RE: Resolution filed by Kabataan Partylist: “DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE INCURSION OF COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSELS WITHIN MUNICIPAL WATERS TO THE LIVELIHOOD OF FISHERFOLK AND FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY OF THE COUNTRY”
Press Release Date: January 28, 2025
We welcome the resolution filed by Kabataan Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Party, and ACT Teachers Partylist directing the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources to investigate the impacts of the Supreme Court 1st Division Resolution that will allow commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometers municipal waters which are reserved for artisanal fisherfolk under the jurisdiction of our local governments. The intervention of Congress to uphold the 1987 Constitution, the Fisheries Code, as amended, the Local Government Code of 1991, and other laws is a key step to safeguard the livelihood of our municipal fisher folk and the economic wellbeing of coastal communities, restore our fisheries and uphold our food security, and protect our fragile marine ecosystems.
The Supreme Court ruling, if it becomes final and executory, sets back the reforms for science-based solutions to the declining state of our fisheries and marine resources. Artisanal fisherfolk, coastal communities and local government chief executives have credited these reforms, including the implementation of vessel monitoring measures and Fisheries Management Areas system as lifeline to their livelihood and sustenance of their family. We need to fully enforce the laws to ensure that the rights of subsistence fisherfolk are upheld against the profit interests of commercial fishing operators.
Gusto nating siguruhing patas ang laban para sa kabuhayan ng mga artisanong mangingisda. With 90% of municipal waters at risk of exploitation by commercial fishers equipped with active and often destructive fishing gears, the consequences are dire: depleted fish stocks, loss of critical spawning grounds, and worsening poverty and hunger among already-marginalized communities. Hindi iyan patas. We urge Congress to act swiftly and decisively to exercise their legislative powers, for the future of our fisheries and the millions of Filipinos whose lives and livelihoods depend on them.
Oceana remains steadfast in our commitment to stand with fisherfolk and coastal communities, advocating for science-based, equitable fisheries management that ensures abundant seas for generations to come. Hanggang dulo – let us strengthen our resolve and bring the full power of our laws in protecting the lifeblood of our coastal communities and of the Filipino people. (END) – Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Oceana Vice President