ILLEGAL fishing poses a direct threat not only to Western Visayas’ marine ecosystems but also to the livelihoods of countless communities that depend on fishing for survival. With depleted fish stocks and irreparable environmental damage on the line, it has become a must to bolster maritime patrols and equip our law enforcement officers with the skills and tools necessary to combat this illegal activity effectively.
Illegal fishing is a multi-layered problem, often involving sophisticated methods and large-scale operations that wreak havoc on marine habitats. The use of destructive techniques, such as modified Danish seines and other ecologically harmful practices, devastates coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other vital marine environments, disrupting delicate ecosystems that are already vulnerable due to climate change. This destruction of habitats not only depletes fish populations but also undermines the long-term sustainability of local fishing industries.
The Regional Maritime Unit 6 (RMU-6) has decided to offer seaborne training for law enforcement, particularly following the tragic loss of Police Staff Sergeant Mechael Gatinao during an anti-illegal fishing operation in Guimaras. Such are crucial steps toward empowering maritime police to handle the complexities of sea-based operations.
However, these efforts must go further. To effectively curb illegal fishing, our maritime units require more than just basic training; they need continuous access to advanced training, modern equipment, and specialized resources designed to address the specific challenges posed by illegal fishing operations.
Modernizing our fleet with vessels suited to maritime patrols in coastal and open-sea areas should be prioritized. Small motorized bancas, while useful in narrow waterways, lack the stability, speed, and technological capabilities required for long-distance patrols or nighttime operations. To strengthen maritime policing, investments in multi-functional patrol boats equipped with GPS, radar, and other tracking technologies would be invaluable. This modernization would allow maritime units to cover larger areas and respond more effectively to illegal fishing incidents in real time.
Furthermore, the importance of building strong partnerships with local communities cannot be overstated. Many illegal fishing practices occur close to shore, often going unnoticed or unreported. Coastal communities are the eyes and ears of our maritime patrols; they are the first to see when illegal activities occur and feel the most immediate impacts. By actively involving them in awareness programs and reporting mechanisms, authorities can establish a network of vigilant and informed local stakeholders who are empowered to protect their waters and livelihoods. Collaborative efforts, such as community-based monitoring, can serve as an early-warning system that supports maritime law enforcement in swiftly identifying and addressing illegal fishing activities.
The benefits of effective maritime policing extend beyond the immediate objective of curbing illegal fishing. They contribute to the conservation of our marine biodiversity, helping to preserve species diversity and protect fragile ecosystems. A well-maintained and protected marine environment attracts tourism, boosts fish stocks for sustainable harvesting, and secures the livelihood of legal fishers, whose earnings and way of life are deeply tied to the health of the sea. In contrast, when illegal fishing goes unchecked, it creates a cascade of negative economic, social, and environmental impacts that destabilize coastal regions.
