Manila: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office here is upbeat about curbing illegal fishing in Dawahon Islet in Bato, Leyte with the distribution of fish-pot fabrication materials. In a phone interview on Friday, BFAR Eastern Visayas information officer Christine Gresola said the new materials will replace the destructive fishing gear previously used in dynamite fishing. "This initiative encourages fishers to transition from harmful fishing methods to sustainable and responsible practices by using recommended passive gear," Gresola said.

According to Philippines News Agency, some PHP300,000 worth of materials were recently turned over to 60 local fishers. "The program aims to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring that fishers continue to earn a decent livelihood," she said. The move is expected to curb illegal fishing activities near Danajon Bank, the only double-barrier reef in the country.

Dawahon Island, known for its abundant seaweed production, is a rich fishing ground teeming with high-value species such as grouper, wrasse, mullet, snapper, blue swimming crabs, emperor fish, siganids, and more. Dynamite fishing has long been one of the most rampant illegal fishing activities in the area, contributing to declining fish stocks and habitat degradation.

"Through this program, BFAR not only provides former illegal fishers with alternative livelihood tools but also empowers them to restore marine habitats, rebuild fish populations, and create a more sustainable future for their community," Gresola said. Dawahon is an islet in Bato town with a land area of only five hectares and a population of about 10,000. About 90 hectares of its coastal area are devoted to seaweed farming, making it the seaweed capital of Eastern Visayas.