FMA 11 deploys enforcers to curb illegal fishing

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 has made history as the first in the country to deploy law enforcers to implement the harvest strategy, a program aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing such as the use of fine-mesh nets.

The send-off ceremony in Concepcion gathered local leaders, fisheries officials, and enforcement partners who pledged to protect municipal waters and secure fish stocks for future generations.

Concepcion Vice Mayor Jovelyn O. Estrada admitted the move was politically challenging but said the local government is committed to the program.

“This may shake our political career, but rest assured we stand firm with this advocacy,” Estrada said.

Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Regional Director Remia Aparri emphasized that the effort signals a shift from planning to action.

“We are now here on the ground, indi na sa hotel para lang mag-meeting. Amo na ini ang aksyon,” Aparri said.

She added that the agency remains firm in opposing fine-mesh nets, noting that while such gear may yield higher catches in the short term, it ultimately depletes future fish stocks by capturing juvenile fish before they mature and reproduce.

FMA 11 focal person and Iloilo Provincial Fisheries Officer-in-Charge Maria Aimee A. Sobrevega said the milestone followed two years of consultations and planning.

“The LGU made the difficult decision to stand up for 10,895 fishers against more or less 300 sinsoro operators and crew,” Sobrevega said, noting that the approach balances ecological protection and human well-being.

The Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Regional Maritime Unit, LGU Concepcion Bantay Dagat, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–6 also expressed support.

The harvest strategy in FMA 11 was developed through scientific assessments and consultations.

To ease the impact on fishing communities, it is paired with alternative livelihood programs such as seaweed farming, gear-swap projects, and post-harvest enterprises. (With reports from BFAR 6)