In line with the issuance of Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 263 establishing Fisheries Management Areas System in the Philippines, Oceana is working with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other stakeholders for the roll-out of this important policy to address overfishing and rebuild fish population such as that of sardines.
The orientation on FMAs aims to discuss the role of the coastal Local Government Units in the Visayan Sea, as part of the FMA 11 Management Board, particularly in the protection of sardines, their habitats, and enforcement of fishery laws. The orientation mainly focuses on the four topics, which are on laws, economics, science and on governance.
Notable speakers in their respective fields presented their insights and studies on the different aspects in FMAs. Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio presented in the laws and ordinances that are related to FMAs, Ms. Maria Rina Rosales also presented the economics backing the importance of FMAs and Dr. Wilfredo Campus presented the science behind FMAs.
By the end of the orientation, participants from different LGUs were asked to present the issues and violations noted in their own municipalities and possible management through an alliance regarding these issues were also discussed.
