Govt toughens protection of Tañon Strait

THE Tañon Strait Protected Area Office is set to operationalize the enforcement plan for the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape, increasing seaborne patrol operations and speeding up the filing of cases against violators.

Environmental watchdogs Oceana Philippines said in a statement announcing the new enforcement efforts that Tañon Strait is a critical marine habitat and important migratory path for 14 of the 27 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines. It is a rich fishing ground supplying the fish protein needs of the 42 cities and municipalities in Cebu and Negros Islands.