NGO urges PNoy to sign amended Fisheries Code

CEBU, Philippines - A non-government organization is calling on President Benigno Aquino III to sign the amended Fisheries Code of 1998 or face European Union sanctions.

“Oceana Philippines is supporting the appeal of NGOs for the Philippine government to finalize reforms in fisheries laws that would allow the country to meet the deadline for compliance with European Union requirements against illegal and unregulated fishing practices,” reads the statement Oceana Philippines released to The Freeman.

Amendments include increased penalties of up to P10 million for violations of fishing laws, like encroachment within the allowed 15-kilometer municipal seawaters reserved for small fishers, destruction of habitats such as seagrass and mangroves, and the use of unlicensed gear.

The amendment also institutiona-lizes vessel monitoring mechanisms, which will allow law enforcers “to easily identify commercial fishing boats that are operating illegally in restricted zones.”

“Aside from the obvious fact that our country cannot afford to be banned from exporting fish and fish products to EU, its biggest market, the passage of these long-overdue amendments is essential if we are to prioritize food security and the livelihood of suffering artisanal fisherfok and reverse the undeniable tide of fish stocks depletion happening in our fishing grounds,” said lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines.

“Oceana believes that the implementation of the amendments is indispensable in achieving the twin goals of sustainable fisheries and healthy oceans for all,” she added.

Fourteen NGOs, Oceana included, believe that the amendment to the country’s fisheries Code “will be beneficial to all stakeholders, including the municipal and the commercial fisheries sub-sectors.”

Among those supporting the amended version are Fisheries Reform, Inc., Greenpeace-Philippines, Balaod Mindanao, Center for Empowerment and Resource Development (CERD), HARIBON Foundation, HAYUMA Foundation and several others.

Last June, the EU warned the Philippines on its failure to meet global standards on sustainable fishing practices. It gave six months for the Philippines to institute policy reforms and avoid a fish export ban to the lucrative European market. This prompted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources with the help of NGOs to lobby for Congress to amend RA 8550.

Congress did and the amendment now awaits the President’s approval for the new stipulations to be final and executory. — Liv G. Campo/JMO (FREEMAN)