Proposed law regulating fishing along Macajalar Bay under study

THE proposed ordinance regulating fishing and fisheries management resources in the province of Misamis Oriental covering Macajalar Bay is now being studied by the 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy.

The Macajalar Bay Development Alliance on Tuesday presented to the committee on planning and development chaired by Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya the proposed Unified Municipal Fisheries Ordinance within the municipal waters of Macajalar Bay, which includes the municipalities and cities of Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Laguindingan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan and Villanueva.

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 (ICM) and the Code of Conduct of Responsible Fisheries, among others.

The legislation mandates the creation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Management Council (FARMC) 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 Nacaya said the committee is supporting the proposal of the Macajalar Bay Development Alliance especially as long-term plans are being prepared for the development of Cagayan de Oro City.

However, he said there should first be a public hearing on the proposed legislation.

In view of this, the committee referred the matter to the committee on agriculture and fisheries chaired by Councilor Annie Daba and to the City Legal Office for review.