number of Bantay Dagat members and allocated fund for the allowances and other needs of Bantay Dagat volunteers. Fuentebella decided to get most of these volunteers from the coastal Barangays of Nato, San Isidro and Turaque for them to also develop a sense of ownership by protecting the resources where they derive their daily needs.
Ms. Hilaria Cornelio, Sagñay Agricultural technologist/ fisheries said that this campaign has solicited positive response from the community.
“Under the leadership of Mayor Fuentebella, we are assured that the resources within our municipal waters, particularly Atulayan Island and all the resources herein , are protected from any form of exploitation,” Cornelio added.
The Bantay Dagat team will be spearheaded by an official member of the Maritime Police who will also stand as the group’s Team Leader.
In support of this campaign, Fuentebella has also allocated patrol boats, rain gears, flashlights, and rice supply to the members of Bantay Dagat in addition to the regular allowance that they are receiving from the municipality’s coffers.
This strategy has resulted in the apprehension of 18 persons who were caught in different circumstances while inside the Marine Reserved and Fish Sanctuary of Sagñay. The violators actuated in flagrante delicto were found out to be coming from San Roque, Tabaco City. Found in their possessions were compressors. Local authorities believe that the group also engaged in cyanide fishing.
Cornelio stated that the group of illegal fishermen is headed by Christian Barrameda, Efren Bribon and Alex Belen Salinas. They were meted with a P1,000.0 to P1,500.00 court penalty and all their fishing equipment used in carrying out illegal fishing were confiscated.
It is of utmost importance that Nature's gifts be cared by all, for such gifts exist to sustain our survival... in order to serve both " Nature & our kawpang tao". (C.Seattle)
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