ILOILO City — A major push to restore declining fish stocks in Western Visayas and two other regions has gained momentum.
The Economic Development Committee (EDC) formally endorsed a harvest strategy that seeks to ban the use of fine-mesh fishing nets in Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 – which refers to Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Bicol Region – following reports that fishery production in them has plunged by 49 percent over the past decade.
The strategy, presented by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office 6 (DA‑BFAR‑6) during the committee’s March 5, 2026 meeting, targets the widespread use of fine‑mesh nets locally known as “sinsoro,” which authorities say capture juvenile and immature fish and accelerate the depletion of marine resources.
BFAR Region 6 director Remia Aparri told the committee that urgent intervention is needed to curb destructive fishing practices that threaten both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of thousands of fisherfolk who depend on coastal resources.
The proposed harvest strategy aims to prohibit the use of fine‑mesh nets across FMA 11 and strengthen enforcement against other harmful and illegal fishing methods, including dynamite fishing and trawling in municipal waters.
According to Aparri, the initiative will also include support programs for affected fisherfolk to help them transition to sustainable practices. These interventions include livelihood diversification, skills development and capacity‑building training, as well as convergence initiatives that bring together various government agencies and partner organizations.
The groundwork for the strategy has been underway since 2023 with the support of several partners, including the USAID Fish Right Program, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the provincial and municipal governments of Iloilo and Capiz.
During the meeting, local government representatives expressed strong interest in replicating the approach in other coastal areas in Western Visayas, particularly in Antique.
Aparri welcomed the proposal, noting that the principles behind the FMA 11 harvest strategy could serve as a model for other Fisheries Management Areas across the region.
Officials said the EDC’s endorsement marks a significant step toward protecting marine ecosystems while ensuring that coastal communities remain economically resilient through sustainable fisheries management./PN