Probe of vessel monitoring sought

A SENATOR has filed a resolution seeking to investigate the country’s implementation of vessel monitoring measures amid alleged unregulated encroachment of commercial vessels into municipal waters.

Senate Resolution No. 324, Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel urged the chamber to conduct a probe the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ implementation of vessel monitoring measures, as commercial fishers are allegedly treading on municipal waters reserved only for small fisherfolks.

“Vessel monitoring systems were put in place to protect our seas and our fisherfolk,” she said.

“If these systems are not fully enforced or properly coordinated, then they fail in their most important mission of safeguarding the livelihood of municipal fishers and preserving our marine resources.”

Ms. Hontiveros added that monitoring data have not been fully shared with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

Under the country’s Fisheries Code, commercial vessels are not allowed within 15 kilometers of municipal waters.

“Fisherfolk remain among the poorest sectors in the country. We need to ensure that policies improve their lives, not make them more miserable,” the senator said in a separate statement.

She added that the illegal intrusion of larger commercial vessels hastens the depletion of local fish stocks and damages marine habitats. — Adrian H. Halili