Several LGUs fail audit on compliance with Fisheries Code

Many local government units (LGUs) near Manila Bay have failed the audit that was launched by the national government to check on their compliance of the Fisheries Code two years since it was amended.

This was according to the results of the Fisheries Law Compliance Audit (FishCA) conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Amended in 2015, Republic Act (RA) 10654 seeks to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country.

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

One of the most significant features of the amended version of the law 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.

The audit was initially tested in 19 of the 35 coastal LGUs in Manila Bay.

It seeks to remind LGUs to exercise their mandate in managing municipal waters especially in fishery law enforcement, fisherfolk registration, and implementing management measures such as closed season.

The DILG first tested the audit in Manila Bay, which include cities with major fishing grounds such as Navotas, Parañaque and Las Piñas in Metro Manila, and LGUs from Bataan, Batangas and Pampanga.

Results of the audit showed that only 52 percent of the tested LGUs monitor their fish catch; 21 percent of them do not have a local ordinance regulating the use of active fishing gears such as bottom trawling, ring net or Danish Siene (hulbot-hulbot); and 53 percent have no ordinance on the delineation of municipal waters.

“Millions of lives depend in water and its natural resources. It is imperative, therefore, for LGUs to be on top of ensuring that their marine and water resources are nurtured and protected because these assets are vital to national development,” DILG Officer in Charge Eduardo M. Año said.

For her part, Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Vice President of Oceana Philippines, said that findings from the audit will be useful in determining fisheries management measures in Manila Bay and municipal waters nationwide, and to counter illegal fishing and the continuing degradation of marine habitats.

“We commend the DILG for providing this tool to measure the state of compliance by the coastal local government units of their responsibility in protecting their municipal waters. By ensuring its sustainable management, they are also protecting the livelihoods of millions who depend on our ocean for sustenance, “Ramos said.

Ramos also added the importance of proper law enforcement by all LGUs and enforcement authorities to ensure long-term seafood security in the country.