Public hearing on sea cucumber catching set on Feb. 9

By Leny G. Gabo

To further promote public awareness as regards the prohibition on the catching of sea cucumber, a public hearing would be held on February 9, 2005 in Isla Gigantes , Carles , Iloilo .

Provincial Anti-illegal Fishing Task Force chief Insp. Leroy Rapiz said the public hearing is one way wherein to educate the people of the need to preserve sea cucumber and other marine resources.

Rapiz noted that the 15 crew on board five fishing vessels who were nabbed recently all came from Carles town.

Rapiz said that it simply shows that there are still many Carles folks who violate the ordinance prohibiting the catching of sea cucumber .

The recent operation of the task force resulted to the seizure of almost 80 pieces of sea cucumbers.

Rapiz said each sea cucumber costs more or less P80 per piece and even higher when dried.

Rapiz said that in the public hearing the fisherfolks would be briefed of the provisions of the R.A. 8850 otherwise known as the Fisheries Code of 1998 .

Rapiz said it is important for the people to know since fishing is their main source of livelihood.