COUNCILORS are now studying a proposal to regulate fishing and fisheries management resources at the Macajalar Bay.
This came as the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance presented to the city council’s committee on planning and development the proposed Unified Municipal Fisheries Ordinance that would cover the waters of Macajalar Bay.
Aside from Cagayan de Oro, the proposal also covers Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, El Salvador, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.
The proposed law aims to protect and manage the municipal waters for the sustainable use of fishermen and to manage the municipal fishing grounds of the Macajalar Bay in accordance with the principle of Integrated Coastal Management and the Code of Conduct of Responsible Fisheries, among others.
The legislation mandates the creation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Management Council for each city and municipality in accordance with RA 8550, otherwise known as The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, as amended by RA 10654, an act to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chairman of the city council committee, said the panel supports the proposal of the Alliance, adding that long-term plans are being prepared for the development of Cagayan de Oro.
Nacaya however said there should be a public hearing on the proposed law, and this should be looked into, too, by the city council’s agriculture and fisheries committee, and city hall’s legal office. (clo)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
