Gulf management pushes for gulf-wide fisheries plan

THE Davao Gulf Management Council (DGMC) is pushing for a uniform Fisheries Management Plan in Davao Gulf in a bid to address present and potential problems in the gulf.

Jose Villanueva, chief of the Fisheries Resources and Management Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Friday’s forum, told reporters that a firm and uniform policy that is applicable across the Davao Gulf is one of the things that DGMC along with concerned government agencies is working on right now.

Villanueva said in order to protect the Davao Gulf against unscrupulous fishermen, a uniform policy must be implemented.

He cited an example wherein Davao City Government has passed a Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Ordinance in 2008, but some provisions on the same ordinance is conflicting with that of other LGUs.

In Davao City, the use of compressor is prohibited while it is allowed in other LGUs.

Villanueva said it would be difficult for BFAR to police illegal fishing practices without a policy that is applicable across Davao Gulf.

“A uniform and common policy on fisheries across the Davao Gulf will help us strengthen our drives in protecting its resources,” Villanueva said.

Leonardo Avila III, acting chief of the City Agriculturist Office (CAO) who was also present during the same forum, said the city is gearing toward the full implementation of the Fisheries Ordinance especially since its Implementing Rules and Regulations has been approved last October 8.

One of the salient features of the ordinance is the identification of five fisheries management zones and one of which is the fisherfolks settlement area. (Jereco O. Paloma)