Oceana pushes for DA-BFAR officials championing 15-kilometer municipal water protection
Press Release Date: May 28, 2025
With the recent announcement of resignation and appointment of cabinet members, Oceana urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) who will stand their ground and protect the 15-kilometer municipal waters from illegal commercial fishing, as mandated by laws.
The international marine protection organization emphasizes the strict enforcement of Republic Act 10654 or the Fisheries Code, as amended, considering the efforts of the commercial fishing sector to remove the preferential right of municipal fishers to catch fish inside the 15-kilometer municipal waters.
The Malabon Regional Trial Court ruled in favor of Mercidar Fishing Corporation, declaring the restrictions on commercial fishing in municipal waters unconstitutional. This was upheld by the Supreme Court First Division resolution.
According to Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio, Oceana Acting Vice President, this is not yet final and executory, and thus, the national and local government units are duty-bound to enforce the laws.
“One of the key steps to protect the municipal waters is the implementation of vessel monitoring measures (VMM). We need the DA-BFAR officials to be steadfast in the enforcement of our laws and to fully support the local government units that are mandated to sustainably manage fisheries in municipal waters,” said Osorio.
Romblon Mayor Atty. Gerard Montojo supported this appeal to President Marcos Jr. and DA-BFAR officials. “We stand by the law, and we will do everything within our powers to bar commercial fishing operations from entering our municipal waters. However, we need the national government to support us in this endeavor. As the primary duty-bearer to protect, conserve and manage our municipal waters, and marine protected areas inside these waters, we should also have access to vessel monitoring data from commercial fishing vessels entering Romblon and adjacent municipalities,” explained Montojo.
In a letter he sent to BFAR, Montojo asked the agency to provide LGUs with the list of registered commercial fishing vessels and those that have violated illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing policies. This will alert their enforcers if they enter their municipal waters.
The VMM that keeps track of the location and activity of commercial fishing vessels, is essential in deterring IUU fishing. When paired with electronic catch documentation and traceability systems—where vessels digitally submit their fishing data—it becomes a powerful tool for promoting sustainable practices and science-based fisheries management.
“When we have access to VMM data, local government officials like us can build strong cases against illegal fishers and we could be more effective in performing our mandates in protecting and managing our municipal waters” Montojo added.
Osorio said Oceana remains committed to collaborating with the government, fisherfolk, and all stakeholders to protect our seas and secure a sustainable future for all. (END)
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
For More Information:
Joyce Sierra, Communications Manager, Oceana
Mobile: 09178214430 E-mail: jsierra@oceana.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oceana.philippines
Twitter: @oceana_ph Instagram: @oceana_ph