Fishermen who destroyed the marine sanctuary in Lipayo, Dauin, Oriental Negros must suffer the penalty stipulated under the Coastal Resource Management Ordinance, Mayor Rodrigo Alanano said.

He said can accept their apology but those liable, including the fishing boat owner, should answer for minimal penalty fees, and abide by the Information Education Campaign posted in their barangays.

A square meter of pencil type corals was destroyed by an anchor of a fishing boat inside the marine sanctuary in Lipayo, Dauin recently.

Alanano said their campaign is aimed at disseminating the information about the marine sanctuary and stress that fishing in it is prohibited.

Fishermen who violate the ordinance must ask for a certification from the barangay captain that they have helped in the campaign.

Fishing boat owner Felixberto Montecino claimed his fishermen encountered engine trouble at sea, and because of strong currents, were forced to drop the anchor, causing damage to corals. He added that they did not know it was a marine sanctuary Bantay Dagat personnel who confiscated the boat and impounded it at the Dauin municipal hall.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Division staff Jose Glendo Lazarte said pencil type corals were indeed severely damaged by the anchor.

He said these corals are of the brittle type which can easily break due to impact. The damage could only be restored in 20 to 30 years, he said.*MA

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