One of the most significant features is the installation of a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance

(MCS) system in all Philippine flagged fishing vessels regardless of fishing area and final
destination of catch, which would make it easier to ensure compliance with fisheries
regulations.

There are so many available technologies right now that can help both government and people
in monitoring the behavior of fishing vessels. The use of these devices can show if commercial
fishing vessels are operating in the right areas. This can help our artisanal fishers regain their
municipal waters from encroachment by large fishing vessels. We hope that the technologies
eventually adopted will encourage the citizens and civil society sectors to be active part of the
efforts in ensuring transparency in Philippine fisheries management, said Gloria Estenzo Ramos,
Vice President of Oceana in the Philippines.

Ramos observed, These substantial amendments to the Fisheries Code give our country a better
chance of rebuilding fish stocks and allow for a more rational approach for fish catch production.
We have had good laws on paper but sadly, we have been quite lacking in terms of enforcement.

While we are optimistic with these reforms, it is crucial that the law is properly implemented so
that the country can ensure its food security in the long term, she added.

In a forum, BFAR Director Asis Perez echoed the general sentiment that the Philippine Fisheries
Code had remained weak due to lack of enforcement.

The (previous) law was not honest enough, Perez said during the forum New EU Fisheries
Policies: PH and EU Partnership for the Governance of our Planet's Oceans" at the University of
the Philippines College of Law last February 25.

The European Union (EU) issued a yellow card warning to the Philippines in June last year, which
had been extended to six more months, so the government could reform its policies against IUU
fishing.

The Philippines capability against IUU fishing will be judged by our administrative capacity and
political will to implement policies, Perez also acknowledged.

EU Maritime and Fisheries Affairs director-general Lowri Evans said they are pushing for science-
based policies, a transparent set of laws, and strict enforcement to properly manage fish stocks
all over the world.

The Philippines is a sea nation. Fish is not just a source of food, it is part of the essence of your
country, Evans said.

She noted that while fish supply from the Philippines is increasing, the large-scale degradation of
marine habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves remains unabated.
As seatizens and stakeholders of the environment, most especially those who love seafood,
here are 5 things that you need to know about RA 10654 or the amended Fisheries Code:

Republic Act 10654, which amends the Philippine Fisheries Code, lapsed into law on February 27,
2015. It seeks to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated or IUU
fishing in the country.

On Monday, April 13, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) convened the 41-
member technical working group (TWG) that will draft the implementing rules and regulations
for the new amendatory legislation. The group is expected to finish its work by September.

Civil society members earlier relayed their concern to BFAR over the high number of commercial
fishers represented in the TWG. It consists of 20 members from the commercial fishing sector,
nine from government, three from NGOs, six from municipal fishers, two from academe, and one
from aquarium fish exporters.

Under RA 10654, sanctions have been raised to as high as P45 million for commercial fishing
violators, and $2.4 million for poachers. (See attached highlights)

The amended law also mandated the creation of an Adjudication Committee under BFAR, which
would speed up the determination of liability of violators and imposition of penalties.

1. There are too many boats out at sea.

Photo from Shutterstock.
The adage plenty of fish in the sea no longer holds true. The worlds oceans are running out of
fish due to unsustainable, and at times illegal, fishing practices triggered by a high demand for
seafood.
Filipino scientists have said that we already reached the maximum sustainable yield of our seas
back in the 80s, prompting fisherfolk organizations and government agencies to declare that 10
out of 13 of the countrys fishing grounds have been severely overfished or have now been
depleted. Under RA 10654, there will now be harvest control mechanisms to limit fishing efforts
based on the health of fishing grounds.
2. Somethings fishy about todays seafood.

Photo from Shutterstock.

Chances are, the fish on your plate was most likely caught illegally.
Out at sea, there are a lot of commercial fishers with big boats that can haul hundreds of tons
of fish at a time that are notorious for fishing in municipal waters, or areas exclusive to small-
scale fisherfolk. For decades, these commercial fishers have been fishing illegally, edging out
fishermen who simply cant compete.
A single commercial fishing operation can impact the livelihood of 65 small municipal fishers.
These commercial fishers simply sell their haul to the market, passing it off as legally-caught fish,
robbing fishermen of their potential income. This is why fishermen remain one of the poorest
sectors of society.
Now, there is a way to stop this highway robbery happening at sea. Under RA 10654, there will
now be a vessel monitoring system that will tell authorities when and where exactly boats are
fishing.
3. Saved by the yellow card.

Photo from Shutterstock.

In 2014, the EU issued a yellow card warning to the Philippines after decades of rampant illegal,
unregulated, and unreported fishing happening in Philippine waters. This means the EU is
prompting the Aquino government to comply and amend our fisheries law before trade
sanctions were imposed.
Just like in football, if countries do not comply with international fisheries standards, the EU can
issue them a red card, as they have done to countries like Cambodia and Sri Lanka. A red card for
the Philippines would have resulted to a loss of P9.4 billion worth of Philippine fisheries export,
certainly a huge dent to the economy.
4. Penalties are no longer a slap on the wrist.

Photo from Shutterstock.

One of the reasons why illegal and unsustainable fishing flourished is because the government
did not impose tougher penalties to those who did not follow Philippine fisheries laws.
For example, a fisherman caught doing dynamite fishing only had to pay a fine of P5,000. Even
commercial fishers, if caught and apprehended for fishing illegally, only had to pay a few
thousand practically peanuts in this multi-million peso industry.
RA 10654 makes it loud and clear that illegal fishers will be made to pay a lot more to the tune
of millions for plundering our seas and destroying marine ecosystems which may take
decades to recover.
5. Saving sharks and dolphins

In the hunt for more fish, many commercial fishers resort to unsustainable fishing practices like
using big purse seine nets or fish aggregating devices which lure fish and other sea creatures like
sharks, dolphins and even turtles. This is why sharks and dolphins end up being sold in markets,
adding to the illegal trade of endangered species.
Under RA 10654, it is now unlawful to fish or take, catch, gather, sell, purchase, possess,
transport, export, forward or ship out aquatic species listed by the Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, or those categorized by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as threatened, or those
marine and aquatic species determined by the DA as such.
Fundamental changes need to be made in the way our oceans are managed from the top down.
We need a healthy and thriving marine environment for our sustenance to safeguard peoples
livelihood, and to ensure that we continue to have fish on our plate.