Ban on Danish Seine fishing method strengthened

The nationwide ban on the use of the fishing device Danish Seine (hulbot-hulbot) that destroys marine habitats has been strengthened after the Department of Agriculture (DA) approved an order declaring mere possession of the material as a prime evidence for violation, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Monday. In a statement, BFAR said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol signed the agency’s update to Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 246 in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 10654 on the banning of the operation of Danish Seine and Modified Danish Seine in Philippine waters. RA 10564 outlaws certain fishing methods deemed harmful to marine ecosystems.