Oceana Launches Campaign to Reduce Fish Loss, Boost Livelihoods

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Oceana, an international marine conservation group, launched its “Reduce Post-Harvest Fish Loss and Boost Livelihoods” campaign during the second day of the First Philippines Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City campus on October 17.

The campaign aims to tackle post-harvest fish losses (PHFL) that threaten the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and food security in the Philippines. It also highlights the vital role of artisanal fishers in ensuring the country’s food and nutrition needs.

“We’ve seen how crucial fisheries management is from ocean to table,” said Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos.

Ramos noted that this pilot campaign will benefit not only the Philippines but also countries like Malaysia, Ghana, and Senegal.

A study commissioned by Oceana revealed that up to 40 percent of fish caught in Samar is lost due to inadequate handling and storage. This loss significantly impacts the income and nutrition of small-scale fishers.

The campaign aligns with national efforts to reduce post-harvest losses to 8-10%, with hopes of transforming communities like Daram, Samar. Ramos emphasized that improved post-harvest practices could lead to better livelihoods for fishers and their families.

Dr. Ronelie Salvador, from the Center for Sustainable Aquaculture and Agri-based Innovations, underscored how inadequate storage and handling contribute to fish spoilage. She explained that the issue impacts both food security and income in coastal areas where fish is a key source of nutrition.

“These losses affect not just the quantity of fish but its quality and market value,” Salvador said, adding that addressing these issues is essential for safeguarding fisheries and coastal residents.

The symposium, organized by the Consortium for the Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development (TBTI) Philippines, drew attention to the plight of small-scale fishers. The theme was “Small-Scale Fisheries in the Philippines are Too Big to Ignore.”

Key speakers included Dr. Wilfredo Campos of UP Visayas, Daram Mayor Philip Martin Astorga, and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon.

Campos stressed the need to improve fisheries management for sustainability and economic viability. He explained that overfished stocks must recover to support livelihoods and meet food needs.

Oceana called for stronger enforcement of fisheries and environmental laws, citing climate and biodiversity crises that are further straining the sector.

Oceana’s ongoing efforts across countries responsible for a quarter of the world’s wild fish catch have already led to over 300 victories in preventing overfishing, habitat destruction, and marine pollution. With this new campaign, the group hopes to secure the future of small-scale fisheries in the Philippines, allowing coastal communities to thrive despite ongoing challenges.