PH assures EU it is curbing illegal fishing

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang was quick to react to the European Union’s warning against the prevalence of illegal fishing in the country.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Wednesday said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala already discussed the matter with the EU delegation.

“There’s a set of measures that the Department of Agriculture, specifically the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has taken,” Lacierda said.

He said the government was one with EU in its bid to promote sustainable fishing, especially in large fishing countries like the Philippines.

The EU had recently threatened the Philippines that it will impose an import ban if there is still no progress on the matter. It said it already issued a formal warning, which will be reviewed after six months.

Lacierda said among the measures that are now in place are requiring fishing vessel owners to install transponders that will allow government to monitor them, if they are going beyond allowed fishing sites.

Patrol boats have also been deployed for monitoring.

“The EU delegation has been apprised of the measures that we have taken,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to improve our measures…We certainly are moving forward ensuring that we are curbing whatever concerns the EU has against the Philippines with respect to fishing,” he added.

RELATED STORIES

PH to comply with EU fishing standards to avoid ban

EU says Philippines, PNG face import ban over illegal fishing