PGLU Steps Up Sea Patrols to Enforce Fisheries, Marine Laws
By: Dave Leprozo, Jr. , with reports PGLU PIO
LA UNION — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has intensified its campaign against illegal fishing through a series of Joint Inter-Agency Seaborne Patrols across the province’s coastal waters, resulting in multiple apprehensions and heightened enforcement of fishery and environmental laws.
Patrol teams carried out night operations in San Juan and Luna and dawn patrols in Bacnotan, Bangar, and Aringay on May 11, 13, 19, 20, and 21. These coordinated efforts aimed to strengthen public awareness and ensure compliance with environmental, fishery, and marine protection ordinances.
The operations were spearheaded by the Provincial Government–Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, in partnership with national agencies and local government units. The initiative supports Provincial Ordinance No. 477-2025, which established the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Council to oversee marine protection efforts in La Union.
Among the agencies involved were the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 under Regional Director Remely Lachica, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northwestern Luzon District led by District Commander Mark Larsen Mariano, and the PCG La Union Station headed by Station Commander Jepty Ubaldo, with sub-stations in San Juan, Luna, Bangar, and Aringay. The PNP Maritime Group La Union, led by Station Chief Sheryl Juguilon, also joined, alongside municipal offices and Bantay Dagat volunteers.
Authorities documented several violations during the patrols:
- In Bacnotan, individuals were apprehended for using fine mesh nets smaller than the 3 cm minimum size allowed under the Municipal Fishery Ordinance.
- In Luna, three violators were caught using air compressors as breathing apparatus, prohibited under Municipal Ordinance No. 155, Series of 2024.
- In Aringay, three individuals were apprehended for violating Provincial Ordinance No. 403-2022, which bans compressor use in fishing activities.
The PGLU emphasized that these joint patrols demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding marine resources, strengthening coastal law enforcement, and promoting responsible, sustainable fishing practices across La Union.
This initiative underscores the province’s proactive stance in protecting its coastal ecosystems while ensuring that fisheries laws are upheld for the benefit of local communities and future generations.
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