By Rowena T. Cruz Confiscated fish, totaling 440 kilograms, were seized in Real, Quezon, following a joint anti-illegal fishing operation th...
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| Confiscated fish, totaling 440 kilograms, were seized in Real, Quezon, following a joint anti-illegal fishing operation that uncovered the use of dynamite. (Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog) |
REAL, Quezon - Authorities in Real, Quezon, have responded to reports of illegal fishing, confiscating a significant 440-kilogram haul of fish allegedly harvested using explosives in Barangay Ungos on April 16, 2025. The joint operation involved the Coast Guard and the Municipal Agriculture Office, underscoring their commitment to combating this destructive practice.
Prompted by a concerned citizen's tip about abandoned fish, the joint team quickly investigated in Barangay Ungos. The team, including a licensed fish examiner, confirmed the assorted fish in 14 boxes were victims of dynamite fishing, with an estimated market value of PHP 70,000.00.
They carried out the confiscation under Republic Act No. 10654, which prohibits the use of explosives in fishing activities. The seized fish have since been turned over to the Municipal Agriculture Office of Real for proper documentation and disposal.
Local officials have highlighted the detrimental impact of this destructive fishing method on marine ecosystems like coral reefs. They have vowed to increase efforts to combat illegal fishing and urged residents to report any suspicious activity.
Looking towards long-term solutions, the Municipal Agriculture Office is exploring sustainable options. These include promoting responsible fishing practices and providing alternative livelihoods for coastal communities to tackle the underlying causes of illegal fishing.
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