Negros Oriental: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Negros Oriental has announced that there have been no incidents of illegal dynamite fishing in the province since the 1980s, a development attributed to ongoing surveillance.

According to Philippines News Agency, Florencia Mepa±a, the chief of BFAR-Negros Oriental, stated, “We have not received any reports of dynamite fishing in the province since the 1980s and after the alleged head of such illegal operations in a town in the north had died.” Mepa±a credits this long-standing absence of dynamite fishing to heightened awareness among local fisherfolk about the severe penalties associated with illegal fishing practices.

Regular market inspections have consistently revealed no signs of fish obtained through blast fishing methods. The BFAR’s declaration comes in the wake of a recent dolphin stranding incident in Bais City, where five dead dolphins were discovered. The dolphins reportedly exhibited signs of lung trauma potentially caused by underwater blasts.

Mepa±a mentioned that BFAR will investigate reports suggesting that a new method involving underwater blast fishing might be responsible for the dolphins’ deaths. She also noted that these marine mammals might have strayed from the protected seascape of Ta±on Strait, losing their sense of direction due to the blast, which led to their stranding in Bais City.