Posted in http://news.pia.gov.ph/
January 03, 2017 PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

DAVAO City, January 3, 2017 (PIA) Experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Natural Resources in Davao Region found several plastic materials, fish net, coconut lumber with nails among others in the belly of the sperm whale that beached at the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte two weeks ago.

Fatma Idris, director of the BFAR 11 said these elements caused distress on the sperm whale which led to its eventual demise.

She said the current of water between IGACOS and the mainland Davao is very strong, making it a natural waterway for all types of garbage including the plastics to be carried away.

“It is the reason why we discourage residents from throwing their garbage on the water since it will lead to the Davao Gulf areas, consequently engulfed by mammals stranded there which led to the deterioration of their health condition,” Idris said.

She encouraged residents to plant Mangroves that will certain to filter the garbage to the sea.

Idris said residents can do much by not throwing their garbage to the sea.

“Violators will be penalized based on the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” she said.

Idris said that aside from the law enforcement agencies like the Maritime Police, barangay officials are also mandated by law to impose this law on the residents for compliance. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381483408106/bfar-11-joins-calls-to-clear-davao-gulf-of-garbage-#sthash.JKdhdSL8.dpuf