MANILA, Philippines — Several government agencies have committed to take serious steps against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The Philippine committee (PhilCom) comprised of the Office of the President, the departments of agriculture, transportation and communications, interior and local government, finance, justice, national defense and foreign affairs, held its first command conference to gather solutions to combat the illegal activities within Philippine waters.
The review of the national plan of action comes amid the continued decline in fisheries production.
“Our national plan of action (NPOA) to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing is a product of a participatory process and formulated in consultation with public and private stakeholders involved in fisheries management and conservation,” Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.
Apart from the review, the committee members also drafted their internal rules as well as a joint memorandum circular with Philippine law enforcement bodies and deputy fish wardens on the adoption and implementation of the fisheries law enforcement manual of operation.
The manual, which will be provided to law enforcement personnel, establishes standard operating procedures in the enforcement of the Amended Philippine Fisheries Code and other fisheries laws, rules and regulations.
“With clear and strong policies already in place, there can be no excuses for failure,” Piñol said.
PhilCom has also vowed to fast-track coordination between and among agencies and to provide for a stronger and more holistic anti-IUUF campaign.
“We are expected to give our full commitment to harmonizing all our efforts and ensuring the success of this drive to stop and prevent IUU fishing,” he said.
About 10 of the 13 major fishing grounds surveyed in the Philippines are already overfished.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, more than 50 million Filipinos are dependent on fish for food.
Globally, the Philippines ranks 11th on the list of top producers of wild-caught fish, feeding about three billion people worldwide.