Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24) — Several groups urged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources on Friday to stop dredging and reclamation projects in Cavite, saying these have caused harm to fishers and marine life in the area.
\”We have observed several impacts of offshore sand extraction, including the disturbance and displacement of fish caused by the noise pollution from dredging equipment,\” Aries Soledad, fisherfolk advocate Pamalakaya-Cavite provincial coordinator, said in a statement.
There has also been a significant reduction in fish stocks, the group added.
Marina Cavan of youth organization National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates also said the safety of fishers is being compromised as dredging activities create intense tidal waves.
The quarrying activities cover the municipal waters of Ternate, Rosario, and Naic.
Pamalakaya said it has recorded a total of 187 reclamation projects in the country — covering more than 25,000 hectares of fishing waters. At least 30 of these projects are located in the Manila Bay Area.
Meanwhile, women’s group Amihan urged the government to pursue \”genuine rehabilitation,\” and to recognize the rights of fishermen.
