Authorities in Cebu City crack down on illegal fishing

AUTHORITIES in Cebu City intensified their campaign against destructive fishing practices, seizing nine boxes of fish suspected to be caught using dynamite during a market denial operation on C. Padilla St.

The fish, valued at P72,000, were confiscated due to violations that included illegal fishing and the misdeclaration of commodities on Thursday, May 15, 2025, said Ramil Ayuman, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in a Facebook post.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources led the operation, with team leader Alfie Pahamutang coordinating with the Department of Veterinary Medicine (DVMF) and Fisheries, the Cebu City Police Office and the Cebu City Transportation Office.

Authorities said the seized fish violated laws against illegal fishing and misdeclaration. Under existing regulations, violators face a penalty amounting to five times the market value of the catch. In this case, the fine would have totaled P360,000. However, as it was considered a first offense, a 30 percent discount was applied, reducing the amount to P252,000.

In an interview on Sunday, May 18, DVMF head Alice Utlang emphasized the dangers posed by dynamite fishing, warning that the practice destroys spawning grounds and harms young fish, which could lead to declining fish stocks.

“Dapat gyud undangon gyud na nila kay kung ila na ning sige buhaton, muabot ang panahon lisud na’g panguha ug mahurot ang mga isda kay maguba ang itlogan ug mga gagmay’ng isda sad mamatay,” Utlang said.

(They really need to stop this because if they continue doing it, the time will come when it will be difficult to catch fish, and the fish may eventually run out because spawning grounds will be destroyed and small fish will die.)

She also said dynamite fishing damages coral reefs and urged violators to consider the long-term impact of their actions on the environment and future generations. / CDF