BFAR faces scrutiny amid record fishing intrusions

MANILA, Philippines—Lawmakers and conservation groups are pressing the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to release vessel monitoring data from commercial fishing boats following fresh reports of continued fishing activity inside municipal waters reserved for small-scale fishers. The renewed calls come after satellite-based monitoring recorded 3,853 apparent commercial fishing vessel detections inside municipal waters in March 2026—the highest monthly figure logged in the past five years, according to data released by marine conservation group Oceana. READ: Commercial fishing intrusions in municipal waters hit 5-year high The issue gained renewed attention after Dinagat Islands lone district Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao […]...

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