Fish catch down 70%; destruction of corals blamed

Fish catch in the West Philippine Sea has gone down by 70 percent since 2020, and further decline is expected amid reports of massive poaching of corals by the Chinese, a militant fishers' group warned yesterday.

- BELLA CARIASO

Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) national chairman Fernando Hicap raised the warning in a radio interview, in the wake of reports of plunder of corals in Rozul Reef, believed perpetrated by the Chinese. Corals are breeding grounds for marine life.

Reports from fisherfolk particularly from Zambales - have indicated 70 percent decline in fish catch "amid the illegal activities of Chinese fishing vessels," Hicap said.