June 8, 2026
World Oceans Day Statement
This World Oceans Day, we are mobilizing to amplify the voices of artisanal fishermen, the youth and other sectors who are pushing back against the continuing intrusion of commercial fishers in the nation’s municipal waters.
The law says 15 km belongs to artisanal fishers. Today, we draw the line by calling on President Bongbong Marcos and Congress to protect and uphold the rights of small Filipino fishermen to these municipal waters. The future of our oceans and fisheries is anchored on the uncompromising defense of municipal waters against commercial and destructive fishing.
When commercial boats cross the 15 km line, they don’t just steal catch. They are stealing from the poor, they are destroying the livelihoods and dignity of small fishermen—and they are putting the nation’s food security at risk!
We cannot celebrate the ocean while ignoring this injustice happening in our shores. We demand enforcement of the 15 km limit, and an end to commercial theft from the poorest sectors and the communities who depend on these waters the most.
Von Hernandez
Vice President
Oceana in the Philippines
