88 illegal ways of fishing spotted during joint PH-Canada aerial patrol

A joint aerial surveillance by the Philippines and Canada, which is as part of the Operation Bantay Lawud, led to the discovery of 88 possible illegal methods of fishing in the eastern coast of the country.

According to Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Monday, a Dash 8 aerial surveillance aircraft with a high-tech camera was used during the two-week patrol.

“Serious violations including fishing in closed areas, unregistered vessels, use of prohibited gear and failure to be properly marked,” Sean Wheeler of Canada’s Department of Oceans and Fisheries said of the violations that were observed.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through the aerial surveillance, was able to closely observe local fisheries practices.

“Figuratively and literally, this is an eye opener for BFAR. Before, we were focused only in deploying surface assets and it can only cover much. With this air asset, we were able to cover a vast expanse of maritime areas,” said Roy Ortega, officer-in-charge of BFAR Fisheries Resources Management Division.

The worth of losses via illegal fishing worldwide - including the Philippines - costs up to P1.3 billion, the report said.

Further, the surveillance also spotted fishing boats with monitoring systems that are turned off, which indicate that they are doing elicit activities in the sea. These are called “dark vessels.”

Among the common violations committed by fishermen is entering closed areas like the Visayan Sea, which is supposedly closed to commercial fishing.

“You have optical video, you have radar, you have all the parameters location, time, speed all visual to a judge or prosecutor so its very effective evidence, its very difficult to refute our findings,” said Wheeler.

The BFAR, on the other hand, already has a policy allowing it to procure a high-tech air assets that will help monitor Philippine seas. The Canadian government, meanwhile, said that it is willing to help the Philippines.

“We do sell this technology around the world so we are very much amenable to having conversations both G to G or other venues to be able to look at opportunities to provide this technology,” said David Hartman, Canadian envoy to the Philippines.

The evidence gathered by the Canadian aircraft will be processed and used for potential filing of charges against the fishing vessels caught violating the fisheries laws in the Philippines. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News