The Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) 9-Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operation Center ( ERMCSOC) Zamboanga del Norte Team, in collaboration with personnel from the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG) and the Dipolog Local Government Unit (LGU), executed a surprise joint landing denial operation at the City Fish Port Complex on March 13, 2024. Additionally, market denial operations were carried out at the City Public Market and Flea Markets of Sicayab and Galas in Dipolog City.

The operation’s primary goal was to closely monitor illegal activities in the area and deter fish vendors and landers from trading illegally caught and prohibited fishery species. The joint team inspected 12 blocks with a total of 361 boxes of assorted fish in the Fish Port Complex during the landing denial operation. Concurrently, a composite of 26 stalls and 96 boxes were checked during market denial operations in Dipolog Public Market and Flea Markets.

The team conducted on-the-spot orientations regarding illegally caught and prohibited fishery species during the said operation to inform the public about the trading consequences of dealing with such species. Additionally, there was a significant emphasis on detecting fish caught through explosives, with the team carefully examining fish for evidence.

The BFAR 9 ERMCSOC and collaborating law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to enforcing Fishery Laws, particularly in safeguarding fishery resources. In the event of any infractions, the agencies will take decisive action and impose corresponding sanctions on violators.

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