Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol recently addressed mayors of coastal Western Visayas municipalities to assist in the campaign against ‘hulbot- hulbot’ fishing, where fishermen utilize a Danish seine, a type of banned fishing net used for commercial fishing.

Fishermen who are caught face charges in violation of RA 10654, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998; along with Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 246.

The cabinet secretary explained, an amendment, which takes effect on Sunday, July 29, was recently made to FAO 246. The new policy prohibits the operation of vessels with ‘hulbot- hulbot’ equipment, along with barring the possession of such gear.

Piñol also called on partner agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Navy, to implement the new policy.

Earlier reporting noted Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force units are actively scouring local waters to crackdown on the practice.

The Philippine Fisheries Code explicitly bars fishing nets that involve “towing, pushing the gears, surrounding, covering, dredging, and scaring the target species.”/WDJ