THE RECENT Supreme Court ruling permitting commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone has stirred alarm across coastal communities in Iloilo Province, where small-scale fisherfolk rely on these waters for their livelihood. For many, this decision threatens not only their way of life but also the sustainability of the province’s marine resources.
Iloilo’s coastal municipalities are home to thousands of artisanal fishermen who, for generations, have fished in municipal waters using methods that are both more sustainable and less disruptive to the delicate marine ecosystem. These small-scale fishermen are stewards of the sea, ensuring the replenishment of fish stocks by working within the natural limits of the coastal resources. The very livelihoods of these families depend on maintaining a delicate balance with nature.
But this balance is now under threat. Commercial fishing vessels, with their highly efficient and large-scale operations, are capable of depleting marine resources at an unsustainable rate. Unlike artisanal methods, which have minimal environmental impact, commercial fishing exploits fish stocks quickly and indiscriminately. With this Supreme Court decision, Iloilo’s small-scale fishermen are now at risk of seeing their catch dwindling as large trawlers compete for the same waters.
Beyond the environmental concerns, the economic repercussions for Iloilo’s coastal communities are worrying. Many of these fisherfolk live in economically disadvantaged areas where alternative livelihoods are scarce. The prospect of commercial vessels taking over municipal waters would devastate their already fragile economy. The depletion of fish stocks could push small-scale fishermen further into poverty, while commercial fishing companies — often backed by significant capital — would benefit at their expense.
The government’s decision to allow commercial fishing in municipal waters runs counter to the principles of social justice that many in Iloilo hold dear. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., along with the Provincial Agriculture Office, has expressed strong opposition to the ruling, citing the social and economic injustice it poses to artisanal fishermen. The provincial government is right to question the Supreme Court’s decision, as it undermines the autonomy of local governments to manage their resources in ways that support the well-being of their constituents.
Iloilo’s fisherfolk, alongside coastal LGUs, have made it clear that they will not stand by and allow this ruling to jeopardize their future. Submissions are being gathered to formally oppose the decision, and local officials, including the governor, are mobilizing to take their case to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Supreme Court for reconsideration.
Iloilo’s fisherfolk are not asking for special treatment, but for the opportunity to continue their livelihoods in harmony with nature. This ruling threatens to tip the scales in favor of profit-driven enterprises at the expense of the thousands who depend on the sea for their daily sustenance.
The question is not just one of legal authority, but of sustainability. If we allow large-scale commercial fishing in these waters, will we leave future generations of Ilonggos with depleted marine ecosystems and lost livelihoods? Can we, in good conscience, continue to prioritize profit over people, and large-scale commercial interests over the preservation of the environment?
