SP body gives nod to new marine reserve in Iloilo town
Regulations are out to govern any and all activities particularly fishing within a 129-hectare of “protected area” in the municipal waters of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
The latest to be declared a marine reserve and fish sanctuary in Iloilo province, legislative approval was granted by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resoures of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP).
Committee Chair, First District Board Member Mac Napulan led the corresponding study and evaluation made that will now ensure government regulation on the said marine habitat.
The marine reserve and fish sanctuary located within the territorial jurisdiction of Barangay Nueva Sevila will thus be protected from all fishing methods. Targeted here are fishing practices deemed destructive to the rich fish resources here and on the sea grasses abundant in the area.
Among the identified prohibited methods are dynamite fishing, hulbot-hulbot, trawl or such variation. Also banned here is the spear fishing using a compressor, use of cyanide and other poisonous substance.
To note, the town council declared the “preserved site” as marine habitat in the passage of Municipal Ordinance No. 2009-03.
A “buffer zone” was set up outside the actual sanctuary and marine reserve that will allow traditional fishing methods. Yet said “buffer zone will permit small fishers using the hook and line method, gill net without the “tumbok” and even spear fishing though without compressor.
With the SP nod, penalties and/or imprisonment as proposed now awaits violators.
The committee's final report and adoption of its findings will form part of the discussions slated in today's session.
Meantime, a similar nod was reached by the same SP body that called for incentives on the town's task force on Bantay Dagat (Guardians of the Sea).
“After appropriate review, the Committee finds that the municipal Ordinance is in keeping with the functions and powers of the municipality...” the SP approval went.