Combined efforts needed to protect Davao Gulf: BFAR
By Alexander Lopez
DAVAO CITY, Jan 2 (PNA) -- Unified and cohesive efforts are needed to ensure the protection of Davao Gulf, particularly in maintaining the cleanliness of the sea waters in the area.
This was the call made by Regional Director Fatma Idris of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Davao region (BFAR-11) on Monday during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao.
The call was in line with the report that the cause of the death of a sperm whale that was found on the coast of Babak District in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) was due to indigestion as plastics and other forms of garbage were found inside its stomach after a necropsy.
A seven-year-old and 38-feet long juvenile male sperm whale was washed ashore last December 17 in IGACOS.
After its discovery, BFAR and the city government of Samal commissioned Darrell Blatchley, who runs the famous Bone Collector Museum in Davao City, to perform a necropsy on the dead sperm whale and process the preservation of its skeleton.
Discovered in the stomach of the dead whale were lots of garbage – mainly plastics, a mug-size plastic basket, parts of fishing net and an almost foot-long 2x2 wood with protruding nail.
Idris pointed out that BFAR-11 and the other government agencies fully support the implementation of the provisions of Republic Act 9003 that provides for the solid waste management program and mechanisms in the LGUs and barangay levels.
“All sectors of the society are mandated not to throw their garbage, especially plastics in drainage systems, rivers and at the sea,†she said, adding that mechanisms such as segregation of wastes during disposals must be followed by communities.
Idris said that fisherfolk in coastal areas of Davao City and nearby towns help BFAR and other authorities in the monitoring and protection of Davao Gulf.
Most of the fisherfolk were beneficiaries of the distribution of 300 fiberglass fishing boats last year.
She said that around 600 fishermen in Davao region are involved in the protection and monitoring efforts at the Davao Gulf.
“Their operations start during close season at Davao Gulf, from June to August every year. They are provided with incentive worth P3,000 per person per month,†Idris stressed.
Close season is being implemented yearly at the Davao Gulf.
Idris added that the Bantay Laot guideline was already signed by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and that BFAR-11 is currently collaborating with the fishery office of Davao City to further strengthen the protection and monitoring efforts at the Davao Gulf. (PNA)
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