THE FISHING industry in Western Visayas is a pillar of the region’s economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of families and ensuring food security. However, as the Visayan Sea faces mounting pressures from overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and environmental degradation, it has become increasingly clear that safeguarding its biodiversity requires not only responsible fishing practices but also effective law enforcement.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has long recognized the importance of regulatory measures such as the closed season for key fish species like sardines and mackerels. These initiatives, aimed at protecting breeding stocks and ensuring the sustainability of local fisheries, are essential for the region’s long-term prosperity. Yet, while the fishing community in Western Visayas has largely complied with seasonal fishing bans, enforcing regulations remains a significant hurdle.
In recent years, the positive results of BFAR’s closed-season measures — evident in the rise of fish populations and the improved catch sizes of fishermen — show the effectiveness of such initiatives. However, the real test lies in enforcing laws that prohibit destructive fishing methods such as the use of fine nets that trap juvenile fish. These nets pose a direct threat to the future of the region’s fish stocks by preventing young fish from reaching maturity and reproducing. Despite clear regulations, illegal practices persist, often because enforcement is patchy and the penalties for violations are not always deterrent enough.
One major challenge in strengthening law enforcement is the lack of resources and manpower needed to patrol vast marine areas. Western Visayas’ fisheries span numerous islands and coastal communities, making it difficult for authorities to ensure consistent monitoring. While BFAR has been proactive in educating fishermen and communities about sustainable practices, there remains a need for more boots on the ground — especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas where illegal fishing activities are often most rampant.
Another challenge is the collaboration — or lack thereof — between various local government units (LGUs) and national agencies like BFAR. While the push for marine protected areas (MPAs) has seen some success in key locations such as Olotayan Island and Culasi Point, greater coordination is necessary to create a unified approach to fisheries law enforcement. Without seamless communication and support between LGUs and national agencies, enforcement efforts can become fragmented, resulting in gaps that illegal operators continue to exploit.
However, there are also significant opportunities for improvement. Technological advancements, such as the use of drones, offer new ways to monitor vast marine territories more effectively. By investing in modern tools for monitoring fishing activity, authorities can better track and identify violators, even in areas that are traditionally difficult to patrol. Furthermore, strengthening partnerships with local communities and fisherfolk associations is essential. Community-driven enforcement programs, where local fishermen become stewards of their own waters, have proven successful in other regions and could be adapted to Western Visayas.
Public awareness campaigns must not be overlooked, too. When communities understand the importance of sustainable practices — not just for the environment, but for their own long-term economic well-being — they are more likely to support and comply with regulations.
By improving enforcement, closing loopholes, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts, we can ensure that the Visayan Sea continues to thrive for generations to come.
