Legislative Agenda #3! National Fisheries Code Needs Review, Changes

There is a need to review and amend the 24-year-old Philippine Fisheries Code utilizing exhaustive consultative processes and scientific data in improving it.

Republic Act 8550 declares that: The state shall ensure the attainment of the following objectives of the fishery sector:

1. Conservation, protection and sustained management of the country’s fishery and aquatic resources; 2. Poverty alleviation and the provision of supplementary livelihood among municipal fisherfolk; 3. Improvement of productivity of aquaculture within ecological limits; 4. Optimal utilization of offshore and deep-sea resources; and 5. Upgrading of post-harvest technology.

While the intentions are laudable, not much progress had been achieved over the last 24 years in the fisheries sector with the country still importing an estimated 40,000-metric tons of fish every year.

The Fisheries Code could be improved by really engaging the stakeholders and identifying increased productivity as the primary purpose.

There is also a need to redefine the provisions of the delineation of municipal waters and the support given to small fisherfolk groups.

#GovernanceIsCommonSense!