BFAR forms Visayan Sea squadron

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Efforts in protecting the natural wealth of the Visayan Sea got a boost with the launching of the Visayan Sea Squadron recently.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-6) assistant regional director Juliet B. Demo- os told The News Today that the group is composed of 150 small boats stationed at Bantayan Island, Cebu while guarding the territory from illegal fishing.

She noted that governors of Iloilo , Negros Occidental and Cebu together with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretary Michael T. Defensor signed a commitment supporting the conservation of the Visayan Sea .

Demo- os stressed the campaign would involve all stakeholders like youth, fisher folks and local government units, among others to preserve the marine resources in the area. She cited that LGUs should come up with the same strategy.

Demo- os pointed out that environmentalist Atty. Antonio Oposa has also been committed to the campaign. She added that there had been initial apprehensions of illegal fishers but the operation needs support for its effective implementation.

“The Visayan Sea Squadron would strengthen the fisheries law enforcement,” Demo- os said noting there is also a boat manned by the military in curbing illegal activities at sea. She further said that it is also a priority program of Iloilo governor Niel D. Tupas , Sr.

The province has its own Bantay Dagat task force which is running after illegal fishers particularly in the waters of central towns.

Demo- os said the Visayan Sea resources are “being depleted” thus it has to be rehabilitated. Meanwhile, regional director Sonia V. Seville bared that problems of illegal fishing are still existent in the area.

Although, Seville cited that the Visayan Sea Coastal Resources and Fisheries Management Project ( Vis Sea ) is ongoing. The development plan is being assisted by Germany 's Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).