In the face of a recent Supreme Court decision that permits commercial fishing within municipal waters, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its small-scale fishing communities. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson emphasized the importance of municipal waters to over 45,000 fishers across 25 coastal areas, which are home to 472 fisherfolk associations and 187 barangays.
The province has been proactive in implementing integrated coastal resource management programs, which have been instrumental in empowering local fishers to become responsible custodians of marine ecosystems. These efforts focus on education, livelihood support, and conservation, aiming to secure food supplies, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable fishing practices.
A notable initiative is the sustainable production of blue swimming crabs in Barangay Tortosa, Manapla, which serves as a pilot for the national management plan under the ‘Adopt-a-Village Project.’ This project seeks to enhance the socio-economic status of fishers through profitable social enterprises.
Despite these efforts, small-scale fishers remain vulnerable to challenges such as climate change, illegal fishing, and economic constraints. Governor Lacson stressed the need to protect the preferential rights of these fishers to municipal waters, which are crucial for their livelihoods and the nation’s food security.
The Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) also voiced strong support for the rights of small-scale fishers and the conservation of marine resources. They called for a united front among government agencies, academia, civil society, and the public to safeguard the welfare of artisanal fishers and ensure the sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems.
The recent Supreme Court ruling, allowing commercial fishing vessels within the 15-km municipal waters, has raised significant concerns for local governments, fisherfolk, and coastal communities. It poses a threat to livelihoods, marine biodiversity, and the long-standing efforts towards sustainable fisheries management.