by Marvin Pamisa

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (Aug. 21) — Local governance and robust law enforcement were spotlighted during the recent sardine fisheries management stakeholders’ consultation for Region 9, held from August 19-20 in Dipolog City.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Philippine Coast Guard, PNP maritime group, civil society representatives, and academic experts, to discuss and refine sustainable sardine fisheries management strategies in Fisheries Management Area-9.

Erlinda Puy, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory, and Enforcement Division (FMRED) of BFAR-9, emphasized the crucial role of local enforcement in ensuring compliance with fisheries laws.

“If law enforcement is effective at the municipal level, local fisherfolk will follow. There will be no violators,” Puy stated, underscoring that while laws are in place, the challenge lies in their ground-level implementation.

Stakeholders agreed on the vital role that Local Government Units (LGUs) play in enforcing fisheries regulations and addressing violations, particularly in the face of declining sardine catches in FMA 9.

The consultation proposed three key management actions for sardine fisheries: reducing fishing days, implementing a closed fishing season, and enforcing a ban on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

Stakeholders identified several supportive actions, including the provision of alternative livelihoods for affected fisherfolk, comprehensive information campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable practices, and capacity-building programs for local law enforcers to enhance their ability to uphold fisheries regulations. (MPamisa//FishCoRe)