Fishing ban up in Visayan Sea – radio report

MANILA, Philippines — The government imposed a temporary ban on killing, catching and sale of herring and mackerel in the Visayan Sea in a bid to preserve and protect the marine species in one of the country’s richest fishing grounds. Radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu reported Monday evening that the ban took effect last November and would end in March 2009. The ban covers more than half of the 10,000-square-meter Visayan Sea, which is surrounded by Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas, the report said. Violators face fine ranging from P500 to P5,000 and could be jailed from six months to four years. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV