Advocates push for blast-free fish markets

Various stakeholders in the campaign against illegal fishing agreed to work to ensure that fish sold in markets, especially Pasil fish market in Cebu City, would be dynamite-free.

Doing this would require training consumers and fish inspectors to spot signs that fish were killed or caught using explosives.

Lorna Coyoca, mother of 33-year-old slain dive instructor Al Bernard Coyoca, joined an Oct. 30 roundtable discussion in Cebu City Hall, where key players discussed her global call for a market-denial campaign.

Her online petition launched on Oct. 21 in change.org has drawn over 30,000 supporters .

“I want to give meaning to my son’s death by doing this, instead of just grieving,” she told Cebu Daily News.

Her petition challenged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to certify all public markets and grocery stores that are willing to declare their produce “dynamite-free”. She noted that markets have no standards for fish catch that are caught through blasting.

During the forum, Andres Bojos, BFAR 7 regional director, committed to help train and deputize fish inspectors.

“We will also educate the people, fisherfolk and local government units on the dangers of dynamite fishing,” he said.

Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said that they have identified Pasil Market as a focus because it is one of the biggest markets in the Visayas.

“Pasil Market is where fish catch from different provinces and other regions are delivered,” Cinches said.

Ernesto Rama, chairman for Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission, said he would request for a P20 million budget from the city government for the commission’s work.

“We have to be more efficient in implementing the fisheries code,” he said.

Cebu City Councilor Nida Carbera said she would push for an ordinance that requires the registration of vessels.

“This is to strengthen the fisheries and policies in Cebu City. We will have capacity building for prevention and marketing denial,” Cabrera said.

Daanbantayan Municipal Mayor Augusto Corro said his office would be more aggressive in eradicating illegal fishing in the town.

He called for the cooperation of citizens, and not just the police, local government, and NGOs.

“It is our responsibility. We don’t want for another incident like this (Coyoca’s death) to happen. I entered politics because of this advocacy, to fight illegal fishing,” Corro added.

Last June 2, the mayor signed an executive order declaring Monad Shoal and Gato Island off Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan a shark and ray sanctuary.

Lawyer Chad Estella, head of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force, said tarpaulin banners are hung in markets for their campaign.

He recommended the conduct of inspections aside from checking on the invoice and transport permit of fish suppliers.