The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) region 9 recently collaborated with the Zamboanga del Norte Operatives of the Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operation Center (ERMCSOC), PNP Maritime Group, Dapitan City Police, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dapitan on March 21, 2024 to carry out a joint operation against the illegal trade of fishery species in Dapitan City.

The operation included a Landing Denial at the Dapitan Fish Port and Market Denial operations at the public and flea markets of the city and an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign to raise awareness about the trade of blasted and prohibited fishery species.

During the operation, four fishing vessels were inspected, and 28 boxes of assorted fish were found. The market denial operations targeted 17 fish stalls, uncovering 48 boxes of assorted fish. The detection of blasted fish was emphasized by the fish examiners, and on-the-spot information dissemination was provided to the public. Thirty-eight pieces of IEC materials, including posters of prohibited and regulated fishery species and flyers highlighting the detection of blasted fish and prohibited acts under the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 10654), were posted and distributed.

DA-BFAR 9 and its partner agencies are committed to enforcing Fishery Laws, particularly against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) activities such as trading illegally caught fish and prohibited fishery items. This joint operation is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to preserve marine resources and ensure sustainable fisheries management in the region.

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