Biliran town mulls fishing ban

CABUCGAYAN, Biliran, Feb. 22 (PNA) -- The local government unit of this town is planning to enforce a temporary fishing ban in the town’s coastal waters.

Cabucgayan Mayor Edwin Masbang, chairman of Biliran Coastal Eco-system Fishery Management Council said the temporary fishing ban will only last for two months.

The ban will be implemented after the result of an ongoing research will come out. The study seeks to identify the type of fish that flourish and fish catch volume in the coastal waters, which is part of Carigara Bay.

“Carigara Bay is already overfished by commercial fishers and exploited by fishermen who used illegal and destructive method,” Masbang said.

At least 10 coastal villages will be affected by the planned temporary fishing ban.

The local government unit will provide alternative livelihood such as farming, to augment the needs of poor families during the enforcement of a fishing moratorium.

Cabucgayan is a 5th class town in Biliran with a population of more than 20,000 living in 13 villages. (PNA)

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