Using barges with backhoes, the demolition crew, composed of personnel of the provincial government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), dismantled the first colony of the more than 200 illegally built fish cages and pens in the waters of Cavite, which form part of the 1,800-square-kilometer Manila Bay.
According to the Manila Bulletin, aside from Bacoor, the other towns to be affected by the demolition include Rosario, Kawit, Noveleta, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate as well as Cavite City.
Atienza said the illegal fish pens are one of the two reasons the government has failed to conduct a massive rehabilitation of Manila Bay, reports the news agency. The other reason, he said, is the failure of the water utilities to build sewerage facilities as stipulated in their contracts.
"This demolition is not only sound environmental management, but also sound economics because it stimulates growth in Cavite’s fishing communities," Atienza said.
Philippines Demolishes Illegal Fish Pens
PHILIPPINES - Yesterday, the demolition of illegal fish pens and cages in Manila Bay off the coast of Barangay Longos took place.