Tacloban: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office is currently assessing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) activities across Eastern Visayas to enhance fisheries governance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the assessment is being conducted using the IUU Fishing Index and Threat Assessment Tool (IFIT), developed by the United States Agency for International Development. BFAR Eastern Visayas Regional Information Officer Christine Gresola announced that the assessment is underway on Biliran Island.
"Results of the assessment will serve as baseline data for planning targeted monitoring, control, and surveillance interventions aimed at strengthening fisheries governance and reducing IUU fishing," Gresola stated.
The initiative involves representatives from the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, municipal agriculture offices, people's organizations, the municipal fishery law enforcement team, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the PNP Maritime Group.
Last year, BFAR completed similar assessments in Guiuan in Eastern Samar, and Sogod Bay and Silago-Cabalian Bay in Southern Leyte province. The assessments identified major IUU fishing threats, such as the intrusion of commercial fishing vessels into municipal waters, unregistered fishing boats, illegal fishing within marine sanctuaries, and the use of unlicensed fishing gear.
To combat these threats, the assessment proposed several measures, including barangay-level registration of fisherfolk and boats, capacity-building for enforcement personnel, and the formation of a functional information, education, and communication task force. BFAR has urged local government units to implement these measures in their respective areas.
