Cebu readies hotline, other measures to protect sharks

Residents of Cebu may soon report the illegal capture of sharks via a hotline, the provincial government announced Tuesday.

 

The hotline is one of several measures being eyed to protect sharks and other endangered marine species, the provincial government said.

 

It was one of the ideas brought up during the recently concluded three-day “Shark and Manta Ray Ordinance Implementation Planning Workshop” at the provincial capitol, headed by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and Greenpeace Philippines. 

 

Participants at the workshop discussed ideas to stop the capturing and selling of endangered sharks in Cebu.

 

According to the provincial government, the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Fishing Task Force (CPAIFT) was urged to identify a hotline number for the public to report activities regarding sharks.

 

Marlito Guidote, an enforcement specialist for Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries, also noted shark meat is in the menu of exotic food in some big restaurants and hotels in the city.

 

Guidote suggested policies or guidelines banning hotels and restaurants from serving meat of endangered species, and issuing proper penalties.

 

Discussions were also held on how to better enforce Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-05, the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ordinance of Cebu.

 

Representatives of government and non-government organizations at the workshop produced a campaign called “Oplan Palwis" (shark’s dorsal fin) with its slogan “Iho Ko, Pinangga Ko.”

 

Participants also suggested that government involve schools and universities through seminars, workshops and contests.

 

Moonyeen Alava, executive director of Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc., suggested hands-on training for the persons in the task force so they can identify these endangered species.

 

Meanwhile, Lt. James Reyes of the Philippine Navy said they may also look at introducing alternate livelihood for people catching endangered species.

 

“They might have thought that capturing these species is the only livelihood that they can do. The province might be able to provide another source of livelihood for them,” Reyes said.

 

The workshop came days after Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro signed an executive order June 29, declaring Monad Shoal and Gato Islet a shark and ray sanctuary. —Joel Locsin/ALG/TJD, GMA News