3 arrested for illegal fishing in Tañon Strait

Authorities nabbed three men for engaging in illegal fishing within the marine protected waters of Tañon Strait, the Philippine National Police - Maritime Group reported Monday.

The three men were found operating an unmarked motor banca worth around P200,000 with a defaced engine number.

Authorities also seized from the men various fishing paraphernalia worth around P200,000, a Garmin fish finder, and their catch of 'tuloy' fish, a kind of sardine fish.

The three men are under the custody of the Dumaguete City Maritime Police Station.

Tañon Strait, located between Cebu and Dumaguete islands, was declared a protected seascape in 1998 in honor of the 14 species of whales and dolphins found in its waters.

It is the largest marine protected area in the Philippines, according to Oceana, an international ocean conservation organization.

Violators of RA 10654 or the Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing may face a fine of P50,000 to P5,000,000. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/KG, GMA Integrated News