MANILA – Surprise was etched on the faces of fishermen in Manila Bay Wednesday as for the very first time in years their fishnets netted a humongous haul of Salinas, a favorite Pinoy dish either cooked with vinegar or smoked.
Marine life has remarkably diminished along Manila Bay coastline due to pollution in recent years but concerted clean-up drive efforts before the coronavirus outbreak may have something to do with the resurgence of the fishes.
Early this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in tandem with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, launched a massive clean-up drive and relocation of informal settlers along Manila Bay’s coastline.
And this, fishermen said, may have contributed to the re-emergence of a vibrant marine life the fishermen enjoyed before.
Closure of business establishments lining up Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay amid the pandemic is also seen as a big factor for the increased catch of the fishermen these days. (Mike Taboy/Benjamin Cuaresma)
