Philippines fisheries in crisis: a framework for management

This book analyses fisheries in the Philippines, arguing that there is an urgent need for better management and protection of the fisheries, which contribute substantially to the economy, food security and livelihood of many Filipinos.The book looks at the causes of overfishing in relation to the biology and ecology of the stocks, and how fisheries operate in their ocean environment. The authors show that there is a problem of overexploitation which is not being sufficiently dealt with.It examines the socio-economic situation of the country in the context of ineffective fisheries management. It illustrates that a lack of proper management not only erodes resources but also contributes to poverty and an inequity of benefit distribution. The increasing portion of total national catch by commercial fishing vessels shows this shift away from benefits accruing to municipal and small scale farmers.Policy recommendations and tools required to protect and manage the fisheries are provided. The authors reason that fisheries management must be supported more widely and directly by national and local policies.Recommendations include:<B>National level:</B> refocus the food security programme of government away from fisheries for export toward management and conservation of marine resources for domestic food security<B>Regional level:</B> redirect resources away from input assisted projects to Coastal Resource Management, monitoring, control and surveillance, and the National Stock Assessment Project sections to assist provincial and local governments in fisheries management and coastal law enforcement<B>Provincial level:</B> encourage Provincial Fishery Offices to assist in fisheries management on a province wide level, in full coordination with provincial governments, and to assist coastal Local Government Units in implementing their five year multi-programme Coastal Resource Management plans<B>Municipal level:</B>set in place essential management components<B>Local level:</B>converge the efforts of NGOs, peoples organisations and national government agencies with the Local Government Unit framework for coastal and fisheries management.[Adapted from author]