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Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Life living near the coastline is simple.

Enjoying the fresh breeze of air, that early morning mild dew and chirping birds, running along the coastline and enjoying the beauty of the calm sea, and the beauty of early sunrise.

Less stress, less pressure.

Things that I’ve been missing now that I’m living in this concrete jungle.

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Waking up as early as 5AM in the morning is considered late when you live in a provincial area.
Back in my childhood days, we used to wake up as early as 4 to 5am just to wait for the arrival of fishing boats, in order to get the freshest and best fishes that they’ve got. I learned that by doing so, we got the chance to buy more affordably directly from the fishermen, and cutting the additional costs if we will buy fish and other seafood from the middlemen.

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Yes, life as a fisherman is tough too. Going out in the sea at 6PM and have to endure that cold nights in the open sea, to find some good catch – if they are lucky, they will bring home barrels of catch, and for the days that are not, brings home a few or worst, empty barrels.

And that’s a sad truth.

And when greed arises, illegal fishing is their next option.

Illegal fishing is a huge and serious issue. Many are being caught and got jailed due to illegal territorial fishing (think about the issue at the Philippine Sea disputed, and others).

Even locally, illegal fishing shouldn’t be tolerated.

Some fishermen are engaged in this illegal activity for the promise of huge money, however, they deliberately forgot about the huge impact it will give.

There comes the destruction of the sea and the underwater corals caused by cyanides, polluting the open sea that gives skin allergy for the people, and the total loss of the fishes and other bad effects.

How can we discourage these irregularities?

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

During the last season of IFEX 2017, I got an opportunity to visit the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BFAR) booth, and I am glad that I did.

I had a chance to gain access to their reference materials about best practices and conduct in agriculture, especially for the fishing industry.

They are giving away these reading materials for FREE for all visitors, to help understand the corresponding programs that the government is offering, plus the updated laws about fishing and aquaculture.

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

I didn’t think twice and asked for copies of these reading materials. I never learned these my years in school and I am thankful that this organization is facilitating this means of awareness.

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Everyone should have knowledge about good practices and conduct, including the corresponding law and punishment related to Fishery and Aquaculture Law.

DA-BFAR is distributing these reference materials for the public, and they are very helpful, even translated these prints into the local Filipino language for easy understanding for all Filipinos.
I find it truly interesting!

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

Reading the booklet containing the rules of Philippine Republic Act 10654 – the amended Fishery Law,
I learned that;

1). Fishing without a license is a violation and punishable by law and payment of a fine from Php50,000 up to 5M, and jail time of minimum of 6-months.

2). Fishing outside the Philippine territory without a license is punishable by law, and payment of a fine of Php2M up to Php45M and jail time of 6-months (minimum).

3). Illegal fishing in the Philippine waters by foreign fishermen with approval, has a fine of US$600,000 up to US$1,000,000, and jail time of 6-months up to 3-years.

4). Using of chemicals and bombs for fishing – a fine of Php30,000 up to Php3M, and jail time of minimum of 6-months.

5). Use of fine mesh net – includes confiscation of fishing equipment, fine of Php20,000 up to Php200,000, and jail time of 6-months up to 2-years.

6). Collecting and Selling of Corals – payment fine of Php500,000 up to Php10M, and jail time of 10 to 20 years.

7). Collecting, Selling, and Trading of endangered species under CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) – payment fine of Php500,000 up to Php5M, and jail time of 12 to 20 years.

8). Water Pollution – payment fine of Php300,000 up to Php500,000 plus jail time of 6-months up to 12 years.

9). Non-compliance to aquaculture best practices – payment fine of Php10,000 up to Php100,000 and jail time of 3 years.

10). Use of unlicensed/unauthorized fishing equipment - payment fine of Php200,000 up to Php1M (whichever is higher).

Fishing and Aquaculture Awareness

….and many more!

I still need to familiarize the guidelines and laws, because it is something that we should be aware of.
If you want to learn more about these, and you have a passion for aquaculture you may contact DA-BFAR at www.bfar.da.gov.ph


You can also download the complete Implementing Rules and Regulations from this website.



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98 comments :

  1. These sound like some really important issues that really need to gain awareness around the area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely.

      Because if we care much of the land, we should also care more of our waters.

      Delete
    2. Exactly it makes me sad that people don't seem to care about the water - there are amazing creatures living within it.

      Delete
  2. Hye mostly people don't have know about aquaculture they do it without knowledge . It's great to seen your creating awareness about it

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  3. I live on the coast of the US, and while a permit is required in most towns, I don't think it illegal to fish anywhere. It was interesting reading that there are places where it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Every country who owns a territorial waters have the right to make fishing illegal for non-citizen of their country.

      Of course, US will be furious to discovered that some Chinese fishermen are fishing illegally from the US water territory.

      Delete
  4. You've raised so many important issues about fishing! So comprehensive.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I had no idea there was so many issues with fishing. I'm glad there are more rules about it. Hopefully people take them seriously to avoid those fines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh what I've listed are quite minor. I do wish that the penalties must be increased. The higher the penalty, the more people will be aware of the consequences, and not do illegal fishing.

      Delete
  6. I live in New England and we have a lot of commercial fisherman here. Even to fish leisurely you need a licence.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, its okay to fish as long as you have valid license. But even with license, it doesn't mean we can fish unlimited!

      Delete
  7. I have never been fishing though this year, the opportunity was presented to me for the first time. But I do enjoy wild caught fish. Very tasty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! But its pity to catch exotic fishes.

      Delete
  8. It is terrible that there are so many people willing to break the fishing laws. No wonder the fines are so stiff.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! Well actually the fines are still cheap. This should be revised and make it more higher.

      Delete
  9. This is great! More people should speak out about illegal fishing that's destroying the ocean. We here suffer from it too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't imagine life without fishing. So I believe that everyone should care for it.

      Delete
  10. Thanks for creating this awareness among your readers. It is our responsibility to care for our ocean. It is also part of Mother Nature.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Emily,

      We should care now, for our children's future and our next generation.

      Delete
  11. Thanks for sharing this information. I had know idea how much this was a problem in your country. I can imagine how tough this makes it for people who do fish legally.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yeah.. And there are times citizens from other countries (like China, Vietnam, etc) also got caught from illegal fishing from Philippine territories.

      Delete
  12. I want the fish that I eat to be from fishermen that follow practices like these. If they break rules what else are they doing to the fish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Rules are made to guide and to control the state of the waters. There is a purpose and we should obey and respect those laws.

      Delete
  13. I watched a documentary recently about fishing in most Asian countries and aquaculture and i am glad to see somewhere raising awareness on this issue

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    Replies
    1. When I was a kid, I dreamed to have my own fish farm. So I asked my Mom to build me an aquarium at home for starters :D

      Delete
  14. Hate it when people do things so selfishly and irresponsibly... Thanks for bringing awareness to these laws and policies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Milton and thank you for reading my post. Laws are there to respect and obey. It is annoying that there are people who have no respect on nature.

      Delete
  15. This make me think of our vacation on the remotes island in Indonesia and they have incredible coral reef there. But unfortunally much of it are destroyed by the bomb fishing! And sometime while snorkeling around that area we could hear an explotion and sometimes we were snorkeling with dead beautiful fishes floating everywhere. I am glad tha PH is doing something against it and rise awareness about this issue!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG those are horrible! Coral reef are precious! That is sad.

      Delete
  16. I didn't know they had a fine for catching and selling corals. It should be higher. I like that they are raising awareness and protecting the sea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I agree. Those creatures are precious and it will take many years (or who knows) when it will produce.

      Delete
  17. I was unaware of some of these points, thank you for raising awareness. This is an important issue. I agree that we need to care for all our natural resources.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We should take care of our nature both waters and land and air.

      Delete
  18. Really interesting story, I know when I traveled around South East Asia the last few years the illegal fishing from foreigners was a big issue impacting the local fishermen on some of the smaller islands. Hopefully the Philippine government has the resources to control the problem.Beautiful photos by the way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Michael,

      Yeah the Philippine government is trying their best to control and solve this issue. Also, our local people needs to be aware of its implications and act as a citizen. Without this nature, I don't know how can we survive.

      Delete
  19. Wow....this sounds serious. I had no idea that there was a such thing as illegal fishing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah there is Latoyia. Maybe are currently detained just because of illegal fishing.

      Delete
  20. It's important that we're responsible in our use of the planet in so many ways. Last year I had the pleasure of hearing Bill Nye the Science Guy speak, and he was so entertaining and engaging in his presentation, and undeniably compelling in his points. Thank you for spreading the awareness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome Tanya and thank you for visiting.
      I will check his talks online, seems he is very interesting guy.

      Delete
  21. Wow this is an interesting article! Hubby loves fishing and hes huge on following the guidelines here in the states.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! Fishing is also a fun hobby and a good livelihood. Just follow the laws and everything will be alright.

      Delete
  22. Agree, illegal fishing has to stop and should never be promoted. Really glad that many things are crating awareness and even some camps have been rolled out for aquaculture.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I totally wish that more people took this into consideration. It is so important and a very sad problem that occurs way to much. Thank you for sharing all of this and bringing this to light even more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear for visiting and for appreciating my post. Nature is so precious!

      Delete
  24. We really need to be taking care of our environment. Thank you for spreading awareness about fishing.
    www.thevagabondwayfarer.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. My granddad was a seafaring fisherman. He used to show us some B&W photos of his travels and we would always envy that. Your pictures refreshed my memories! thanks

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great to steps are being taken to protect things, very important

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gosh. I can't imagine 5am being considered late! Actually, 5am is late if that's when you're getting home after a night out. I guess this is an example of urban and rural life being relections of one an other. The good news is that here in this Scottish city you'll find lots of support for sensible fishing and aquaculture.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's good! We need more awareness and education :D
      I mean, many are forgetting its importance.

      Delete
  28. I absolutely agree with you! Illegal fishing should be banned. There should be designated location for fishing so that the natural habitat will not be destroyed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Janelle! And also not fishing to places where its the breeding place of the fishes. Allow them to grow first.

      Delete
  29. I wasn't aware that there's something called fishing & aquaculture awareness! Got to know so many knew things here!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're always welcome here, and am glad that you learn something :D

      Delete
  30. i appreciate the awareness you are bringing to the fishing issue. it can be a great hobby but everyone should be aware of and follow the regulations that are in place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Fishing is also a good hobby, just be responsible.

      Delete
  31. Fishermen indeed have a tough life and the fisher folfolk in India face similar problems. Thank you for highlighting such an important issue :)l

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  32. This is very interesting. More people need to think like this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Education should start at home, so that kids will understand early and carry-on through they age.

      Delete
  33. I didn't realize how interesting the life of a fisherman is. This was a very educational and intriguing article. Thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  34. It is so sad that illegal fishing still goes on! They need to stop and think and realize that there is more to life than money. We should not destroy mother nature.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree. I can't imagine life without marine life.

      Delete
  35. I have no experience about fishing and neither do I have any knowledge. Sounds like a great experience, that places looks so beautiful too!

    xx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you dear! These photos are taken during my trip in Batangas. It was a beautiful morning and all I could hear are chirping birds

      Delete
  36. Wow! There's a lot involved with fishing than I ever knew. I'm glad that there are laws that help protect our water and it's inhabitants. Great story!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Michelle! Gosh my post only made me miss going fishing again :)

      Delete
  37. It's great to bring awareness to the illegal fishing that occurs. It can be stressful, I'm sure, when you don't know what your catch will be like. However, it's more important to think long-term.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Everyone should know about the rules, and know which one can be catch and not.

      Delete
  38. I have a brother doing fishing. They just hit the shore, I've been there. It is really full of natural air, unlike in the city.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This is definitely something to bring awareness to. I live in the US and I am not aware of places where you can't fish. However, I do believe that things need to be done to save our waters and marine life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Maybe because US have more wider water territories (as you can see in the map). But for us living with our neighboring countries, we need this laws.

      Delete
  40. Thank you for sharing all of this and bringing this to light even more. I didn't know that people actually engage in illegal fishing!
    Best,
    Suchi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah there is... they do illegal fishing for aiming more profit, which is unethical.

      Delete
  41. Never grew up fishing as much as hunting. Gotta protect the land and sea, and animals. Keep it legal no matter what you do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laws exists to protect and control the resources. Without the laws, there will be no discipline and it will be a huge mess.

      Delete
  42. I had no idea how much of an issue this really was. Thanks for opening up my eyes to a situation I never really thought about before!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome and I'm glad that you learned something from my post :D

      Delete
  43. I never had idea about fishing or fishing related issues. But I must say you did a great job in this post by Identifying these issues related to fishing. I Hope fishers will take them seriously to avoid those fines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not only fishermen, but all the people. It is nice that you have knowledge on something and issues, even you don't actually perform it.
      Then you can easily help others.

      Delete
  44. This is a great post on fishing and aquaculture awareness. Illegal fishing takes away from others trying to make an honest living and does hurt the enviroment. Thanks for sharing the information and the awareness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. It hurts me to see hardworking fisherman who goes fishing late afternoon, and comes back early morning, and no fish catch. Very sad.

      Delete
  45. We have a big problem with over fishing here in Dubai and in recent years they have made a huge move to try and curb it, it seems to have had some what of an impact which is good. It's so important to preserve our oceans and it's great to see people like you bringing awareness to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kim. WE should act now than be sorry later.

      Delete
  46. What an interesting read. I believe that we need to take care of our planet.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I had no idea how serious illegal fishing was in some places. My husband goes fishing a few times a weeks here in the US and he is always stressing the importance of following the rules. Thanks for sharing this helpful information.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it is. Our penalties here in the Philippines are actually quite lenient. But in other countries, the laws are much tough.

      Delete
  48. I never knew much about illegal fishing. I know if the United States, you need a permit, but they are very easy to get.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, everyone needs permit. No permit, means illegal.

      Delete
  49. Thanks for sharing and creating awareness. Things are different from one country to another education and knowledge is key of importance.

    ReplyDelete

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