BFAR keeps eye on Bicol markets after shark found sold in Sorsogon

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Bicol will heighten monitoring of markets and fish landing sites in the Bicol region after local authorities confirmed the sale of protected shark species at a market in Matnog, Sorsogon.

BFAR Bicol inspected the market to validate a social media post on the sale of sharks.

The agency confirmed that Coral Catsharks and Whitetip Reef Sharks were being sold at the market.

The Whitetip Reef Shark is classified as vulnerable species and is protected under RA 10654 and international conventions due to its declining population.

"On the other hand, ito pong whitetip reef shark, classified siya as vulnerable species sa CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)," Rowena Bricia-Briones, BFAR Bicol Spokesperson, said.

"So ibig sabihon strictly na ipinagbabawal ang pagdakop asin pagpabakal kaining species na ini," she added.

Aside from heightened monitoring of markets and fish landing sites, BFAR will also post educational materials at markets to inform sellers and the public about prohibited species.

"Kaya napakahigpit ng Matnog pagdating sa law enforcement—sa fishery and law enforcement, actually yung bantay dagat namin dito [ay] 19 — naka assign yan dito sa opisina ko,” Engr. Emmanuel de Guzman, Municipal Agriculturist of Matnog, said.

Penalties for those caught selling, buying, or transporting protected species range from P300,000 to P1 million and imprisonment from five to eight years. —GMA Regional TV