CDO approves comprehensive fisheries ordinance

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Council has approved a comprehensive ordinance governing the management, protection and sustainable use of Cagayan de Oro’s coastal and fishery resources.

Ordinance No. 2025-116, titled “Providing Comprehensive Management and Protection of Cagayan de Oro City’s Coastal and Fishery Resources and Imposing Sanctions for Violations,” was approved Monday.

The measure establishes local rules for the conservation, management and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources while providing corresponding penalties for violations.

It seeks to strengthen the city’s regulatory framework, promote responsible fishing practices, protect the livelihood of fisherfolk and improve enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations.

The approval followed earlier efforts by the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, which had pushed for the immediate passage of a comprehensive fisheries ordinance.

The measure was also supported by the City Council’s Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, chaired by Councilor Antuy Roa Pascual, and the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office headed by Engr. Bernie Daba, in coordination with fisheries stakeholders.

City officials said the ordinance provides Cagayan de Oro with a unified local framework for protecting coastal and fishery resources while laying down sanctions against illegal and destructive practices.

The ordinance is expected to guide future enforcement and conservation efforts involving the city’s coastal areas and fishing communities.