LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Regional government agencies in Central Visayas, particularly those involved in law enforcement operations, are poised to strengthening its monitoring, control and surveillance against illegal coral traders particularly in this city following the confiscation of endangered coral species on various occasions.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 Regional Director Andres Bojos during a recent meeting with the member agencies of the Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance in Region 7 (CLEAR) has stressed the need to heighten the group’s operations to stop illegal harvests of endangered coral species and is urging the public to report to them if they observe such violations.

Bojos has called for public vigilance especially in coastal areas where such illegal practice are expected to take place.

It can be recalled that in this city alone three confiscations of sea corals have been recorded. Last March, thousands of dried corals and clam shells were seized by authorities in Brgy. Punta Engaño while the latest confiscation took place April 18 where thousands of coral items were wrapped in newspaper and placed in boxes ready for shipment.