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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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!
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).
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).
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.
These sound like some really important issues that really need to gain awareness around the area.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
DeleteBecause if we care much of the land, we should also care more of our waters.
Exactly it makes me sad that people don't seem to care about the water - there are amazing creatures living within it.
DeleteHye mostly people don't have know about aquaculture they do it without knowledge . It's great to seen your creating awareness about it
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is nice to care for the nature.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteEvery country who owns a territorial waters have the right to make fishing illegal for non-citizen of their country.
DeleteOf course, US will be furious to discovered that some Chinese fishermen are fishing illegally from the US water territory.
You've raised so many important issues about fishing! So comprehensive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate. I do hope it will improve.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteOh 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.
DeleteI live in New England and we have a lot of commercial fisherman here. Even to fish leisurely you need a licence.
ReplyDeleteYeah, its okay to fish as long as you have valid license. But even with license, it doesn't mean we can fish unlimited!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! But its pity to catch exotic fishes.
DeleteIt is terrible that there are so many people willing to break the fishing laws. No wonder the fines are so stiff.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Well actually the fines are still cheap. This should be revised and make it more higher.
DeleteThis is great! More people should speak out about illegal fishing that's destroying the ocean. We here suffer from it too!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine life without fishing. So I believe that everyone should care for it.
DeleteThanks for creating this awareness among your readers. It is our responsibility to care for our ocean. It is also part of Mother Nature.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emily,
DeleteWe should care now, for our children's future and our next generation.
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.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah.. And there are times citizens from other countries (like China, Vietnam, etc) also got caught from illegal fishing from Philippine territories.
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI watched a documentary recently about fishing in most Asian countries and aquaculture and i am glad to see somewhere raising awareness on this issue
ReplyDeleteWhen 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
DeleteHate it when people do things so selfishly and irresponsibly... Thanks for bringing awareness to these laws and policies!
ReplyDeleteYou'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.
DeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteOMG those are horrible! Coral reef are precious! That is sad.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree. Those creatures are precious and it will take many years (or who knows) when it will produce.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteWe should take care of our nature both waters and land and air.
DeleteReally 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.
ReplyDeleteHello Michael,
DeleteYeah 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.
Wow....this sounds serious. I had no idea that there was a such thing as illegal fishing.
ReplyDeleteYeah there is Latoyia. Maybe are currently detained just because of illegal fishing.
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Tanya and thank you for visiting.
DeleteI will check his talks online, seems he is very interesting guy.
Wow this is an interesting article! Hubby loves fishing and hes huge on following the guidelines here in the states.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Fishing is also a fun hobby and a good livelihood. Just follow the laws and everything will be alright.
DeleteAgree, 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear for visiting and for appreciating my post. Nature is so precious!
DeleteWe really need to be taking care of our environment. Thank you for spreading awareness about fishing.
ReplyDeletewww.thevagabondwayfarer.com
You're welcome dear, and thank you for visiting.
DeleteMy 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
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing! Thanks for visiting :D
DeleteGreat to steps are being taken to protect things, very important
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping-by.
DeleteGosh. 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.
ReplyDeleteOh that's good! We need more awareness and education :D
DeleteI mean, many are forgetting its importance.
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janelle! And also not fishing to places where its the breeding place of the fishes. Allow them to grow first.
DeleteI wasn't aware that there's something called fishing & aquaculture awareness! Got to know so many knew things here!!
ReplyDeleteYou're always welcome here, and am glad that you learn something :D
Deletei 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.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Fishing is also a good hobby, just be responsible.
DeleteFishermen indeed have a tough life and the fisher folfolk in India face similar problems. Thank you for highlighting such an important issue :)l
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome dear. Keep on exploring my blog.
DeleteThis is very interesting. More people need to think like this.
ReplyDeleteEducation should start at home, so that kids will understand early and carry-on through they age.
DeleteI didn't realize how interesting the life of a fisherman is. This was a very educational and intriguing article. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Christina!
DeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I can't imagine life without marine life.
DeleteI have no experience about fishing and neither do I have any knowledge. Sounds like a great experience, that places looks so beautiful too!
ReplyDeletexx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com
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
DeleteWow! 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle! Gosh my post only made me miss going fishing again :)
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Everyone should know about the rules, and know which one can be catch and not.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and relaxing, right?!
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteThank you for sharing all of this and bringing this to light even more. I didn't know that people actually engage in illegal fishing!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Suchi
Yeah there is... they do illegal fishing for aiming more profit, which is unethical.
DeleteNever grew up fishing as much as hunting. Gotta protect the land and sea, and animals. Keep it legal no matter what you do.
ReplyDeleteLaws exists to protect and control the resources. Without the laws, there will be no discipline and it will be a huge mess.
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome and I'm glad that you learned something from my post :D
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteNot only fishermen, but all the people. It is nice that you have knowledge on something and issues, even you don't actually perform it.
DeleteThen you can easily help others.
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.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It hurts me to see hardworking fisherman who goes fishing late afternoon, and comes back early morning, and no fish catch. Very sad.
DeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kim. WE should act now than be sorry later.
DeleteWhat an interesting read. I believe that we need to take care of our planet.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is our human responsibility.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is. Our penalties here in the Philippines are actually quite lenient. But in other countries, the laws are much tough.
DeleteI never knew much about illegal fishing. I know if the United States, you need a permit, but they are very easy to get.
ReplyDeleteYeah, everyone needs permit. No permit, means illegal.
DeleteThanks for sharing and creating awareness. Things are different from one country to another education and knowledge is key of importance.
ReplyDeleteso true! And thank you for visiting :D
Delete