The Philippines Issues New Rules to Help Stop Illegal Commercial Fishing - Oceana

Victory | October 30, 2020

The Philippines Issues New Rules to Help Stop Illegal Commercial Fishing

The Philippines national government issued new rules that require vessel monitoring for all commercial fishing vessels and to establish a new electronic reporting system for fisheries catch data. This decision is a major victory for transparency in the Philippines and comes after campaigning by Oceana, local governments, and other allies. Mandatory vessel monitoring will make it possible for the government to stop all commercial fishing boats from illegally fishing in and depleting the country’s municipal coastal waters. These fishing grounds are reserved for small-scale fisherfolk, who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods and food security. Oceana will continue to campaign for the government to enforce these rules and promote responsible fishing practices.