In a significant stride towards sustainable fishing, the coastal town of Daram in Samar has been spotlighted as a national exemplar for minimizing post-harvest losses in the fishing industry. A substantial investment of PHP249.89 million has been earmarked to bolster economic prospects for the coastal communities of this region.
Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Vice President of Oceana Philippines, highlighted Daram’s selection as a model due to its extensive coastline and the largest municipal waters in the Samar Sea, which heavily depend on fishing. However, the local fishing community faces daunting challenges such as inadequate storage facilities, fluctuating market prices, and the adverse effects of climate change on fish availability and the sustainability of their livelihoods.
A 2024 study by Oceana in Samar disclosed that up to 40% of the fish caught are lost due to spoilage, damage, and the absence of processing facilities. The study further pointed out that the fish trading practices in Daram exacerbate these losses, with many catches being sold directly at sea, leading to unreported landings and price volatility.
Ramos emphasized the urgency of addressing these losses, noting that preventing nearly half of the fish catch from spoiling or rotting before sale could significantly enhance the lives of coastal communities and impoverished families.
Rhea Yray-Frossard, Oceana Philippines’ campaign and research director, revealed that a comprehensive five-year plan has been developed by the local government and fisherfolk, with support from Oceana and national government experts. The plan aims to slash post-harvest losses from 40% to just 10%.
The PHP249.89 million budget, spread across three main and six auxiliary villages with 10 associations, will fund infrastructure development, equipment purchases, skills training, and values education. This funding will be sourced from various government agencies eager to support local governments with actionable plans.
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Philippine Development Plan to manage harvest waste, focusing on preventing the loss of vital fish nutrients and reducing wastage during peak fishing seasons through enhanced handling, processing, and storage facilities.
Approximately 9,293 residents across 10 coastal villages in Daram are set to benefit from this project. Vice Mayor Lucia Astorga acknowledged the town’s rich marine resources but pointed out the critical lack of cold storage, drying facilities, and organized market access, which often results in fish wastage. She also noted the seasonal nature of sardine catches, which leads to drastic price swings and the discarding of excess fish during peak times due to a lack of buyers.
Oceana, the world’s largest international advocacy group dedicated to ocean conservation, continues to support such initiatives to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.