Philippine Navy Intercepts Chinese Fishermen Suspected of Cyanide Fishing, Highlighting Environmental Threat

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Navy recently intercepted Chinese fishermen suspected of engaging in cyanide fishing near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea. This incident, occurring on October 24, highlights the ongoing environmental devastation caused by this illegal fishing method, which involves stunning fish with cyanide to capture them alive, a practice that kills surrounding marine life and coral reefs.

The interception, captured in footage released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), showed Marines confronting a Chinese vessel. AFP personnel reportedly confiscated bottles containing suspected cyanide chemicals, reiterating their commitment to environmental protection in the West Philippine Sea. The practice is illegal in most Southeast Asian nations where it originated, yet it persists due to demand for live fish.

The use of cyanide in fishing, which began in the Philippines in the 1950s, has spread across Southeast Asia to supply both the aquarium trade and the live food fish market. Environmental engineer David Dzombak estimates that 12,000 to 14,000 metric tons of live food fish are caught annually using this method. The practice is particularly driven by the high demand for live reef food fish in markets, including those in China, where consumers often prefer fish kept alive until minutes before cooking.

Cyanide fishing is devastating to marine ecosystems, as the chemical not only stuns target fish but also kills non-target organisms, including corals, invertebrates, and their eggs. This results in widespread habitat destruction and coral bleaching, severely impacting the biodiversity and health of coral reefs. Studies indicate that millions of kilograms of cyanide have been used on Philippine reefs alone since the 1960s, with up to 70% of aquarium fish from the Philippines reportedly caught this way.

Despite its illegality and documented harmful effects, enforcement remains a challenge, often exacerbated by the economic desperation of local fishermen and the lucrative nature of the live fish trade. The recent interception by the Philippine Navy underscores the complex interplay between environmental protection, international disputes, and the persistent threat of destructive fishing practices in vital marine regions.