By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Despite the fishing ban imposed on the Visayan Sea, commercial fishing boats were caught on satellite on its waters.

Using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Oceana Philippines, an international group advocating the protection of the country’s marine resources, discovered that commercial fishing boats continue to fish in Visayan Sea from November 24 to 30, 2019.

VIIRS detects lure lights that are likely used by commercial fishing boats.

However, the group, in its official Facebook account, said that any information shared here merely disclose their location and should not be construed as allegation of illegal activity

The fishing boats were seen in the Jintotolo Chanel, Visayan Sea, Guimaras Straight, and Panay Gulf specifically off the water of the municipality of Estancia in Iloilo and Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

The fishing ban imposed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources prohibits the catching of sardines, mackerel and herring from November 15, 2019 to February 15, 2020.

The Visayan Sea, one of the country’s largest fishing grounds, is surrounded by the islands of Cebu and Negros to the south, Masbate to the north, Panay to the west, and Leyte to the east./DGB, WDJ