ILOILO – Western Visayas is stepping up efforts to protect marine mammals and sharks — a move seen as vital not only for biodiversity but also for the survival of the region’s fisheries and seafood export industry.
The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region 6, through its Regional Technical Working Group on Marine Mammals and Sharks Protection and Conservation (RTWG-MMSPC), convened a landmark capacity-building workshop on October 22–23, 2025, bringing together scientists, conservationists, and local government representatives to address the growing threats to marine wildlife within Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11.
BFAR regional director Remia Aparri, who chairs the FMA 11 Management Board, underscored the direct link between marine ecosystem protection and the sustainability of local fisheries.
“The habitats that nurture our Blue Swimming Crab populations are also essential refuges for our marine mammals and sharks. This interconnectedness demands that we adopt management strategies that prioritize marine life protections, ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity and the livelihoods dependent on it,” Aparri said.
Aparri stressed that Western Visayas’ compliance with international conservation standards — such as the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act and the List of Foreign Fisheries — is critical for maintaining access to lucrative export markets.
“To secure access to lucrative markets for our seafood products, particularly our blue swimming crab, our fisheries practices must comply with global benchmarks. This is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a serious commitment to protecting marine mammals and reducing bycatch,” she added.
Participants in the two-day session identified large-scale infrastructure projects and unregulated human activities as major threats to the natural habitats of marine species.
The workshop also produced a Regional Plan of Action for the Protection and Conservation of Marine Mammals and Sharks, setting research priorities and standardizing conservation measures across the provinces.
Experts from the University of St. La Salle–Bacolod, the DA-BFAR National Stock Assessment Program, and the Bureau’s Central Office provided scientific inputs on habitat monitoring, data collection, and mitigation strategies to reduce ecological impacts.
“Strengthening marine mammal protection not only enhances biodiversity but reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding oceanic health for future generations. This initiative showcases Western Visayas’ leadership in propelling sustainable fisheries and marine conservation,” Aparri said.
The plan’s adoption marks a turning point for Western Visayas, positioning it as a model region balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. With enhanced research, stricter regulatory enforcement, and community participation, BFAR-6 aims to make marine protection an integral part of the region’s fisheries management policies./PN
