Bantay Ilog TF dismantles 47 illegal fish pens
BALON DAGUPAN NEWS
DAGUPAN City’s Bantay Ilog Task Force under the City Agriculture Office has dismantled 47 illegal fish pens since January this year.
From January to April, the task force, headed by Maximo Solis, reported 39 fish pens were dismantled and another eight fish pens this month.
The largest of the dismantled fish pens measured 18 meters by 35 meters while the smallest was 10 meters by 10 meters.
Most of the fish pens dismantled were located in Salapingao, Bonuan Longos, Tucok Lucao, Longos Boquig, Pugaro, Pugaro Buer, Calmay, Talaib Carael, Salapingao Baybay and Watac in Mamalingling.
“Following the directive of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, we will continue to dismantle other fish pens in the coming days regardless of who owns or operates it,” said Solis.
City Ordinance No. 2048-2015 totally prohibits the establishment of fish pens in the city following amendments to Sections 36, 37, 38 and 56 of City Ordinance No. 1768-2003 or the Dagupan City Coastal Fisheries Resource Management Ordinance of 2003.
The ordinance, however, allows the use of fish cage, fish traps like “poquet”, “batikwas”, “skylab”, “surewin” and “skyblue”; and oyster culture structures that are approved by the city mayor.
The ordinance specifically provides that fish cages must occupy an area of not more than 25 square meters per unit; the “skylab” and “batikwas” must occupy an area not exceeding 300 square meters in designated areas; oyster beds must be 100-300 square meters in size while oyster rafts will only have a maximum area of 36 square meters.
The ordinance further states that only residents and registered voters of Dagupan and accredited fisherfolk organizations listed in the Registry of City Fisherfolk of Dagupan are qualified to secure permit or lease to construct and operate any aquaculture facility in the city waters.
The lease shall be valid for one year and may be renewed. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO)
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