ILOILO – “Super hulbot”, a banned fishing method due to its destructive nature, persists in northern Iloilo.
Two fishing boats with more or less 40 crew members engaged in super hulbot were apprehended by the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force (IPBDTF) recently in Barangay Asluman, Gigantes Island, Carles town.
While conducting seaborne patrol in Carles on June 15, the taskforce caught F/B Jot-6 and F/B Genesis in the act, according to Police Staff Sergeant Renatito Gadian Jr., IPBDTF leader.
“Total ban na ni ang hulbot-hulbot,” he said.
The Danish seine and its modified form are active fishing gears often used in commercial fishing. It consists of a conical net with a pair of wings, the ends of which are connected to a rope embedded with buri, plastic strips, sinkers, or other similar materials to serve as a scaring or herding device hauled through a mechanical winch or by manpower.
Super hulbot contributes to the destruction of marine habitats and other fishery resources – a violation of Section 92 of Republic Act 8550, also known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.
According to Gadian, there was no resistance from the violators who were all residents of Barangay Botongon, Estancia.
The IPBDTF recovered 60 tubs of assorted fish and fishing paraphernalia. The fishing boats, accessories, and gear were impounded and are now in the custody of the taskforce.
On Friday, June 16, the taskforce filed charges against the two captains and crew members at the Iloilo Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Section 97 of Republic Act 10654, or An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
Gadian said their regular seaborne patrolling aligns with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s campaign to eliminate all forms of illegal fishing in the province, particularly in northern Iloilo, where it is rampant.
“Kinahanglan ma-eliminate gid ang super hulbot, amo gid ni ang number one… ang order sang aton gobernador nga kinahanglan ma-eliminate gid sa bilog nga probinsya sang Iloilo,” he added.
Aside from super hulbot operations, the IPBDTF is also on alert for dynamite fishing. A few months ago, they received reports from barangay officials that it is still being practiced in Carles.
The Fisheries Code reiterates the prohibition of using any fishing gear that destroys and damages coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine life habitats.
In 2013, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246 banned Danish seine and modified Danish seine fishing in Philippine waters./PN
