Resort owners in Negros Oriental have asked Gov. Chaco Sagarbarria to put a stop to the practice of spearfishing by divers using scuba gear.
In a recent forum organized by the Provincial Tourism Office, hotel and resort owners said spearfishing is rampant especially within the marine-protected areas in the towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita.
Fishing is banned in MPAs because these are fish sanctuaries there, where they spawn and feed.
The resort and restaurant owners reported to the Governor that the recent death of a spinner dolphin in the shores of barangay Bio-os in Amlan was believed to have succumbed from wounds from spearfishers.
Gov. Sagarbarria said he was saddened to learn about the fate of the dolphin as it is an integral part of our natural resources found along the Tañon Strait.
“These dolphins help the Province attract huge number of tourists to visit Bais City and Manjuyod, and soon in Vallehermoso, to enjoy the dolphin- and whale-watching activities.
Sagarbarria said killing these marine mammals is tantamount to killing the tourism industry in the area which has generated revenues for the residents.
Governor Sagarbarria said he will meet with the Mayors of Dauin and Zamboaguita, as well as their respective Bantay Dagat teams, and the Coast Guard to step up the implementation of laws to protect the marine ecosystem.
Another concern raised by the hotel and resort owners was about the ban by the local government of Bacong on all kinds of scuba diving activities within its municipal waters.
They said they are also enthusiastic about the future of tourism in the Province, and asked about the status of the planned international airport in Bacong.
The Governor assured them that the construction of the new airport will “eventually push through”, and that it will provide a substantial increase of visitor arrivals into the Province, particularly by foreign tourists. (Juvilin Calago)
