Oceana launches campaign to reduce fish loss in Samar

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DARAM, SAMAR—Oceana has launched a new campaign aimed at reducing post-harvest fish losses and improving the livelihoods of municipal fisherfolk in Daram, Samar, during the Farmers and Fisherfolk Congress held on October 2, 2024.

Daram Mayor Philip Astorga highlighted the town’s need for better post-harvest facilities, noting the lack of ice and processing facilities forces local fishers to sell their catch in nearby cities. “If ice will be available, our fishers will surely bring their catch here and we’ll have more fish available in Daram,” Astorga said.

The municipality of Daram, home to over 40,000 residents, faces a poverty rate of over 40%, more than double the national average. Fishing is a vital livelihood as Daram has the largest municipal waters in the Samar Sea, but the community struggles with high levels of food insecurity.

Oceana’s Vice President in the Philippines, Gloria Estenzo Ramos, stressed the importance of reducing fish waste. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with artisanal fisherfolk, local governments, national agencies, academe, and other allies to ensure that our oceans are sustainable and resilient as we face the impacts of climate change,” Ramos said.

Oceana’s recent study in Samar revealed that up to 40% of fish catch is lost from harvest to market, significantly affecting both income and food supply for coastal communities.

Ramos added that addressing these losses is crucial for food security and reducing malnutrition in the region. “It’s alarming that almost half of the fish catch is lost before they are landed or rots before they are sold. When we address this, imagine how much of a positive difference this will make for coastal communities and the lives of their children,” she said.

The campaign aims to promote sustainable fisheries management and provide training in post-harvest handling for women and mobile fish vendors.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Samar State University, and community leaders, joined the congress to discuss solutions for improving the livelihood of local fisherfolk.

Fisherfolk leader and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, in his keynote speech, called for the proper implementation of policies to support fisherfolk in reducing poverty.

Ramos noted that Oceana’s campaign aligns with the national administration’s goal to cut post-harvest losses by 8-10%, improving the local economy while ensuring food security for thousands of families in the region.