Drive vs poachers in Cagayan beefed up

By Charlie Lagasca

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya– At least 12 new patrol boats will be deployed in Cagayan’s coastlines in a renewed effort against illegal fishing and poaching in the country’s northern backdoor.

In a joint undertaking, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units vowed to strengthen their joint monitoring efforts in securing Cagayan’s marine resources and coral reefs from poaching and illegal fishing.

DENR regional director Benjamin Tumaliuan said the seacraft were formally turned over last week to the towns of Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Buguey, Santa Teresita, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona, Calayan, Sanchez Mira, Claveria, and Santa Praxedes.

With an 18-foot fiberglass body, each motorboat has standard accessories, a 30-horsepower outboard motor and two life rings, as well as six life vests for its crew, the DENR said.

Tumaliuan said the patrol boats were distributed in support of the DENR’s Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project, which intends to strengthen the partnership between the department and local governments.

Launched in Cagayan Valley in 2007, the World Bank-assisted project supports the government’s effort to address the critical issue of sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.

Tumaliuan said more coastal towns will benefit from the project.