The integrity of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of small-scale fishers are significantly affected by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippines. Weak enforcement and the widespread presence of unregistered fishers fuel this problem, undermining sustainability and intensifying competition for dwindling fish stocks. These challenges further exacerbate social and economic inequalities in coastal communities.
These were some of the critical concerns highlighted in the recent symposium titled “Shaping APEC’s Blue Economy Agenda: Philippine Leadership and Visayas-Centric Innovations”, hosted by the Philippine APEC Study Center Network of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in collaboration with the University of San Carlos.
In her presentation, Dr. Rosalie Arcala-Hall, Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Visayas Center for Integrative and Development Studies, discussed the challenges posed by illegal fishing, particularly its impact on sardine stocks in Iloilo. She explained how competition between small-scale commercial fishers and subsistence fishers in municipal waters is eroding marine resources.
This process, known as "fishing down", forces fishermen to target younger and smaller fish species like sardines, depleting vital stocks that sustain local economies. Adding to the problem are Illegal fishing practices, such as blast fishing and the use of fine mesh nets.
Arcala-Hall identified the gap in regulation enforcement as a critical obstacle. Agencies including the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Police, and the Bantay Dagat work together to regulate fishing activities, limited resources and the Philippines' extensive marine domain make enforcement difficult. Compounding the issue is the low registration rate of subsistence fishers, which hampers efforts to monitor fishing operations effectively. “Many of the subsistence or municipal fishers actually [do] not register. Only a few of them do,” Arcala-Hall noted.
Illegal fishing not only strains marine resources but also deepens social inequalities within the fishing industry. Arcala-Hall also shed light on the social and gender disparities within the fishing industry, particularly those affecting women, youth, and marginalized groups. While young adult males are mostly responsible for fishing and harvesting, women are essential to processing and retail. However, informal work arrangements often leave women financially disadvantaged.
Similarly, many fishermen rely on informal credit arrangements with merchants and boat owners, limiting their ability to negotiate fair prices for their catch. These challenges underscore the structural inequalities within the industry.
To address these issues, Arcala-Hall proposed solutions that balance enforcement and empowerment. “I think the pathway really is to help small scale fishers to transition from subsistence to commercial fishing in order to realize higher values,” she explained.
Her recommendations included strengthening vessel registration, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and incorporating regulatory compliance into company permits. She also emphasized breaking the cycle of illegal fishing demands by engaging communities in ensuring the use of legal fishing gears and other sustainable practices.
Arcala-Hall emphasized the critical role of social inclusion, calling for better support for women in fish processing roles and stronger social protections for young male fishermen. “We must make sure that we effect community buy-in on sustainable practices and gears,” she stressed.
Ultimately, she highlighted that tackling illegal fishing requires a united effort from policymakers, communities, and stakeholders to foster equitable and sustainable fisheries management.
Watch the recording of the symposium at https://bit.ly/pidslive021925.
