Cenro to re-inspect Lapu firm’s drying yard
The exterior of Shell Haven Fashion International in barangay Mactan, Lapu Lapu City. (CDN PHOTO/CHRISTIAN MANINGO)
The Lapu-Lapu City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) is scheduled to re-inspect the drying yard of a company that exports blue shark fins today, more than a week after it drew the ire of nearby residents.
Engr. Roderico Tagaan Jr., Cenro chief, said Shell Haven Fashion International restricted their access to the yard in their initial inspection.
“There were rooms there that we were not allowed entry, I believe they still have stocks of frozen sharks,” he said.
Engr. Tagaan said they cannot do anything legally to stop them and they would have to refer the matter to the City Legal Office for action.
He said they could charge the company for causing air pollution which could pose a health risk to nearby residents.
Inspection
He said they may consider telling Shell Haven Fashion International to transfer or to place exhaust pipes to mitigate the foul odor emanating from the dried fins.
Tagaan said Shell Haven Fashion International’s permits allow them to dry the shark fins.
The drying yard is also used for sea cucumbers, star fish, shells and seaweed.
Tagaan said the inspection is part of their efforts to draft a city ordinance banning the catching, processing and sale of sharks in the city.
Ban
“Daghan man gud ta og i-consider kay basin unya og makaapekto sa mga traders (we have to consider a lot of things as it will affect the traders),” he said.
Tagaan said it is up to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to decide whether to include blue sharks in a government ban since traders usually rely on national government agencies and the law to guide them in their business.
Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Aileen Radaza said she will study proposals to include all shark species for protection under the law.
“I am in favor of preserving the marine habitat and marine lives, I’ll see what I can do about it,” she said.
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