Fishermen in Labrador, Pangasinan, are struggling to catch enough fish as large fishing vessels referred to as “buli-buli” dominate the municipal waters.

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Abundio Mamaril, a fisherman, went out to sea but caught less than two kilos of fish.

His earnings barely reached P500, and after deducting fuel expenses, his profit was minimal.

“Walang mahuli talaga, kaunti lang kasi siyempre may mga buli-buli na nasa tabi nalang namin,” Mamaril said.

The local government has mandated that the large fishing vessels must operate beyond 10 kilometers from the shoreline, leaving municipal waters for smaller boats.

To protect local fishermen, the local Coast Guard now keeps a close watch over the area.

“Pinapatawag natin ang maritime kasi sila ang nanghuhuli sa ganyan. Marami rin kasing intruder dito sa Labrador,” Mayor Ernesto Acain of Labrador said.

The local government is also coordinating with the Provincial Fishery Office to address the fishermen’s concerns.