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The Role of S&T in the Formulation and Assessment of Selected

Fishery Policies

The Role of S&T in the Formulation and Assessment of Selected

Fishery Policies
Published: 2017.07.25
Received:
Accepted: 2017.07.25
中⽂版
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279

Dalisay DG. Fernandez

Director, Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD)
Ernesto O. Brown
Director
:
 Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Fezoil Luz C. Decena
Senior Science Research Specialist,
Socio-Economics Research Division-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (SERD-PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Ma. Adela C. Corpuz
Senior Science Research Specialist, MRRD
Mari-ann M. Acedera
Director
Marine Resources Research Division (MRRD)
Meliza A. Festejo-Abeleda
Senior Science Research Specialist
Socio-Economics Research Division, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic andNatural Resources
Research and DevelopmentDepartment of Science and Technology, Philippines
Reynaldo V. Ebora
Acting Executive Director,
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)

ABSTRACT

Effective fishery policies invariably trace their roots from science-based assessment of the issues involved.
Such assessment is characterized by a systematic process of problem identification, empirical examination of
alternative solutions and a decision criterion designed to achieve the best possible outcome for the society at
large. The paper discusses some concrete cases where S&T projects supported by PCAARRD became
instrumental in the formulation and assessment of some important fishery policies in the country. The role of
S&T is highlighted in each case and the paper concludes with a set of insights and recommendations on how
such roles can further be strengthened.

INTRODUCTION

The world is changing rapidly and many of these changes are having profound effects on the environment,
including our fisheries resources. Philippine fishery resources and biodiversity are at risk due to heavy
exploitation and environmental degradation. Over the years, the practices of overfishing and illegal fishing
remain persistent. Rampant disposal of solid wastes and discharge of chemical wastes have also become
serious concern that puts inland aquatic resources in danger. Siltation and sedimentation of the water
ecosystem due to deforestation, mining and other human activities have also caused shallowing of the
riverbeds.

The primary reason for the undesirable state of fisheries resources is failure in governance (FAO, 2017).
However, this responsibility should not be considered as solely of the government’s. It is a responsibility that
must be shared amongst fishers, fisheries management authorities, fishery and environmental scientists. With
these pressing environmental concerns, fishery policy becomes more challenging because of its diverging
impacts on food security, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability. These interrelated problems
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 need better connected policy responses based on more systematic and rigorous analysis of the underlying
causes and possible solutions. The fisheries sector is one of the most important sources of food and
livelihood in the country. Fish is the country’s second staple food next to rice (PSA, 2017). Although its
share to the gross domestic product is a mere 2%, the gross value added (GVA) at constant prices of the
industry amounted to Php123 billion. In terms of employment, 1.3 million Filipinos (January 2016 Labor
Force Survey) are engaged in fishing. Based on 2002 estimates, the labor force is comprised of 85%
municipal fishers, 14% aquaculture and 1% commercial. Given the state of fishery resources, the municipal
fishers who, more often than not, are marginalized groups, are also the most affected.

This paper will provide information on the significant role that science can play to inform policy. The right
mix of policies is needed to improve the performance of the sector. We argue that science should be at the
heart of policy making. As case study, this paper will look into selected S&T projects supported by
PCAARRD and the contribution they made in the policy formulation and assessment of selected fishery
polices. This includes initiatives on sardines, tuna, sea cucumber and coral reef management.

FISHERIES SITUATIONER IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine fishery industry is composed of aquaculture, municipal, and commercial fisheries. Municipal
fisheries refer to fishing done in inland and in coastal waters within 15 km from the coastline using vessels of
3 gross tons or less, or without the use of vessels. Commercial fisheries operate outside the municipal waters
using vessels of more than 3 gross tons. Aquaculture involves aquatic organisms in fresh, brackish and
marine waters.

The Philippines ranked 8th among the top fish producing countries in the world in 2014 with its total
production of 4.7 million metric tons or about 2.4% of the total world fisheries production (Philippine
Fisheries Profile, 2015). For the period 2014 to 2016, the average annual contribution of fishery to the
country’s gross domestic product (GDP) at constant 2000 prices amounted to 2% (PSA, 2017). In 2016, the
gross value added (GVA) at constant prices of the industry amounted to Php123 billion, contributing 2% and
1% to the country’s GDP and Gross National Income, respectively. Its share to the agriculture, fishery and
forestry sector GVA is 17%. The industry employed a total of 1.3 million fishing operators in 2016 down by
305,995 in 14 years.

The total fisheries production in 2015 reached 4.6 million metric tons valued at 240 billion pesos (Table 1).
Aquaculture fisheries produced greater proportion of the catch at 50.5% followed by municipal (26.2%) and
commercial fisheries (23.3%). The foreign trade performance exhibited a net surplus of US$511 million from
total export value of US$943 million and import value of US$432 million.

Table 1. Contribution by sector to total Philippine fisheries production, 2015.

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 Source: Philippine Fisheries Profile, BFAR, 2015

FISHERY POLICIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Recent international developments underscore the importance of fisheries reform. The discussions among
World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries are continuing to improve global disciplines for
fisheries subsidies. Fisheries subsidies refer to government actions or inactions that are specific to the
fisheries industry and that modifies— by increasing or decreasing— the potential profits by the industry in
the short-, medium- or long-term (FAO, 2017). New proposals are being prepared for presentation at the
WTO’s upcoming Ministerial Conference in December 2017. Similarly, the World Summit on Sustainable
Development has issued a call to phase out subsidies that inhibit sustainable development. This include
subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to over-capacity.

In the Philippines, there are four (4) main laws providing the governing and policy framework for the
management of fisheries. These include the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act (RA) 8550) and
its amendment (RA 10654); Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160); Agriculture and Fisheries
Modernization Act of 1998 (RA 8435); and National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (RA
7856).

The Philippine Fisheries Code is the primary legislation empowering the management of fisheries. It sets out
the overarching policies and objectives to be pursued in the management of fisheries as well as powers to
regulate municipal and commercial fisheries, aquaculture and post-harvest activity, create fisheries reserves,
protect fisheries habitats and to impose sanctions. It also provides for the creation of the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) which has the overall responsibility for fisheries management at the national
level and the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMCs) whose function is to assist in
the formulation of plans and policies for the management and development of fisheries and in the
enforcement of laws. The amended Fisheries Code, on the other hand, provides for necessary and tougher
mechanisms to curb the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

In support of fishery management policies, the Fisheries Code also provides for the establishment of
regulations addressing access to fishery resources and declaration of closed fishing seasons and catch ceilings
for conservation and ecological purposes– based on available evidence.

For marine capture fisheries management at the municipal level, the management responsibility is
demarcated to municipal local government units (LGUs) as mandated by the Local Government Code of
1991. Specifically, the municipal LGUs govern fisheries within their jurisdiction of 15-km radius. LGUs are
expected to put in place ordinances to give effect to the national laws and add any local requirements.

While the Fisheries Code is resource conservation and management-oriented, the Agriculture and Fisheries
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 Modernization Act of 1997 is development-oriented. AFMA focuses on improving and modernizing
production and marketing services, infrastructure services and facilities in the rural areas such as irrigation
and farm machineries and equipment, human development programs, research, development and extension,
and trade policies.

The National Integrated Protected Areas System Act provides for the establishment and management of
protected areas declared by the Congress or at least initially designated by the President as such. These areas
as defined by the law refer to the “identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique
physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against
destructive human exploitation.” However, overlapping provision can be observed in the NIPAS and
Fisheries Code with regards to the establishment of sanctuaries/fishery refuges of Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs).

SCIENCE FOR POLICY

Scientific researches generate empirical evidences useful in the whole policy-making process. In fisheries for
instance, the problem of overfishing and overexploitation started to climb the priority ladder of the fisheries
policy agenda when empirical evidences from various scientific studies consistently showed alarming
declines in the productivity of the fishery sector, especially capture fisheries. Policy formulation is more
effective if the process is informed by scientific evidences related to the causes and effects of observed
problems as well as well as the advantages and disadvantages of proposed and alternative solutions. Finally,
policy impact evaluation necessitates the use of scientifically sound approaches to ensure complete
objectivity and conclusiveness of the evaluation findings.

SCIENCE-BASED INFORMATION FOR POLICY-MAKING AND

ASSESSMENT: THE CASE OF PCAARRD

PCAARRD’s banner programs are carefully designed in a way where we can have the best impact on
national development through S&T. To ensure that the development being pursued is sustainable, our
research outputs are also aimed at influencing and fostering an enabling environment for the sector. With
very limited information on certain issues, policy makers cannot make an effective decision. Armed with
knowledge and information generated from high quality research, our research products can provide insights
on the causes and possible solutions to important issues. We believe that communicating useful and informed
results or by championing particular policy outcomes, science can simplify the choices facing our decision
makers. Research products are widely disseminated through electronic and print media. Policy dialogue,
seminars, roundtables, consultations, and workshops are organized for policy advocacy. The PCAARRD
stance on certain policy issues that impact significantly on the AANR sector is espoused through
participation in policy deliberations at the Senate/Congress committee hearings, policy forums/symposia,
and seminars. We do not simply produce knowledge. We put evidence to work because well-articulated
policies are more often a result of evidence-based research and strong advocacy.

Sardines

The history of overfishing is well-discussed in the available literature. In a review of overfishing in the
Philippines, Israel et al. (2016) found that the country has already reached maximum economic yield (MEY)
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 of its demersal or bottom dwelling stocks as early as in the 1960s and water dwelling fish species have been
overfished with Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) falling since the 1950s. It also highlighted the results of the
ICLARM study (2001) which measured the economic losses of overfishing at about Php 6.25 billion or
Php125 million in foregone catch annually for the period 1998 to 2001.

Overfishing was also found to constrain sustainable development of the sardine industry. As a result,
drastically declining production was observed since 2009 (Table 2). In 2011, sharp decrease of about 50%
was recorded which required much needed attention to resolve. Sardine is one of the most important
commercially important fish species and more so in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The region is the center of the
country’s sardines industry producing 50 to 60% of the country’s annual supply based on the 2006 to 2015
data.

Table 2. Volume of production of sardines, Philippines, 2006 to 2015 (in ‘000 MT)

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2016.

The collapse in sardines population prompted the ban on commercial fishing during spawning season for
three months (December 1 to March 1) per year for a period of three years to counter the effect of
overfishing. A closed fishing season was promulgated pursuant to the Fisheries Code by virtue of Joint DA-
DILG Administrative Order No. 1 series of 2011. The administrative order established conservation area for
sardines in the portion of the East Sulu, Basilan Strait and Sibuguey Bay of about 4,078 square nautical miles
or 13,987.15 square kilometers encompassing the western municipal/national waters of Zamboanga del
Norte, the waters bordering south and eastern waters of Zamboanga City and southern portion of Zamboanga
Sibugay (Fig. 1).

At the height of the debate on the establishment of the closed fishing season in 2011, DOST and PCAARRD
commissioned a study to examine the scientific basis of the implemented management strategy. The program,
Development of robust tools for managing sardine fisheries in the Philippines: Zamboanga Upwelling-Bohol
Sea System, was a multi-agency collaboration of University of the Philippines (UP)- Marine Science Institute
(UP-MSI), UP Visayas (UPV), Mindanao State University (MSU)- Naawan, MSU Iligan Institute of
Technology (MSU-IIT), and Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) under the leadership of Dr.
Cesar Villanoy. The reproductive biology of sardines was studied to establish patterns of production,
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 spawning and recruitment of fish stocks. Gonadal maturity patterns according to lunar cycles were
determined. It was observed that spawning begins in December until late February in Butuan Bay and
Macajalar Bay, and late October to December in Dapitan-Sindangan Bay. The pattern for Dapitan-Sindangan
Bay appeared fragmented because only few samples were collected in some lunar phases because of the ban.
Pattern of gonado-somatic index (GSI) validated that spawning of sardine species occur around the northeast
monsoon (NEM) (Fig. 2). NEM winds in the northern coast of Zamboanga drives upwelling which increases
chlorophyll a and triggers plankton abundance. Upwelling areas are known as productive and biologically
rich (de Guzman, 2013). The result of the study, therefore, provides the scientific support to the period of the
ban, that is, December to March.

As an offshoot of the above study, another study was commissioned by PCAARRD, this time to examine the
overall impact of the policy. The project, Impact Assessment of the Closed Fishing Season for Sardines in
Zamboanga Peninsula was conducted in March 2015 under the leadership of Dr. Agnes C. Rola of the
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). A multi-disciplinary team was organized composed of
biologist, agribusiness expert, policy and institutional expert, socio-economist and sociologist from UPLB,
Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and JRMSU to determine if the regulatory policy on sardine
fishing indeed achieved its goals and objectives, whether these were achieved in an efficient manner, and to
account for spill-over effects of the policy. The study covered assessment in the change in landed catch,
impact on the processing and manufacturing of sardines, impact on income and livelihood (employment) of
the affected fisher folks and other relevant stakeholders, assessment of the attitudes of the communities,
assessment of the role of institutions and the factors facilitating or constraining implementation of the policy,
and estimation of the net benefits to the society.
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 Fig. 1. Conservation areas for sardines in portions of East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait and Zamboanga
Sibugay
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 Fig. 2. Gonado-Somatic Index of two sardine species in the five bay sites of Northern Zamboanga Peninsula
and Bohol Sea. (Source: de Guzman, 2013).

Results showed that there was an overall increase in the landed fish catch of sardines after the closed season
months: for commercial fishery, 6%, -13% and 29% in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years of implementation and for
municipal fishery 33%, 37% and 6%. In addition, increased values for high value non-sardine species were
also observed. Consistently, the volume of canned and bottled sardines also increased by about 50% and 8%,
respectively. Loss in factory wages during the closed season fishing months were estimated, on average, to
be around P25,655 per household per year. Replacement jobs or alternative livelihoods were reported by
most of the affected workers, which took them an average of 9 days to find. While it took around four
months for the affected workers to be rehired, working hours and days increased during the open season
earning for them overtime pay. Thus on the whole, the decrease in the household income from wages
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 amounted to P1,530 only. If income from alternative sources during the closed season months were included,
the total household income would be higher. In addition, the average number of workers in the canning
industry initially decreased before it increased by 42% total average after the 2nd year, and by 15% in the
bottled sardine industry. These figures surpass the number of workers employed prior to the implementation
of the policy.

The study also found that majority of the fishers know only about the policy in general, although only less
than half understood the full details such as months covered, prohibited gears and penalties. Despite this, the
fishers believed that the policy is important to increase fish stock, although concerns were raised on the
provision of alternative livelihoods.

On the whole, the project found that there is positive impact to society, with the benefit cost ratio estimated
to be 2.4. In general, the study recommends that the policy be continued.

Tuna

The Philippines is the world’s fourth largest producer of fresh chilled and canned tuna products. The tuna
industry accounts for 12% of total fish production and employs about 120,000 workers. Due to its high
economic importance, rampant cases of juvenile fishing have been reported which led to decline in tuna
stock. This prompted the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to impose a two-year
ban starting in 2010 on harvesting of tuna in Western Pacific areas. WCPFC is a treaty-based organization
that aims to conserve and manage fish stocks in the Pacific Ocean. A couple of years prior to this, the
Department of Agriculture issued Fisheries Administrative Order No. 226 series of 2008 as a conservation
measure for juvenile tuna— particularly big eye and yellow fin. These two tuna-fishery resources have been
exploited by purse-seine nets which have been observed to catch significant number of juveniles. The
significant decline in the population is attributed to catching of juveniles by purse-seine nets. This type of
fishing uses large fishing nets with rings at the bottom that is pulled together by a rope to prevent the fish
from swimming down to escape the net.

The yellow fin tuna covers majority of the catch. The Philippine yellow fin tuna was believed to be part of a
single stock of the greater Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) and jointly managed and fished by all
members of the WCPFC (WCPFC, 2012). However, results of the DOST-funded program, Management of
Tuna Fisheries in the Philippines, suggested otherwise. Initiated in 2010, researchers from the National
Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) conducted genetic characterization using DNA
microsatellite markers which revealed that the Philippine yellow fin tunas are different from that of the
Western and Central Pacific, particularly in the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea. Comparison between the
two yielded significant variation based on both genetic distances and pairwise differences (Aguila, 2015).
This is possible given the biogeographical barriers such as eddies and upwellings as well as strong ocean
currents like the North Equatorial Current on Philippine borders (Aguila, 2015). The depth of Philippine
waters prevents tunas from crossing nearby areas. Variability in growth was also found with Philippine
species indicating slower growth. The establishment of the genetic stock structure of the said species
provided better scientific information to support conservation measures and management strategy.

More improvements still need to be made to raise tuna production that is anchored on sustainable
development. In 2014, the European Union issued a yellow card warning to the Philippines due to its weak
measures to fight IUU. As the world’s largest importer of fisheries product, EU adopted the IUU Regulation
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 in 2010. Under this regulation, fisheries products will not be allowed to access the EU market unless they are
certified as legal. The yellow card is a warning call before trade sanctions are imposed. The imposition of
trade sanction would have caused the Philippines over P9 billion pesos based on the 2013 value of exports.
To avoid the ban, the Philippines was compelled to amend its Fisheries Code.

PCAARRD was among the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the amendment of the
Fisheries Code. PCAARRD supported the stricter regulations for IUU and now forms part of the Governing
Board of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) which is the primary research
arm of BFAR as mandated by the Law. The amended Fisheries Code lapse into law on February 27, 2015.

Sea Cucumber

The Philippines has the most diverse species of sea cucumbers but stocks are depleted due to unregulated
harvesting. The open access nature of sea cucumber resources makes them vulnerable to overfishing. As a
result, production has been declining from more than 4,000 MT in the 1980s to only 1,000 MT in the 1990s
and now, to less than 1,000 MT. The widespread exploitation of undersized species was also reported as early
as the late 1980s (Choo, 2008). While majority are exported, the Philippine sea cucumber products are
mostly low-value species because of inappropriate sizes.

Having known these issues, the DOST funded the program, Increasing Sea Cucumber Culture Production
and Value for Dried Sea Cucumber Products, in 2012 to reinvigorate the industry. The program aimed to
establish a sustainable and globally competitive sea cucumber industry— one which provides equitable
economic benefits to various stakeholders while maintaining a balance between productivity and
biodiversity. The program was monitored by PCAARRD and implemented by UP-MSI and UPLB.

To reduce harvest pressures from the wild, sandfish culture technology was integrated with the existing
marine aquaculture systems. Molecular approaches were utilized to delineate the population structure of
sandfish (Holothuria scabra) to develop a framework for stock enhancement and restoration of natural
populations. Partnerships were forged with private industries such as the Palawan Aquaculture Corporation
and Alson’s Aquaculture Production to increase production of premium-grade size sea cucumbers through
the integration of sandfish in their hatchery and nursery production operations. Low-cost ocean nursery
systems (i.e. floating hapas) were developed from readily available materials that can be easily replicated
even by small-scale growers. Through this program, collaborators are now able to produce up to 10,000
release-size (>3 grams) sandfish juveniles per spawning batch. The floating hapa system was demonstrated
to small-scale growers in Pangasinan, Palawan and Sarangani Province. Following its success, bottom-set
cages and trays are being developed to mitigate seasonal constraints. In addition, a pilot communal sea ranch
was established in Pangasinan in collaboration with Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Victory, Inc.
(SMMVI) to optimize growth and survival of juvenile sandfish to reach harvestable size (320 grams).
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 Fig. 3. Bottom-set cages.

The results of the program served as important inputs in the finalization and approval of two important
policies to achieve sustainable and globally competitive Philippine sea cucumber industry. In November
2013, BFAR issued Administrative Circular No. 248 which imposed size limits and required permits for
trading sea cucumber to avoid overexploitation and encourage spawning of the species. It is now prohibited
to gather, catch or trade fresh sea cucumbers that are below 320 grams and if in dried form, less than two
inches.

The intervention on the production of cultured sandfish was complemented by technology package for
postharvest processing to produce Class A premium grade trepang. The package includes degutting table,
mechanical cleaner and hybrid dryer. Using the scientific information obtained from this, DOST and
PCAARRD became instrumental in the development of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Dried
Sea Cucumber, also in 2013. The attributes of the product include reduced microbial content, longer shelf-
life and no foul odor. Given these, the Philippines is now able to command higher prices in both international
and local markets.

National Assessment of Coral Reef Environment (NACRE)

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 The significant contribution of Philippine coral reefs to both global marine biodiversity and local economy
has been constantly accentuated, yet corals remain massively threatened by both natural and anthropogenic
stressors. Despite the continued deterioration of coral reef conditions, their specific responses to threats and
ability to recover have not been fully documented and studied at a national scale in more recent times. The
last intensive nationwide coral reef assessment was conducted in the late 1970s under the Investigation of
Coral Reefs in the Philippines (ICRP) program, making the Philippines among one of the first countries to
undertake a systematic inventory of its coral reefs. It is high time a new assessment be made- one that goes
beyond updated information by taking into account the health of the associated seagrass and even mangrove
habitats that operate together with coral reefs for better conservation and management strategies of this
resource. The ICRP benchmark standards needs to be updated.

To address this issue, PCAARRD funded a program, National Assessment of Coral Reef Environments
(NACRE) in July 2014. The program is being implemented by the De La Salle University for three (3) years
under the leadership of Dr. Wilfredo Y. Licuanan. Significant results have been developed including new
scale to describe coral conditions (Table 3). The new scale is being adopted by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who is also undergoing assessment of coral reefs within the
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) sites through its program, Coral Reef Visualization and
Assessment (CorVA) with views to quantify the impacts of marine protected areas (MPAs). However, the
Fisheries Code still recognize the old benchmark. The next step is to lobby its amendment to incorporate the
new scale to “ensure the rational and sustainable development, management and conservation of the fishery
and aquatic resources in the Philippines.”

Table 3. Previous and new scale to describe coral condition, 1970s and 2016.

New Benchmarks
Previous
Benchmarks (Gomez (Licuanan et al., 2017) Remarks
et al., 1981)

Reefs in the Caribbean still accrete

0 – <25% (Poor) 0 – 22% (Poor)
at 10% cover

22% is the average for the Indo-

25 – <50% (Fair) >22 – 33% (Fair)
Pacific in 2003

33% is the average for Tubbataha

50 – <75% (Good) >33 – 44% (Good)
in 2012-2014
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 75 – <100% >44% (Excellent) The highest in Tubbataha is 57%
(Excellent) (identical methods)

Another important output of the program is the updated Red List of Corals to identify threatened and
endangered species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List index of species
survival is illustrated in Figure 4. As the diagram shows, corals are in severe decline that the IUCN started to
include them in 2007. In fact, many other corals are likely to be listed but lacked sufficient information to
determine their status. The Philippines will be able to update this information based on the results of the
study. Identifying the threatened and endangered species can help reverse this decline while also supporting
the objectives of the Amended Fisheries Code.
:
 Fig. 4. The IUCN Red List Index of species survival

The program also provided information on appropriate mangrove reforestation practices such as the proper
selection of species and planting materials. Similarly, the findings of the study may also provide inputs for
species-specific management regulations for sharks and fishes for ornamental trade and improvement in the
network design of MPAs.

Conclusion, Policy Insights and Recommendations

Science and Technology, especially the conduct of scientific researches addressing specific policy issues, has
been shown in this paper to play a critical role in the whole policy-making process. In the case of sardines,
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 results of studies funded by DOST/PCAARRD provided scientific basis for the period of the closed fishing
season. In sea cucumber, the DOST/PCAARRD funded research projects on this commodity provided the
strong empirical basis for regulating catch size. Scientific researches funded by DOST/PCAARRD on tuna
yielded equally crucial policy significance which enabled better scientific information to support
conservation measures and management strategies. Finally, in corals, DOST-funded projects on this
commodity can even influence policy at an international level when the project was able to update the Red
List of Threatened Species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The corals project
was also able to provide a new benchmark for the assessment of coral reef environment.

A well-informed policy-making process necessitates a complete set of empirical information relevant to a

given issue. Such information can only come from scientific researches hence, the need for the S&T sector to
play a very active part in supporting the policy-making process. In the case of fisheries, there is a need to
continue supporting R&D projects that will input directly or indirectly to the major policy concerns of the
sector. We can take advantage of the increasing investment in R&D to expand even more our support to these
kinds of projects. Institutional capacity (both technical and manpower) to do fishery research should also be
improved especially in the light of seeming disinterest among the youth (as shown in declining enrollment in
AANR courses) in fishery courses. Finally, the utilization of research results should be enhanced among
policy makers. This can be done by improving all the means by which outputs are disseminated (i.e. multi-
media) as well as strengthening the linkage between the researchers and policy-makers.

References

Aguila, R.D., Perez, S.K.L., Catacutan, B.J.N., Lopez, G.V., Barut, N.C., and Santos, M.D., 2015. Distinct
Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Stocks Detected in Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO)
Using DNA Microsatellites. PLoS ONE 10(9):e0138292.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0138292

Barut, N., Santos, M.D., and Babaran, W. Management of tuna fisheries in the Philippines. Unpublished
project report.

Choo, P.S., 2008. The Philippines: a hotspot of sea cucumber fisheries in Asia. In V. Toral-Granda, A.
Lovatelli and M. Vasconcellos (eds). Sea cucumbers. A global review of fisheries and trade. FAO Fisheries
and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 516, Rome, FAO. pp. 119-140.

Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 10. Series of 2015. The Implementing Rules and
Regulations of Republic Act No. 8550 Amended by Republic Act No. 10654. Department of Agriculture,
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 http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph

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Overfishing Due to Open Access: Learning from the Zamboanga Experience. Discussion Paper Series No.
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[1] Policy paper submitted to the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (FFTC) for the project titled “Asia-
Pacific Information Platform in Agricultural Policy”. Policy papers, as corollary outputs of the project,
describe pertinent Philippine laws and regulations on agriculture, aquatic and natural resources.

This paper was presented during the 12th Annual Meeting and Scientific Convention of Outstanding Young
Scientists (OYSI) by Dr. R. V. Ebora on July 11, 2017 at the Manila Hotel, Philippines.

Date submitted: July 21, 2017

Reviewed, edited and uploaded: July 25, 2016

Country: Philippines
Topic: Fisheries
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