Lawyer Asis Perez, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national director, said tuna fishing companies based in this city have already deployed 14 catcher vessels into the Pocket 1 of the western Pacific Ocean's high seas since it was reopened to Philippines-based fishing vessels in September last year. "We have 14 vessels operating in the area right now. That (number) would have been 20 already if not for typhoon Pablo," he said in an interview. He said six of the tuna catcher vessels that resumed operations in the area last year had went missing and were presumed to have sunk following the onslaught of typhoon "Pablo" off Mindanao's eastern seaboard last Dec. 4. Perez said they were hoping that local tuna fishing companies would be able to fill up their 36-vessel quota within the year. "Our main consideration in meeting that quota is the additional catch of around 50,000 MT that we will get there. Based on our assessment, each vessel deployed there could produce around 20 tons of tuna on a good day," he said.

Last year, Asis Perez, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, ordered an investigation on the fish kill in the lake involving around 50 tons tilapia or some 2,000 pieces of 25-kilogram plastic containers.

Asis Perez to head Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ELAW Partner Asis Perez took the oath of office today as new director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the agency responsible for the improvement, management and conservation of the Philippines' fisheries and water resources. He has vowed to combat destructive fishing methods and the continuous intrusion of commercial fishers into municipal waters all over the country. Asis is the former Executive Director of Tanggol Kalikasan (Defense of Nature) and won the 2010 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award. He has collaborated with ELAW since 1994.

Mr. Asis Generoso Perez Mr. Asis Generoso Perez, Attorney, Director for Law Enforcement, Tanggol Kalikasan, Philippines, is the director of law enforcement at Tanggol Kalikasan, an environmental law firm in the Philippines. Asis Generoso Perez is Assistant Secretary Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr., Head of the Philippine Delegation.

Atty. Asis G. Perez Director, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources