Manila, Sept. 19 -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office here is upbeat about curbing illegal fishing in Dawahon Islet in Bato, Leyte with the distribution of fish-pot fabrication materials.

In a phone interview on Friday, BFAR Eastern Visayas information officer Christine Gresola said the new materials will replace the destructive fishing gear previously used in dynamite fishing.

"This initiative encourages fishers to transition from harmful fishing methods to sustainable and responsible practices by using recommended passive gear," Gresola said.

According to Gresola, some PHP300,000 worth of materials were recently turned over to 60 local fishers.

"The program aims to protect marine ecosystems while e...