Boat Captain Caught Using Banned Seine in Iloilo

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A fishing vessel using banned Danish Seine gear was intercepted off Bantigui Island in Barangay Lantangan, Carles, Iloilo, on May 17, leading to the arrest of its boat captain.

The Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, aboard Provincial Patrol Speed Boat No. 1, apprehended F/B Seahorse during a seaborne operation against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Authorities said the vessel was caught using “super hulbot,” the local term for Danish Seine, a destructive fishing method banned under Fisheries Administrative Order No. 246-1 and Section 97 of Republic Act 10654, or the Amended Fisheries Code.

Seized from the vessel were a Danish Seine net, one Isuzu diesel engine, six plastic drums of diesel, and about 10 tubs of assorted fish valued at approximately PHP20,000.

While 12 crew members were onboard, they were released after investigators found no direct liability under the law.

The boat captain was placed under the custody of the Carles Municipal Police Station for further legal action.