Fisheries Management in Northern Samar Philippines

Introduction

It is said that the world is composed of Seventy Five Percent Water and Twenty Five Percent

Land, this means that waters hold the majority of the world. Given his reason, it is again said

that eighty percent of our waters is still left unexplored, so basically we are yet to discover what

is below our oceans and seas. What creatures lies underneath and how many of our aquatic

animals are discovered and how many of them in every group or species.

The Philippines is nation of thousand islands, it is composed of more than seven thousand

islands and therefore has larger water territory. The nation is rich in Aquatic treasures such as

fish and other species for people's consumption. The country as it is composed of several

islands, every islands is a place of rich Aquatic treasures. Different kinds of Aquatic animals are

found within the borders or the country, these are treasures that everyone should cheerish and

protect. However, many inhuman works in fishing is done by the uneducated fisherfolks and

people for their own version of reasons.

In Northern Samar, one of the poor provinces in the Philippines, it is a well just like any other

provinces in the country is a coastal province which keans that it faces the pacific ocean and

this as well means that the province is an abundant source of aquatic animals. But as what is

mentioned earlier, as far as the place git an abundant source of Aquatic treasures, many people

got to be lured by this and performed sevral illegal way offishing sich as the usage of dynamite

fir fishing and trawling which are illegal in the country.

Given all these reasons, it is very important to protect our marines and the tresures and animals

it hold for the future. This means that managing it will be so much helpful in protecting our very

own. Many people thinks that doing or using tgese illegal ways of fishing will help them got

more fish and products than following tge rules, however, the effect is very short-timed.

Because these way of fishing is illegal for good reasons, they are not just destroying the marine

ecology but as well making some of our marine biology extinc. Hence, tg management of our

fisheries.

DESCRIPTION OR RESOURCE

The world as it is said that it is composed of many aquatic treasures however, these needs

protection and management in order to prolong it existence in the world and therefore many

people will be able to seeand experience its beauty and uses. The waters of the Philippines is

said to be very rich not just in different kinds of fishes but as well many more different species

of marine biology such as clamps, crustaceans and many more.

Northern Samar is no less than anything from all otger places in this country, it is as well very

rich in so many Aquatic Species that could help the people and the fisherfolks in theor

livelihoods. Given all tgese reasons, management plan is just very importantant because it is

not exemption to all illegal activities done by many other people, therefore it as well seeks for

protection.
DESCRIPTION OF FISHERY

The Philippine Waters is very rich in many aspects, it is home to many Aquatic Species, some

are endemic in the olace which means it can only be seen and found here in our waters.

Different kinda of fish is found underneath the water territory of the country, some are critically

endangered due to illegal fishing and uncontrolled fishing, hence this paper.

The Northern Samar's water territory is no less than from other waters in the counrty, it is rich

and abundant in different kinds of fishes, clamos, and crustaceans but as well some are critically

endangered due to illegal fishing. Tge treasures it hold is endangered because of loss of control

and management that is why the need of this paper is important.

PROBLEMS IN THE FISHERY

Upon looking at tge problems of the Philippine Waters, it is very obvious what are the problems

in the fishery sector of the country. These problems are enumerated below:

1. Illegal Fishing. This includes dynamite fishing and the use of trawl or trawling in fishing that

destroys tge habitat of the fisheries therefore no eggs can be laid because of these problems

that results to extinction of some species.

2. Uncontrolled Fishing. Because of the growing population in the country and the worsening

cases of poverty, the demand on fish and other aquatic species increased and therefore,

fisherfolks tend to love uo with these demands that results to uncontrolled fishing.
3. Lack of Education on Aquaculture. The problems mentioned in the previous numbers are to

be answered in this section, however, because of the lack of information for the people, this as

well becomes a problem. Uncontrolled Fishing can be addressed through aquaculture or aqua-

farming, the illegal way of fishing is usually due to lack of information in doing so, and because

of these, lack of knowledge or Information about aquaculture becomes one major problem in

Fisheries Management.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to provide and present fisheries management plan in the province of Northern

Samar Philippines. Specifically, this aims to:

1. Give enough knowledge to the authorities how and what is happening in the northern samar

waters with its fisherfolks and the treasures it holds.

2. Present Information on how to manage fisheries in order to address all the issues presented

such as illegal fishing and uncontrolled fishing.

3. Provide information and knowledge to the fisherfolks on how to deal with things that

concerns fisheries.

MANAGEMENT MEASURES AND ALTERNATIVES

Fisheries is a very important sector in the Philippines, it covers big chubk in the economy of the

country, thereforr, the problems presented should be addressed and be given attention so that

these can be solved as fast as it can.

The following measures and alternatives can be utilized in order to help the worsening case of

fisheries in the province:

1. Seminar on how to fish safely and accurately without the use of illegal wats and tools. Tgis

would also equipped people the knowledge they need in solving the extinction of some species

due to uncontrolled fishing.

2. Aqua-farming will help the fisherfolks understand how marine biology works therefore they

will be able to understand the process and it important. This would as well help control the

uncontrolled foshing and problems in the fisheries sector.

RECOMMENDATION TO THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES

The Government should be give more attention to fisheries sector and it effect in the livelihood

of the people. Fisheries is a big livelihood to the Filipinos therefore, projects supporting this

should be given attention and power by the government. Funds supporting aqua-farming

should also be recommend to the Government and otger agencies concerned.

LEGAL BASIS OF FISHERIES

The following are the legal basis of Fisheries Management for Presedential Decree to Republic

Acts to the Constitution.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution establishes, limits and defines the fundamental powers of

government. It is the highest law of the land, and all other laws and legal issuances may be said

to spring from—and must be in harmony with—its provisions.

The following provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution lay down the State policies and

principles significant to the coastal environment and to the rights of the people to the country’s

coastal resources.

Article I - National Territory -- “The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with

all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines

has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including

its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The

waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their

breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines.”

Article II, Section 15 -- “The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people…”

Article II, Section 16 -- “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a

balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

Article XII, Section 2 -- “All lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and

other mineral oils, all forces of potential energy, fisheries, forests or timber, wildlife, flora and

fauna, and other natural resources are owned by the State. With the exception of agricultural
lands, all other natural resources shall not be alienated. The exploration, development, and

utilization of natural resources shall be under the full control and supervision of the State. The

State may directly undertake such activities, or it may enter into co-production, joint venture,

or production-sharing agreements with Filipino citizens, or corporations or associations at least

sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens. Such agreements may be for a

period not exceeding twenty-five years, renewable for not more than twenty-five years, and

under such terms and conditions as may be provided by law. In cases of water rights for

irrigation, water supply, fisheries, or industrial uses other than the development of water

power, beneficial use may be the measure and limit of the grant.

“The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea and

exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.

“The Congress may, by law, allow small-scale utilization of natural resources by Filipino citizens,

as well as cooperative fish farming, with priority to subsistence fishermen and fish-workers in

rivers, lakes, bays, and lagoons.”

Article XIII, Section 7 -- “The State shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen,\ especially

of local communities, to the preferential use of the communal marine and fishing resources,

both inland and offshore. It shall provide support to such fishermen through appropriate

technology and research, adequate financial, production, and marketing assistance, and other

services. The State shall also protect, develop, and conserve such resources. The protection

shall extend to offshore fishing grounds of subsistence fishermen against foreign intrusion.
Fishworkers shall receive a just share from their labor in the utilization of marine and fishing

resources.”

National laws are those statutes enacted by the legislative authority of the Philippines.

Although legislative authority generally resides in Congress, there have been instances in

history when the executive branch exercised this power. One example is Amendment 6 of 1976,

which gave full legislative powers to then Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. As such, certain Presidential

Decrees (PDs) issued by Marcos are considered as national laws, such as PD No. 705, otherwise

known as “The Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines”, which is still the governing law on

forestry to date.

Some laws listed below might appear as having nothing to do with the coastal environment.

These were included as they contain provisions applicable to some aspects of coastal law

enforcement. An example would be the Labor Code of the Philippines, which covers agricultural

workers, including fishworkers.

RA 9367 (2007) Bio fuels Act of 2006 (provisions on water effluents in accordance with RA 9175)

RA No.9344 (2006) Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (applicable to children involved in

fishery violations; no criminal liability for crimes committed by minors below 15 years old, only

civil liability; minors aged 15 to below 18 years of age must have acted with discernment,

otherwise, they incur no criminal liability)

RA 9275 (2004) Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004

RA 9147 (2001) The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act

RA 8550 (1998) The Philippine Fisheries Code

RA 8435 (1997) The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act

RA 8371 (1997) The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act includes the indigenous peoples’ ownership

and management of their ancestral waters)

RA 7586 (1992) The National Integrated Protected Areas Systems Act

RA 7611 (1992) The Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan

RA 7161 (1991) An Act Incorporating Certain Sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of

1977, as Amended, to PD No. 705, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the “Revised Forestry

Code of the Philippines…” (Section 4, amending Section 71 of PD 705, prohibits the cutting of all

mangrove species)

RA 7160 (1991) The Local Government Code of 1991(rights and responsibilities of LGUs and

offices include management and protection of the coastal environment, see Annex 2)

RA 6969 (1990) Toxic Substance, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 (prohibits

the entry and transit of hazardous and nuclear wastes within Philippine territorial waters)

PD 1586 (1978) The Environmental Impact Statement Law Establishing an Environmental

Impact Statement System, Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures and

for Other Purposes

PD 1084 (1977) (Amended by EO 525) Creating the Public Estates

Authority (PEA is responsible for integrating, directing and coordinating all reclamation

projects for and in behalf of the government)

PD 1198 (1977) Requiring All Individuals, Partnerships or Corporations Engaged in the

Exploration, Development or Exploitation of Natural Resources or in the Construction of

Infrastructure Projects to Restore or Rehabilitate to Their Original Condition Areas Subject

Thereof or Affected Thereby

PD 1160 (1977) Vesting Authority in Barangay Captains to Enforce Pollution and Environmental

Control Laws and for Other Purposes

PD 1152 (1977) The Philippine Environmental Code

PD 1067 (1976) The Water Code of the Philippines

PD 984 (1976) The Pollution Control Law

PD 979 (1976) The Marine Pollution Decree

PD 813 (1975) Further Amending RA 4850, Otherwise Known as “An Act Creating the Laguna

Lake Development Authority Prescribing Its Powers, Functions and Duties, Providing Funds

Therefor and for Other Purposes”

PD 705 (1975) The Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines (contains provisions covering

mangroves)

PD 601 (1974) The Revised Coast Guard Law

PD 442 (1974) The Labor Code of the Philippines (applicable to agricultural workers, including

fish workers)

RA 4850 (1966) An Act Creating the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Prescribing Its

Powers, Functions and Duties, Providing Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes

Commonwealth Act 141 (1936) The Public Land Act

International Treaties and Agreements, once ratified by the Senate, become part of Philippine

law. Section 21 of the 1987 Constitution provides that treaties and international agreements

are valid and take effect when concurred with by at least two-thirds of the Senate.

The following enumeration includes treaties and international agreements entered into by the

Philippines that are relevant to the protection of the coastal environment:

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000)

Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995)

Action Agenda for Sustainable Development, Earth Summit (Agenda 21) (1992)

Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)

Convention on Migratory Species (The Bonn Convention) (1983)

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982)

Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)

(1973)

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (The Ramsar Convention) (1971)

Executive Orders are acts of the President which provide for rules of a general or permanent

character to implement constitutional or statutory powers (De Leon, 1998).

Following are EOs that are relevant to coastal environment protection:

EO 734 (2007) Transferring the Supervision of the Palawan Council for Sustainable

Development (PCSD) from the Office of the President to the DENR

EO 533 (2006) Adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a National Strategy

EO 380 (2004) & EO 380-B (2006) Transferring the Functions of the Public Estates Authority to

the Philippine Reclamation Authority

EO No. 305 (2004) Devolving to Municipal and City Governments the Registration of Fishing

Vessels Three (3) Gross Tonnage Below

EO No. 247 (1995) Prescribing Guidelines for the Prospecting of Biological and Genetic

Resources

EO No. 240 (1995) Creating the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils

(FARMCs) in Barangays, Cities and Municipalities, Their Composition and Functions

EO No. 149 (1993) Streamlining the Office of the President, Resulting to the Transfer of

Administrative Supervision of the Laguna Lake Development Authority to the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources

EO No. 292 (1987) The Philippine Administrative Code

EO No. 192 (1987) The Reorganization Act of the DENR

EO No. 927 (1983) Further Defining Certain Functions and Powers of the Laguna Lake

Development Authority

EO No. 525 (1979) Designating the Public Estates Authority as the Agency Primarily Responsible

For All Reclamation Projects

EO No. 542 (1979) Creating the Task Force Pawikan andAppropriating Funds Therefor

Administrative Orders and Circulars. Administrative Orders are issuances directed to particular

offices, officials or employees for compliance on specific matters. Circulars are issuances that

prescribe policies, rules and regulations and procedures applicable to individuals and

organizations outside the government. They are designed to supplement provisions of the law

or to provide means and information for carrying out these provisions. (De Leon, 1998) An

examination of AOs and circulars issued by government agencies, however, shows that the

terms “order” and “circular” are used interchangeably.

Many of the AOs in this list cite related but older AOs as an additional reference. Some of these

earlier AOs are still effective, as they have not been expressly repealed, and may contain

provisions that remain consistent with newer AOs.

Older AOs that have been supplanted by the newer AOs are still cited because they contain

definitions that may prove useful in interpreting the newer AOs. If anything else, these repealed

AOs are still helpful in giving the reader a historical perspective of the development of policies

regarding the covered subjects.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Fisheries Administrative Orders (FAOs)

FAO 225-1 (Series of 2007) Guidelines for the Importation of Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus

vannamei)

FAO 225 (Series of 2007) Allowing the Importation of the Brood Stock of Pacific White Shrimp,

Penaeus vannamei, and the Culture of the Offspring Thereof

FAO 224 (Series of 2004) Establishment of Tuna Productivity Project in Davao Gulf

FAO 223-1 (Series of 2004) Amending Sec. 1 and 2 of FAO No. 223 Series of 2003 Re:

Moratorium on the Issuance of New Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear License (CFVGL)

DA AO No. 01 (Series of 2004) Guidelines for Delineating/Delimiting Municipal Waters for

Municipalities and Cities without Offshore Islands

FAO 223 (Series of 2003) Moratorium on the Issuance of New Commercial Fishing Vessel and

Gear License (CFVGL) as Part of a Precautionary Approach to Fisheries Management

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