BY SHIELA G. GELERA
Four fishing boats were seized for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing activities in the waters of Manapla town in Negros Occidental, at about 5:22 p.m. Thursday.
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, and Manapla Bantay Dagat Task Force personnel on seaborne patrol operation apprehended the four unmarked fishing boats.
The crew members of the boats, all residents of Victorias City in Negros Occidental, were caught towing their trawl fishing gear, an active gear that is prohibited as it can destroy the coral reef, the PCG-Negros Occidental said.
The offenders were turned over to the local government of Manapla, through the Municipal Agriculture Office, and they may face charges for violating the Fishery Ordinance No. 02-97, the report added.*
