The Sangguniang Panlalawigan presented yesterday the ordinance banning the catching of gravid (berried) and undersized swimming blue crab in the Province of Iloilo.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. lauded the measure to regulate the catching of the said marine species and expressed his optimism that the ordinance will not only protect them but ensure a sustainable source of gravid and 'kasag' in the province.

Under Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-093 sponsored by Board Member Jett Rojas, "it is unlawful...to catch/gather, possess, sell or transport berried and undersized swimming blue crabs with a carapace less than 11 centimeters or 4.6 inches."

The resolution noted that overfishing endangers the population of the said marine species, in addition to the destruction of their habitat like sea grasses and mangrove forests where they breed.

Rojas cited statistics which showed that there is a danger of over-exploitation and potential decline due to the large volume caught by vessels fishing in the municipal waters.

With the passage of the ordinance, Rojas believes that it will help protect and conserve the declining stock and sustain the production level of blue crabs in the province.

Offenders, according to the resolution, may face imprisonment from six months to one year or fine of P5,000 or both fine and imprisonment.

The resolution was passed after committee and public hearings were held at the Sangguniang Panalalawigan and at Banate, Iloilo attended by officials of concerned local government units, representatives from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Provincial Fisheries Office, representatives from the crab picking industry and the fisher folk of the municipalities concerned.

Present during yesterday's presentation of the ordinance were Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, mayors of Iloilo coastal towns, and their chiefs of police.*Mayin de los Santos