BY HERMAN M. LAGON
A HIDDEN economy lives in the sparkling blue expanse of our oceans and seas — one that promises sustainable development but only if carefully, respectfully, and foresightedly fostered.
Not only a buzzword, the blue economy — which consists of sustainable use of ocean resources for economic development, livelihoods, and the health of marine ecosystems — is also a vital framework for countries like the Philippines.
Our archipelagic nation, which boasts 7,641 islands and the fifth longest 39,289-kilometer coastline in the world, leads in blue economic potential but faces significant obstacles, especially in the small-scale fisheries sector. Here, the aspirations of a sustainable future collide with the harsh reality of artisanal fishermen, the unsung heroes of our maritime industry.
Often disregarded in great economic debates, artisanal fishermen constitute the backbone of local fisheries and provide much of the seafood consumed locally. Navigating the complexity of changing marine conditions, declining fish stocks, and, lately, the economic upheavals brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, their task is as difficult as it is essential. Discussed in a public forum on Sustainable Development, Social Equity, and Policy Towards a Blue Economy at the University of the Philippines Visayas last August 20, 2024 underlined the need to include these small-scale fishermen in the larger blue economy story.
“We cannot talk about sustainability if we do not talk about the blue economy,” UP Visayas’ Chancellor Clement Camposagrado said with great clarity.
Given that the surface of the Earth is seventy percent maritime, this comment really speaks to me. For our country, this number is not only a statistic but also a lifeline where the blue economy might improve millions of livelihoods, especially in the small-scale fisheries industry.
As Camposagrado underlined, though, sustainability cannot be attained by itself. It calls for a transdisciplinary approach that combines the humanities with social sciences and the hard sciences to generate more intellectual synergy.
Artisanal fishermen’s situation is as social as it is economic, closely linked with justice and equity. As Chancellor of UP Los Baños, Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., emphasized during the meeting attended by members of the academe, local government, business, and the fish industry, the blue economy must address social fairness if it is to be truly viable.
This implies ensuring that the advantages of the blue economy are shared fairly, reaching the small-scale fishermen who are often at the whim of environmental changes and shifting market dynamics. Without attending to these people’s social needs, the high sustainability standards will remain unreachable.
Indeed, artisanal fishermen’s circumstances during the pandemic provide a striking example of these difficulties. Research on the vulnerabilities of small-scale fishermen in Danajon Bank, presented by Dr. Jesrelljane Amper from Bohol Island State University during the 2023 National Science and Technology Week in Iloilo City, recently illuminated the pandemic’s “no-sail” policy, which destroyed their income and exposed the fragility of their livelihoods. Yet, it also showcased their adaptability and grit as they sought post-harvest processing and diversified their income sources to survive.
These ground-based tales remind us that technology and innovation alone cannot meet the promise of the blue economy. As Camposagrado correctly observed, “There is so much technical knowledge but less wisdom.” (To be continued)/PN
