Government urged to reduce fish wastage

MANILA, Philippines — The government should help fishermen reduce their post-harvest losses, which reach up to 40 percent, according to international marine conservation organization Oceana.

In a statement, Oceana warned about the rising post-harvest fish losses that pose a threat to food and livelihood security as well as malnutrition situation in coastal communities of the country.

The group explained that up to 40 percent of fish caught in the areas of Samar and Northern Samar are lost due to inadequate handling, lack of storage facilities, and other post-harvest measures, based on a study it recently commissioned.

“This pressing issue, according to the study, not only threatens marine biodiversity but also exacerbates malnutrition and poverty among small-scale fishers, which are crucial to the country’s food security and sustainable fisheries management,” the group said.

The high fish wastage could impact supply, which would eventually lead to higher retail prices for animal protein, threatening the country’s food security, according to Oceana.

“Addressing these losses is essential, as fish is a key dietary staple that provides essential nutrients for our communities,” said Ronelie Salvador of the Center for Sustainable Aquaculture and Agri-based Innovations, who led the study.

“From spoilage to inadequate processing and market fluctuations, we must tackle these issues to safeguard both our fisheries and the well-being of our coastal residents,” Salvador said.

Oceana said it is ramping up its campaign to reduce post-harvest losses in fish and improve the lives of fisherfolk, especially artisanal ones.

“We’re hitting the ground running with this campaign, and we’re eager to continue working with artisanal fisherfolk, civil society, academe – all of whom are empowered by a determined and progressive-minded local government unit,” Oceana vice president Gloria Estenzo Ramos said.

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation.