SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan -- Personnel from DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Local Government Unit of Sanchez Mira confiscated two pieces of Wedgefish from two fishermen who were caught illegally fishing off municipal waters in Barangay Marzan on Tuesday, Aug. 16.
As there might be more fishermen involved in the illegal activity, the names of the fishermen were withheld pending the completion of the report on the incident.
Each of the two wedgefishes weighed about 40 kilograms, and each can be sold at P3000 in the local market.
BFAR explained that wedgefish species are the third most threatened family of chondrichthyan (Shark) fishes globally because of lack of global management and high value of fins in the international market.
Chrushev De Peralta, officer of the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group (FPLEG), was alerted by LGU Sanchez Mira on the apprehension of the poachers who were seen carrying the endangered and prohibited fish species caught using long line or a fishing gear locally known as ‘patilmon.’
Long line is a kind of fishing gear that is used to catch bottom-dwelling fishes including sharks and rays.
Apprehending officers identified the fishing boat used, with side markings of F/b BALONG, operated and owned by Mr. Marlon Trisinio of Macanaya, Aparri, Cagayan.
The FPLEG team filed the case to the DA-BFAR 2 Adjudication Committee for proper disposition.
The violators were given five days to settle administrative compromise with the committee.
Under the Fisheries Code, violators of Sections 86 and 102 carry administrative fines of P5,000 and P300,000 to P3 million, respectively.
Personnel from DA-BFAR and the LGU of Sanchez Mira led the disposal of Red Sea Sharks or Wedgefish (Rhynchobatus sp.) carcass.