DA chief concerned over SC ruling on commercial fishing

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Friday expressed concern over the decision of the Supreme Court allowing commercial fishing vessels access to municipal waters, previously reserved for small-scale fishers under the Fisheries Code.

- By BELLA CARIASO

Tiu Laurel warned of the high tribunal decision's potential adverse effects on the livelihood of small fishers and its impact on marine ecosystems.

"At a depth of seven fathoms or 12 meters, corals are at risk and our scarce marine resources could face further depletion," Tiu Laurel said.