TACLOBAN CITY — Efforts to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) in Biliran province gained momentum as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas (BFAR-8) conducted a three-day assessment and planning activity in Naval, Biliran from January 28 to 30, 2026.
The activity brought together the province’s eight coastal municipalities—Maripipi, Kawayan, Almeria, Culaba, Naval, Caibiran, Biliran, and Cabugcayan—and employed the IUUF Index Tool (IFIT) to evaluate the extent of illegal fishing and the effectiveness of existing fisheries law enforcement in municipal waters.
Participants included representatives from Municipal Agriculture Offices, the Philippine National Police, Municipal Fisheries Law Enforcement Teams, Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils, fisherfolk associations, and various people’s organizations.
BFAR-8 said the assessment helped local governments identify the prevalence of illegal and destructive fishing practices, as well as enforcement gaps and operational challenges. Commonly reported violations included the use of active and destructive fishing gears, cyanide and compressor fishing, fishing without permits, unreported catches, and fishing within Marine Protected Areas.
Municipal Agriculturist Marites Lipalam of Caibiran noted that the assessment gave local officials a clearer picture of illegal fishing intrusions and highlighted areas that need improvement to better manage and protect municipal waters.
Provincial Fisheries Officer Luzviminda Robin emphasized that the initiative strengthens both provincial and municipal capacities in fisheries law enforcement and supports the long-term sustainability of marine resources. She also cited the continued commitment of local fishery law enforcers in safeguarding coastal and marine ecosystems.
Based on the assessment results, participating municipalities crafted short- and long-term action plans aimed at reducing IUUF activities. Proposed measures include intensified information and education campaigns, comprehensive fisherfolk registration, stricter enforcement of fishing permits and catch documentation, updates to municipal fisheries ordinances, increased funding for coastal resource management, and incentive programs for compliant fisherfolk.
The assessment findings and proposed action plans are set to be presented to municipal legislative councils for possible adoption and will be consolidated for integration into the unified fisheries law enforcement plans of Fisheries Management Areas 7 and 10.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
