February 19, 2019 — Oceana Philippines expressed alarm over probable illegal-fishing activities in the Visayan Sea during the enforcement of the three-month closed fishing season.
The international organization made the pronouncement after analyzing data from satellite sensor called Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) to detect by satellites, in a supposedly dark environment such as large bodies of water, artificial light sources like superlights.
Ocena said these are likely used by fishing boats, such as purse seiners and ring netters, and were found inside the prohibited area and in this case, the Visayan Sea covered by the closed fishing season order.
According to the VIIRS data during the three-month period prior to the Visayan Sea closed season, from August 16 to November 14, 2018, the monthly average of lights detected in the delineated area was 142. Oceana said during the three-month closed season from November 15, 2018 to February 14, the monthly average was 48.
Oceana said these were detected in the Visayan Sea off Iloilo, in the municipalities of Carles, Concepcion, Barotac Viejo and Aruy; Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; and in Madridejos and Bantayan in Cebu.